Spread Some Love & Cheers; Donate

Happy Chap Goh Mei and Blessed Valentine's Day to all women entrepreneurs and their loved ones!

We share below a 'love letter' giving details of the masquerade ball invitation published earlier this month...it is going to be NOT just a party but, more importantly, a fund-raising event to benefit women entrepreneurs.

The letter is from MAWEM president

On behalf of the National Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Malaysia (NAWEM), and in my capacity as President of the Association, we are happy to inform you that on the occasion of our 20^th Anniversary, we will be organising a dinner as follows:

          Date      :        15^th March 2014 (Saturday)

          Time     :        8.00 p.m.

        Venue   :        Manhattan Ballroom, L 14, 

                        Berjaya Times Square Hotel, KL

For the past two decades, NAWEM has undertaken various programmes to realise the Government’s goals of integrating Women into the Nation’s Economic mainstream, particularly in the area of Business and Entrepreneurship. Such activities includes: 

i.  Conducting training courses

ii. Workshops

iii. Seminars and conferences

iv. Mounting skills training programmes in collaboration with the Private Sectors

v. Participating in CSR initiatives in conjunction with the Business Community

For the last two decades, NAWEM has received valuable support from the Government and from the Private Sector. NAWEM has received the TAX EXEMPTION STATUS under Section 44 (6B) of the Income Tax Act 1967 (effective from 1st January 2011). This TAX EXEMPTION applies to BOTH contributions made to NAWEM, as well as incomes generated by NAWEM.

In this context, we are therefore writing this letter to seek for your kind consideration to 

a) Sponsor a Table / Tables

b) Place an Advertisement in the Souvenir Programme

Although we have set the Table prices, NAWEM welcomes additional contributions that would further support our fund raising effort.

NAWEM hopes to be able to raise sufficient funds to enable us to carry out all the planned programmes and activities, particularly to expand the existing Training facilities, and establish a full-fledged Training Centre for Women Entrepreneurs.

On behalf of my Executive Committee Members, we hope that your goodself and your company will be able to support NAWEM in realizing its Objectives of nurturing and developing Women Entrepreneurs, particularly within the SME Sector.

For your convenience, we are attaching a Reply Slip for your action.

Thank you so much for your support and contribution, and we look forward to welcoming you and your guests on March 15, 2014.

Thank you.

Regards

Sarojini Ruth

Organising Chairperson/President

NAWEM

p.s. Please email us at nawempg@gmail.com for the gala tickets and 'reply slip' mentioned in the letter.

Masquarade party for women entrepreneurs

It's NAWEM big anniversary and the celebration this time is open to friends and guests as well.

Do join us!
NAWEM Penang holds ticket stock. Get yours now and let's have a ball this March!!

Below, we share some highlights from the NAWEM Penang + Customs Penang-organised GST Seminar last month. It was a full-house event that attracted over 300 attendees (we had to turn away quite a number of people too).

 

Several NAWEM officials from Kuala Lumpur also came to support the seminar held at Wisma Kastam in Seberang Jaya.

The response was awesome and the Q & A session at the end saw a lot of participation. There were requests for more such seminars to be held, particularly industry-specified GST seminars. The participants appreciated much that the speakers were all Custom officers - getting the facts straight from the horse's mouth.

We applauded most the hard work of our energetic organising chairperson Ai Li. The seminar also helped sell copies of NAWEM eco-diaries, the proceed of which goes to support Tabung Amal NAWEM.

For the big event of second quarter 2014, NAWEM Penang plans on a SME Bank Clinic to help those looking for business loan and want a hands-on guidance on how to go about getting one. Do check back here for more details coming up. Email nawempg@gmail.com if you are keen to participate.

Women CEO Korean Trade Mission

Ten Korean companies will be in Kuala Lumpur this month, looking to promote their products to Malaysia and the Southeast Asian region, to explore business opportunities and to share technology.

It will be an exclusive event, meeting their top officials on 1 on 1 basis, and confirmation has been made a month earlier for the limited seats available. NAWEM members received their online invitation and registered through its secretariat.

