Opening Remarks by Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet at the 2024 Pinnacle Entrepreneur Forum and AWEN Awards
Excellency, Lok Chumteav, members of the Royal Government of Cambodia;
Her Excellency Dr. Eng Lykuong,
Her Excellency Oknha Sreat Mom Sophear,
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen!
It is with profound humility and immense pride that I preside over the 2024 Pinnacle Entrepreneurs Forum and AWEN Award, a beacon of acknowledgment of women entrepreneurs not just in Cambodia but across our vibrant ASEAN community. I would like to express my sincerest appreciation and highly commend the collaborative efforts of the ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs’ Network (AWEN) and Cambodia Women Entrepreneurs’ Network (CamWEN) in organizing such a historical event, providing an invaluable platform for women to rise, shine, and inspire. I would also like to express my appreciation to the Ministry of Women’s Affairs of Cambodia for their ongoing commitment to empowering Cambodian women entrepreneurs.
Women are the heart of our families, the soul of our communities, and the conscience of our nations. Your nurturing touch brings balance, your intuitive wisdom guides decisions, and your empathetic leadership fosters harmony. As women engage more actively in regional and international economic activities, they not only elevate their own enterprises but also contribute to the overall economic resilience and sustainability of their communities and nations.
In this spirit, today’s event signifies a chief opportunity to empower women entrepreneurs and highlight their extraordinary contributions and potential for the business community development and economic growth in Cambodia and ASEAN region as a whole. This event will provide invaluable opportunities for knowledge exchange, capacity building and collaboration, allowing women entrepreneurs to develop strategies, enhance their business capabilities and competitiveness, share best practices, and gain access to a broader spectrum of resources, networks and markets.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen!
Taking this opportunity, I would like to express my sincere congratulation and appreciation to all women entrepreneurs for your efforts, successes, and contribution to our nation as well as the whole ASEAN. Today’s event stands as undeniable proof of the unyielding spirit of ASEAN women, who defy limits, dare to dream, disrupt, and lead. Our region has become the fifth largest economy in the world because ASEAN women have played a pivotal role not just as the very bedrock of her communities and national economies contributing to creating jobs, reducing poverty and promoting inclusive economy but also in economic integration through regional and international platforms, driving growth and fostering innovation across borders.
In Cambodia, the very fabric of our society, woven with threads of peace, harmony, and resilience, has been meticulously crafted by generations of Cambodian women. Our mothers, grandmothers, and the countless women before them, have nurtured our families, preserved our traditions, and instilled in us the values of compassion, respect, and unity. It is their and your unwavering strength and gentle guidance that have anchored us through turbulent times and allowed us to flourish as a nation. The appreciation and respect for women is deeply imbedded in our culture, tradition and teaching. For instance, Cambodia uses the term “មេ”, which can be found everywhere in our society,toemphasizethe essential definition of utmost importance placed on women, as this term links with the highest honors, positions and roles across both private and public sectors.
Throughout Cambodia’s rich and vibrant history, women have consistently risen to positions of power and influence, leaving a profound impact on our nation’s development. Their contributions extend beyond traditional gender roles, showcasing exceptional leadership in various spheres. As a matter of fact, our first sovereign was Queen Soma, also known as Liu Ye, who reigned reed over the pre-Angkorian kingdom of Funan. Her strong leadership and military prowess united the kingdom and expanded its influence through trade and diplomacy, setting a precedent for future female leaders. Other remarkable women—such as Queen Jayarajadevi, Princess Soma, Queen Indradevi, and so on—are but a few examples of the many who have shaped our nation’s history. Their stories serve as an inspiration, reminding us of the strength, intelligence, and resilience that women bring to leadership. Building upon this rich heritage, we recognize the immense contributions of women throughout history, not only as queens and leaders but as entrepreneurs, innovators, caregivers, and community builders.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen!
