Be more outgoing, women professionals told
MIRI: The country needs more women to be actively involved business and professional establishments, including the chambers of commerce, to help boost the economy.
According to Piasau assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting, women professionals and those in business are still shying away from chambers of commerce.
“I realise that there are still very few or hardly any woman exco member in many businessrelated organisations such as the chambers of commerce.
“This must change, in that there are women who are presidents of countries and also heads of various government departments, including in Malaysia,” he said in his opening remarks at the 20th anniversary dinner of the Women Entrepreneurs and Professionals Association ( WEPS) here on Saturday.
Ting and his wife Datin Sylvia Lim, WEPS president Lili Puk, exco member Datin Juriah Wan Morshidi and organising chairperson Jean Lian were among the over 260 guests at the event.
Adding on, Ting suggested to WEPS to exploit the potential in the tourism sector
I realise that there are still very few or hardly any woman exco member in many business-related organisations such as the chambers of commerce.
in Sarawak – a promising segment amidst the anticipated downturn in world economy, he said.
He said more tourists from China, Korea, Singapore and also Peninsular Malaysia would be expected to come here, following the finalisation of direct charter flight services, which were still in negotiation stage.
“We expect in first quarter of next year, more tourists would be coming in. Currently, many Koreans are already in Miri,” he said.
Meanwhile, Puk disclosed that WEPS had secured funding from the Canadian government for the setup of its information technology ( IT) project here to train members and non-members.
“With the money, we have also set up Nangka Jus Kindergarten. One of our past major projects included the organisation of Miri City Council (MCC) Wedding Expo 2006 where many couples from overseas got married in Miri. In addition, we also established our network with our counterparts in Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia,” she said.
Later, Ting announced a government grant of RM8,000 for the association to carry out its activities next year.
He also witnessed the induction of six new members into WEPS, including Dr Safrina Othman who led her dancers from La Danza Studio during a special performance at the dinner themed ‘Masquerade Nite – Glitz & Glam’.
The night’s programme included a montage presentation on activities by WEPS, the cutting of an anniversary cake, performances by members and volunteers, as well as lucky draws.
Datuk Sebastian Ting, Piasau assemblyman