The Korean participants include cosmetic manufacturers like Ecoment, which makes the Vieco brand natural cosmetic, and Eunsung that produces makeup tools and accessories and is known for its Silstar brand silk pore cleansing brush. 

Korean cosmetic products

J World Tech that makes the popular Lovpe brand hair curling tong will also be there to promote its other home appliances like food blender, etc. So are Aphome, famous for its handmade jewellery and accessories, and pomegranate + wild berry health juice manufacturer Health Love.  

Other participating Korean companies are Seshin (die-cast aluminum cookware), Rollpack (home vacuum sealer Foodkeeper), Clear Lighting Tech (LED lights), Heemang (multi mobile charger), and Care (adult diaper and pad as well as sheet for pet).

They all are part of the Gyeonggi Small and Medium Business Centre. Gyeonggi is the biggest state in South Korea with the largest concentration of brilliant product manufacturers and high technology companies like Samsung, LG, Hyundai and KIA.

The one-day trade event will take place on Thursday, Nov 21, at the JW Marriott Hotel, KL. Interpreter service is provided for non-Korean participants, so no worries...

The organiser, Gyeonggi Business Centre Kuala Lumpur (www.gtrade.or.kr/kuala), is the Southeast Asian business hub representing the Gyeonggi government to assist Korean SMEs to penetrate the SEA markets through the promotion of regular trade missions with local buyers and specific trade meetings.    

The Koreans are looking for potential local business partners to assist them in distributing/manufacturing their products either through exclusive marketing, joint venture or investment into Malaysia set-ups. 
 

We wish all the participants a fruitful meeting and happy networking!

Successful Women & Wine this June

Five from NAWEM Penang were among the 1,100 delegates from 72 countries, who attended the Global Women's Summit held in Kuala Lumpur earlier this month. By comparison, the 2012 summit in Athens, Greece gathered 800 participants.

Delegates to Global Women's Summit 2013 in Kuala Lumpur

NAWEM Penang committee meeting this month (June 29) will be a time for them to re-live exciting moments connecting first hand with numerous successful women from all over the world.

After the committee meeting, vice-chairperson Catherine will do a 10-minute sharing on the summit with all members and guests. This is great opportunity for women entrepreneurs, who didn't attend, to find out and decide if they would want to commit to next year's Global Women's Summit in Paris.

The Kuala Lumpur summit, among others, featured as a speaker Malaysian Amanda Nasim who, as a 19-year old student, won the master franchise for Tutty Fruity Europe and opened her first outlet in London over a year ago. Read her story here

NAWEM Penang representatives with Amanda Nasim (centre)

Other successful women, who shared their wisdom with the participants, included IBM Thailand MD Parnsiree Amatayakul, Bank Consortium of Hong Kong CEO Lau Ka Shi and France BETC founder Mercedes Erra.

Join us this Saturday to hear what are the take-away wisdom gained by the summit participants from NAWEM Penang. More over, we have a new meeting venue on the mainland for a change, and for a good reason. We shall meet in Bukit Mertajam at Fine Wine Resources (near Tesco) and learn from the resident wine expert Loo Lip Moon.

Date:  29 June 2013 (Saturday)
Time: 10am - 12.30pm Committee Meeting
          1.15pm - 3.30pm Sharing Session (open to guests)

Speakers: Catherine Heah & wine expert Loo Lip Mun

Venues: 
Committee Meeting
Straight Talk Business Services
30-F, 2nd Floor, Taman Jaya,
Jalan Kulim, Bukit Mertajam

Lunch/Sharing Session
Fine Wine Resources
27, Lorong Seri Impian 2
Taman Seri Impian
Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang


P.S. There probably be more sharing from the June 18th Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) Penang Lunch Networking Session. Three NAWEM Penang members had attended it.

The networking lunch was for representatives from prominent agencies and key players in the local industry. This is where they shared ideas on future direction, issues and challenges of the industry and got updated on the latest development in the industry.

Besides strengthening networking across industries, MIDA uses such occasion to identify the assistance needed especially in coordinating all facilities including grants and funds.


BTW, NAWEM Penang has confirmed our industry visit to MIDA Penang on July 3rd at 10am. Its director Ms Azhana Mohamed Saleh will be hosting.

Both members and guests are welcome to join this industry visit. Simply register yourself first with the organising chairperson Wendy. Email her at wendy@penexpo.com.my to state your name, company and the questions you want to post to MIDA.

Info on MIDA is available at www.mida.gov.my and its Penang address is below:

Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)
Unit 4.03, 4th Floor
Menara Boustead Penang
39, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah
10050 Penang

How to Market on Facebook, etc

Another interesting sharing is due this Saturday, May 18, following NAWEM Penang monthly committee meeting.

The speaker is Jason Gan of Tribeup, a digital marketing agency & innovation lab and Instapps, DIY toolset software for online sellers to setup full functioning Facebook stores.

Instapps Social Store is a full fledge Facebook ecommerce system that sits on your Facebook page. It allows your fans to browse and search your products effectively at a fully functional shopping cart.

Your customers can choose to pay via Paypal or opt for manual payment or online banking. The whole Paypal transaction process will be done within Facebook environment. If a customer choose to pay via manual payment, they can come back to update payment at the Purchase Management Panel, which you, the seller, will be notified immediately. Instapps also feature a full fledge inventory system to help you take care of your stockkeeping headaches, plus another 20 over cool features.

Mark your calendar if you are keen on learning more about Facebook promotion, marketing and sales!

Date     :	18 May 2013 (Saturday)
Time    :	10.00 a.m – 12.00 p.m. (Committee Meeting) 12.00 noon – 1.00 p.m (Sharing Session by  Jason                               Gan (open to guests)                        1.00 p.m. – 2.00 p.m. ( Networking session )

  

The venue is at NAWEM Penang's shared premise at One Precinct, 1A-2-01, Lengkok Mayang Pasir, Bayan Baru, 11900 Penang (near Bayan Baru market and Sunshine Square).


In April, we had Jason Teh, a certified retail coach and CEO of two companies, who shared on SoLoMo Marketing that targets online-mobile users.


The following is a brief on what NAWEM Penang members had been up to recently.


> Three members and two guests were in KL for the promotional conference on the 10th China-Asean Expo 2013, which is scheduled for 20-24 September in Nanning, China. They returned excited to share 'this very valuable information' to members and all.


MATRADE is organising the Malaysian participation in the 10th CAEXPO, a major annual event that has been credited as an important platform for the promotion of trade and investment between Malaysia and China.The expo theme this year is 'Regional Cooperation and Development: New Opportunities, New Impetus and New Stage.'

There is an incentive of RM10,000 to Malaysians who are interested to take up booths at the expo and two NAWEM members are keen to do so.

Chairperson Wendy recommended members to attend such promotional conference to better understand the incentives offered by MATRADE for promoting Malaysian products to the overseas market.


>Wendy also attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Regional Forum in KL, where an Indonesian delegate highlighted that not all countries provide subsidy for participation in the forum. So Malaysians are the lucky lot because they have such subsidy.


>Five members took part in the 13th Penang Career & Post Graduate Expo at PISA. The organiser PenExpo Event (via Wendy) had sponsored a double booth for NAWEM Penang. Some great results were obtained.


Firstly, two lady entrepreneurs were attracted to join NAWEM, one filled up the application form right away :), mostly thanks to Pauline.


Swe Ee received 50 applications for her company special programme, Jac got 15 job applications for her business with one successful candidate, Jace and Ai Li promoted their company products and services.

Jac said the expo was a good platform to get job candidates and to showcase your business to audience in the northern Malaysia. She recommended that more NAWEM members should participate in future expos.

SME Corp Penang Visit

Get ready to visit SME Corp Penang this month and learn face-to-face the business incentives they have to offer to entrepreneurs and women entrepreneurs in particular. The visit is scheduled for 13 May 2013 starting 2.30pm.

This follows NAWEM Penang's fruitful industry visit to the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) Penang office last month where, among others, the members gained a better understanding of the market development grants it provides to different types of business.

Member Chuat Tien said: "Matrade is indeed a source of both technical and financial support besides providing useful advice based on its vast experience and contact throughout the world."

As for the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Corp, currently our member Jacquelin has the pleasure of working with them on the franchising project of her La Herballe skin care and beauty business.

Both NAWEM Penang members and guests are invited to join this industry visit, and take the opportunity to find out more what are the various services, business incentives and assistance available from SME Corp to entrepreneurs.  

You need to sign up by May 9 and provide the organising chairperson Wendy some basic info to ensure a smooth and successful visit. You can email her at wendy@penexpo.com.my to give your:

1. name
2. telephone number
3. email address
4. company name
5. nature of business
6. questions for SME Corp and/or information needed

On the day of visit, please gather at least 15 minutes early at the below address:

SME Corp Malaysia
No.16, Lorong Perindustrian Bukit Minyak 2
Taman Perindustrian Bukit Minyak
14100 Simpang Ampat
Pulau Pinang

Cheers and hope to see you there!

Online Marketing & Mobile Users

By 2015 most Internet traffic is expected to come from mobile devices. How can businesses target, engage and turn those online into your customers?

Retail coach Jason Teh would give you some answers this Saturday, April 27. He will be the guest speaker for NAWEM Penang sharing session. Jason of Biz Coach Firm Sdn Bhd shall tackle the subject of 'How to increase via SNS your sales, profit & customers without marketing budget increase.'

So please mark your calendar:

Date     :	27  April 2013 (Saturday)
Time    :	10.00 a.m – 12.00 p.m. (Committee Meeting) 12.00 noon – 1.00 p.m (Sharing Session by                          Jason Teh, open to guests) 1.00 p.m. – 2.00 p.m. ( Networking session )

  
The venue is at NAWEM Penang's shared premise at One Precinct, 1A-2-01, Lengkok Mayang Pasir, Bayan Baru, 11900 Penang (near Bayan Baru market and Sunshine Square).


Below is another sharing worth going to, especially for those having to deal with difficult people. Most of us have to do so, at one point or another. The difficult ones can be our parent, sibling, child, spouse, boss, neighbour, friend or sworn enemy. Hehe...

Tackling the subject matter would Arun Doshi, a retired CEO, trainer, mentor and professional life coach, who enjoys sharing his insights with enthusiasm and humour. His talk would expand your understanding of ego and the skill set required in dealing with difficult people.

The date with Mr Doshi is 2.30pm, Sat 27.4.2013 at the Oasis of Peace, Bayan Baru Brahma Kumaris at No. 36, Solok Kampong Jawa.


If you are in the export business, the following may interest you:

Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) half-day seminar on "Export Trade Disputes" on Tuesday, April 30 in Kuala Lumpur. 

The objective of this seminar is to equip exporters on how to avoid any possible and future disputes in their export business by using correct documents, internationally accepted and the correct terms of payment and terms of sale like INCOTERMS. 

Register online at http://www.matrade.gov.my/en/online-applications/matrades-exporters-training-programme/470 .  The closing date to register is on 29 April 2013.

Business Incorporation & other attractions

Managing director Richard Oon of ConsultNet Tax Services will join the women of NAWEM Penang this Saturday, March 23rd. He will share on the basics of business incorporation, benefits and related issues such as taxes and asset protection.

Richard's sharing session starts at noon.

Don't fret that you'd get hungry for lunch as refreshment is prepared by NAWEM Penang as usual during its meeting, which normally takes place every last Saturday of the month. However, this month NAWEM will hold its AGM on Saturday, March 30th. So its Penang affiliates shall meet a week earlier.

So mark your calendar accordingly, especially if you're looking to faster grow your business organisation this year.

     

Date     :	23rd  March 2013 (Saturday)
Time    :	9.00 a.m – 10.00 a.m. (Breakfast ) 10.00 a.m – 12.00 p.m. (Committee Meeting) 12.00 noon – 1.00 p.m (Sharing Session by                          Richard Oon, open to guests) 1.00 p.m. – 2.00 p.m. ( Networking session )

  
The venue is at NAWEM Penang's shared premise at One Precinct, 1A-2-01, Lengkok Mayang Pasir, Bayan Baru, 11900 Penang (near Bayan Baru market and Sunshine Square).

* * *

As mentioned earlier, NAWEM will hold its 20th AGM and the first 50 members who register will receive door gifts. Registration starts at 9am this March 30th at its Secretariat, at Lot 13, Rumah Puspanita, Jalan Hose, Kuala Lumpur.

While waiting for the AGM to begin at 10am, you can browse and shop at the concourse, where members would have product exhibition/sale. NAWEM trainees, who have participated in the baking and tailoring courses, would also be offering their services and selling their products.

Those who want to participate in the exhibition must register with NAWEM Secretariat by March 25th. A confirmed participant, Elit Purnama, would be offering free any first piece of garment + a second piece for sale at RM10 minimum. All proceed is to be donated to NAWEM charity fund TAN.

Following the AGM, speaker Cassandra Lee would share on 'Tummy Flattening' at noon, and lunch would follow.

* * *

 4 April 2013 (Thursday)

A morning briefing on 'Global Purchasing Centre (GPC) in China' at Menara MATRADE in Kuala Lumpur starting at 8.30am. Participation is free and you must register by April 2nd.

It is a perfect opportunity for businesses looking to export to China. Selected products to participate in this programme will be promoted via seven GPC in key China cities including Beijing, Zhangjiagang, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shenyang and Wuhan, and thereafter to be distributed to more than 100 retailers throughout China.


  10 April 2013 (Wednesday)

NAWEM Penang will visit MATRADE Penang in Seberang Perai. The appointment is at 3pm. Come have a face-to-face meeting with its director Nyaee Ayup, who will share some of the incentives MATRADE has to offer to entrepreneurs.

10-11 April 2013

Women Entrepreneurs Synergy Network, a programme by SME Corp Malaysia, to be held in Subang. This year's programme carries the theme of 'Retail Transformation toward Economic Growth' and comprises seminar, workshop, networking and trade visit.

 The programme is free and you must register by March 29th. Participation is limited to 5 members of each association. It is designed to provide basic exposure to the retail business, up-to-date technology and best practices.

 

Anniversary Charm Bracelet

To celebrate a 40th anniversary...four pretty little charms, made of pure silver and coated with platinum, stringed onto a matching bracelet that would daintily adorn any woman's hand. 
   

The piece is designed by NAWEM-PAN member Amee Philips (photo at left) of the famed Penang jewellery house. The award winner and internationally known designer collaborated with Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang to create a special something to commemorate the ruby anniversary of this Penang foremost resort and spa.




 What is the charm of the bracelet?

Well, simply wearing and flashing it while visiting the resort will earn you discount at certain outlets. What's more, the bracelet with the little charms depicting Rasa Sayang outstanding features is to be given away free to resort customers.

The details will be available at the official unveiling of the 40th anniversary charm bracelet this Saturday Dec 15. There will be a jewellery show by Amee Philips , too.


Come along PAN and show support to our fellow member!










The party starts at 2.30pm at the resort's Spice Market Cafe terrace, where you may enjoy its scrumptious Scone High Tea while drinking in the lush green ambiance of Rasa's manicured gardens...just like the one below. COOL, huh!

   
 

Sharing by Women Entrepreneurs

For November sharing, PAN member Jacqueline of La Herballe beauty care will relate her company's experience participating in numerous expositions.

This is Jac

Most recent, La Herballe was among the exhibitors at last week Gift, Premium & Stationery Fair as well as the Penang Career & Post Graduate Expo held at the Penang International Sports Arena (PISA). By now, for sure her team are experts at getting the most out of such events, what are the do's and dont's when you are promoting products, building brand and franchise, etc.





New PAN member Jace will also be sharing on the topic of 'choosing the sex of your baby.' Jace is the director of Choice Baby Family Planning, a company that provides baby gender selection services.

Jace Lim

The company uses what is called the 'Choice Method', which Jace said is simple, safe and 100% natural for both mother and baby, without genetic manipulation, any clinical or surgical treatment. It has been used by thousand of mothers with over 98% success rate.

Aren't you curious now?
 




We all can learn much from these two growing women entrepreneurs. Come and meet them.

Kindly take note that NAWEM-PAN sharing session follows its monthly committee meeting, held every LAST SATURDAY of the month, and the Agenda is as follows:

10.00am - 12 noon  Committee meeting

12 noon -12.30pm   Sharing by member/guest (non-members welcome)

12.30pm - 1pm        Q & A

1pm - 2.30pm          Lunch-cum-networking with guests

Note the venue below and be part of PAN sharing & networking. 

C-5-1, Bay Avenue, Lorong Bayan Indah 3, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang.

(next to Eastin Hotel, near Queensbay Mall)

Also, starting December PAN official meeting venue will move to One Precinct Penang - a new seven-storey office-cum-retail complex in Bayan Baru (near Suntech). Our shared premise is at Precinct East 2nd floor. The address is 1A-2-02 @ One Precinct (1147), Lengkok Mayang Pasir, 11950, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.

November Events

NAWEM-PAN member Wendy Wong at PenExpo Events is super busy nowadays with two up coming back-to-back expositions her company is holding at PISA (Penang International Sporst Arena) this month.

A tired & still smiling Wendy at the last expo.

PenExpo is known for its big expos that draw crowd of 20,000 - 30,000 people, and the exhibitor booths cost several thousands Ringgit each. Thanks to PenExpo and Wendy, women entrepreneurs from NAWEM often get to participate for free in such expos.

The two coming up events are the second Gift, Premium & Stationery Fair 2012 from Nov 15-17 and to be followed by the 12th Penang Career & Post Graduate Expo on Nov 17 & 18. Come find us among other Malaysian and international exhibitors at the events ya!

Participating PAN members at a previous expo.

...and the visiting crowd

Of course, you can just come for the expo daily top lucky draw prize of the new iPad, and to earn one or two of the 10,000 free Firefly Air tickets on offer.

If you or someone you know is looking for a job or want to change career, the career expo brings to you some 10,000 opportunities including for overseas postings...there must one or two that meet your preference.

If you rather take a break from work and go for further study, the expo post graduate section also let you easily browse through the different options available.

Company functions normally peak towards the year-end. Some functions require that you prepare unique gift items and souvenirs. Pick and order yours at the Gift, Premium & Stationery Fair.

Details of both expos, the list of exhibitors and their detail offerings are posted on https://www.facebook.com/penexpoevents and www.penexpo.com.my. Btw, PenExpo will also hold the Johor Career & Post Graduate Expo on Jan 12 & 13 next year.

* * *

There are more up coming events that offer business opportunities and learning, networking, training, etc. Some are free to eligible entrepreneurs while others charge substantial fees. However, many of them have free seats allotted to NAWEM members via our secretariat.


Nov 20
Half-day Street Smart 'MBA' for Entrepreneurs (SME CEO Forum 2012) in Petaling Jaya - for clearer understanding of how business works holistically, how to take complex decisions and operate in fast moving and competitive environment. NAWEM has 2 complimentary seats.


Nov 25
Entrepreneurship Programme with SME Bank in Kuala Lumpur - provides exposure and information about the role and financing opportunities offered by SME Bank to women entrepreneurs. NAWEM has 25 seats. 

Nov 26-30
Women as Creative Tourism Players, a regional course organised by NAM Institute for Empowerment of Women (NIEW) and to be held in Bali. NIEW is sponsoring the course except for air fare. NAWEM is allotted three applicants. 

 
Nov 28
Incoming Buying Mission: Intrade Malaysia 2012 in Kuala Lumpur for new and active Malaysian exporters. It is organised by MATRADE (Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation) with expected presence of some 500 international buyers.

Nov 29
Creativity & Innovation 
Key to Survival & Growth of SMEs
HRDF-sponsored programme in Petaling Jaya.

Business Grants to Beef Up Your Company?

Beauty care entrepreneur Jacqueline Goh started her business from a single table in a Penang shopping mall. Five years later, the La Herballe brand she created had begun distributing products throughout Malaysia, and even the world via online mall.

This year the brand celebrates its 8^th anniversary with Jac as the company group managing director and licensor for the La Herballe skin/beauty salon, which uses Japanese products first formulated over 30 years ago. She studied business in Japan as well as trained as a skin therapist and beauty consultant there, and naturally had since moonlight as a Japanese translator too.

La Herballe currently has 1 outlet on Penang Island, 2 in Seberang Prai and 2 in Selangor. It also actively distribute products through clinics, pharmacies and other salons.

The brand differentiate itself as the natural skin care/facial quick fix for urban lifestyle, attracting people with its effective, light and easy facial/spa experience at affordable prices.

La Herballe's latest concept of beauty kiosk

We are proud to have Jac as vice chairperson of NAWEM-PAN since its inception. Last year she was a recipient of NAWEM-HSBC skill training grant worth RM30,000. This allowed 10 eligible women in Penang to receive La Herballe beauty care training to enable them to at least start a home-based business, beauty kiosk or salon.

Certainly Jac has under her belt enough business experience and acumen to inspire other women. She had a regular job when she first started her business. “I would get up in the morning and go to my normal job as a PA/translator in factory uniform, and in the afternoon change into my skin therapist/consultant attire... in high heels.” For La Herballe, it had taken courage, effort, determination, belief in the products and the right image to succeed, Jac added.

A proud sponsor of Star Walk 2012...Jac @ centre

She recently applied for another NAWEM grant and hopes to train the next batch of deserving women entrepreneur wannabes. Jac has also been mulling on writing a women entrepreneur's guide titled 'The Warrior In Me...in High Heels.' We only wish she would get to it soon so more women can benefit from the La Herballe experience.

Meanwhile her company has, through NAWEM assistance, also received a SME Corp grant for La Herballe to obtain Franchise licence and ISO 9001 certification. For some immediate sharing with Jac, come join PAN sharing session this month on 'How to maximize your benefits being a member of NAWEM?' 

July Sharing: Gold Intrigue

Are you noticing that lately gold is talked about quite often?

Yes, the shiny yellow metal has been gaining more attention than usual, at least for the past two years that I've noticed in Malaysia:

• My friends sell gold bar and promote the gold dinar and coin on FaceBook.
• Banks offer free gold wafers when you open an account and gold coins to win when you grow your balance.
• You can open gold account easily at any bank; two years ago only 2 or 3 banks have such facility. You have option to keep your gold bullions in the bank or take them home.
• There are also new companies dealing in gold bullions.
• 'Cash for your gold' event held in major city hotel and advertised in major papers.

PAN sharing session this month shall present some answers to the gold intrigue. Member Monica Toh wants to spread awareness of gold bullions as a good hedge against inflation and preserver of wealth.

People place their savings mostly in the bank, property or stock market, hoping to grow their wealth. Is now a good time to diversify and put some of your savings in the precious metal too?

Monica had joined the manufacturing sector right after school. After more than 20 years there, she left to go into financial planning and unit trust investment. Two years ago she expanded into trading of gold bullion.

She said gold bullion is providing her income regardless of the market movements, and helping others to do the same has been very financially rewarding as well.

 

Other Upcoming Events

26 & 27 July: NAMWEM  has 2 complimentary seats at the 16th Malaysian Banking Summit. Themed 'Charting the Future Direction of Banking and Finance in a New Era', the event is organised by the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute (ASLI) and held in Kuala Lumpur. Register with NAWEM Secretariat by noon, Friday the 16th, if you want to attend.

Sept 11 & 12: Join some 1,400 employers at the HRDF Conference & Exhibition 2012 this coming September. This annual event by Pembangunan Sumber Manusia Berhad (PSMB) will take place at the Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur.

The Human Resource Minister will give the keynote address. There will be other prominent speakers plus information-packed workshops to intensify information exchange pertaining to theoretical research and practical developments in HR development.

For details, contact NAWEM Secretariat at 03-2142 3325 or email secretariat.nawem@gmail.com

or visit www.hrdf.com.my.

Earlier Events

July 11: NAWEM is alloted 4 seats at a full day "International Population Conference on Population Ageing : Issues and Challenges" in Kuala Lumpur, held in conjunction with World Population Day 2012.

Expected attendance is about 230 representatives from government agencies, private sector, universities, international agencies as well as non-governmental organisations.

They are to discuss issues and challenges of the ageing population in Malaysia and other ASEAN countries in general. There will be Malaysian and international speakers, presenting a total of 13 papers.

Their top task is to evaluate the financial needs and family support for the older persons in view of the changing family scenario and current social economic situation.

Apart from sharing of information and experiences internationally, the conference would help programme managers and policy makers in the formulation of a more comprehensive policy for the
older persons.

The Social Security Research Centre, Faculty of Economics and Administration, University of Malaya (UM) is jointly organising the conference with the National Population and Family Development Board under the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development.

July 5 & 6: NAWEM had 2 complimentary seats at the e-commerce workshop "Versatile Innovation in Doing Business in the Global Market” held in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry organised it in collaboration with the Confederation of Asia Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry & Secure Online Shopping Association, Taiwan.

July 2-8: NAWEM had 2 complimentary seats at the forum and networking session held during the Economic Cooperation Development In Private Sector Between Malaysia & Iran in Kuala Lumpur. The organiser was SME Corp.

June Sharing

Polly Kheong will share her life passion for flower craft, which also has been her business for over 5 years. Join us and find out how to turn your passion into business that you love, can sustain and grow into your own unique success story.

Wish Flower Creation, her shop in Butterworth, offers better designs and arrangements of pretty stuff like...

fresh flowers hand bouquet and hamper,

everlasting bouquet,

flower basket,

gift & flower,

fruits & flower basket,

congratulatory floral stand,

clay flower & toy.

As you can see, Polly's arts extend to clay flowers and toys, patchwork and drawing as well as teaching them to children and adults, boys & girls, men & women.  

clay flowers that look like the real thing

Other June events

June 28-30:
SME Solutions / Entrepreneurship Expo in Kuala Lumpur.

NAWEM members have 15% discount on booth rental. Contact the event coordinator at 603 7880 3511 ext. 102 or mobile 6012-6129351.

June 28–30: Women Economic Forum at St Petersburg, Russia.

Join the Malaysian delegation to this regular event under the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), which has theme of 'Women and Innovative Economic Growth'.

The forum is expected to attract some 300 high-profile participants from the public, private, NGO and academic sectors. There are 3 main elements of the forum:

1. APEC policy partnership on women and the economy.
2. Public-private dialogue on women and economy.
3. High-level policy dialogue on women and the economy.

To participate, register with the International Relations Division of the Malaysian Women, Family and Community Development Ministry. Telephone 03-8323 1403/1407 or email tanbeechin@kpwkm.gov.my or farahsalma@kpwkm.gov.my.

June 26: NAWEM invited to a luncheon business talk 'Creating a global brand; the Lewre Success Story' in Kuala Lumpur. Lewre is a Malaysian brand of quality footwear for men and women, marketed globally especially to Europe and the Middle East.

June 21&22: ASEAN-India SME Conference with the theme 'Breaking Barriers, Building Success' in Kuala Lumpur. NAWEM was given 30 complimentary seats.

June - NAWEM Exco member Jacqueline Francis is on a business trip to London and US, visiting women business association in the region as a spokesperson for NAWEM, and passing along business-related matters from other members.

May Events

The 2^nd Conference on Greater KL in Kuala Lumpur

3 Complimentary seats given to NAWEM

3-Day 'Women & Money Asia Convention' in Kuala Lumpur.

10 complimentary seats reserved for NAWEM members.

Fully sponsored course on 'Sexual Harassment at the Workplace' in Shah Alam. 2 Reserved seats for NAWEM members.

NAWEM Sarawak trip, scheduled for Friday, 18th May, has been postponed to a later date.