In ASEAN, according to a report published in 2017 by UNESCAP, 9.8% of the population, or over 60 million individuals, are female business owners. In the same period, women are the primary business owners in Cambodia, accounting for around two-thirds of all businesses. While these figures undeniably demonstrate the entrepreneurial spirit of women in ASEAN and Cambodia, we must acknowledge that their journey is not an easy one. Despite their resilience and determination, women entrepreneurs face numerous challenges, including limited access to finance, markets, networks and opportunities for growth and development. The ASEAN governments, including Cambodia, recognize the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs and understand the vital role they play in achieving gender equality and economic growth. We are actively working towards overcoming these obstacles. The establishment of AWEN and CamWEN as well as the organization of today’s event itself demonstrate our commitment to empowering women economically and socially.
Cambodia has always recognized the indispensable role of women in our society and economy. The narrative of women is not merely a tale of empowerment. It is a saga of economic triumph. Decades of evidence unequivocally prove that gender equality is not simply a matter of social justice—it is the spark that ignites unparalleled economic growth. When women rise, businesses soar, and nations prosper. This is not just an opportunity; it is an economic imperative.
Our commitment is evident through initiatives to support women entrepreneurs. In particular, with the Ministry of Women’s Affairs as the executing body, the Royal Government is actively building a supportive environment for women entrepreneurs. This includes facilitating the formation of networks like the Cambodia Women Entrepreneurs Association (CWEA), Cambodia Women Business Federation (CWBF) and others, and establishing Women Development Centres to provide essential business training and skills development to women and women entrepreneurs.
To address the issue of limited financial access, the Royal Government has implemented a number of financial initiatives to support women entrepreneurs, such as the launch of Cambodia Women Entrepreneurs Scheme, via the SME Bank of Cambodia, to offer accessible loans, and the introduction of Women Entrepreneurs Guarantee Scheme, via the Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia, to provide credit guarantees with favourable terms to encourage lending institutions to support women-owned businesses. In addition, to guide the implementation of women empowerment, we introduced Neary Rattanak VI: Strategic Plan to Promote Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women and Girls as the sixth edition, with each edition building on the progress of the previous one and is align with rule of law, national policies, government reforms and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of leaving no one behind.
At the regional level, as the chair of ASEAN in 2022, the Royal Government successfully hosted the 2nd ASEAN Women Leaders’ Summit, as well as other related forums and awards for women entrepreneurs. Through the Mekong-Lancang framework, the Royal Government has also been leading the implementation of regional projects on economic empowerment for women in the digital age. Currently, we are planning to propose to the Chinese side to set up the Mekong-Lancang Women Entrepreneurship Centre to continue to support networking, doing businesses, and development of women entrepreneurship in the region.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen!
While we have initiated several programs, please rest assured that our work is far from over. My government and I have a long-term vision for empowering women, and we are fully committed to achieving it. As we strive for a brighter future, I see a Cambodia where every woman is valued, respected, and empowered to reach her full potential. I see a Cambodia where young girls dare to dream big, knowing that they have all support and resources they need to turn those dreams into reality. I see a Cambodia that stands as a shining example of gender equality, a beacon of hope for the entire ASEAN community.
To achieve this vision, the Royal Government under my leadership must and will continue to invest in women’s education, provide access to finance and mentorship, and dismantle the barriers that hold us back. We must continue to cultivate the culture that celebrates women’s achievements, encourages their participation in all spheres of life, and ensures their voices are heard and their contributions are valued.
I stand here today not just as your Prime Minister, but as a son of an amazing mother, a brother of my sisters, a father of my daughters, and a husband of my wonderful wife. I understand your struggles, your aspirations, and your immense potential. And I pledge to you today that I will continue to champion your cause, to be your advocate, your ally, and your unwavering supporter. Together, women and men alike, let us author a groundbreaking chapter in the history of Cambodia and ASEAN – a chapter of shared empowerment, unprecedented economic prosperity, and lasting social harmony. Let us demonstrate to the world the extraordinary potential unlocked when we stand united, uplift one another, and inspire generations to come. Let us create a legacy that our sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, husband and wife, fathers and mothers, will celebrate with pride.
To conclude, I wish today’s event a success and wish Excellencies, Ladies andGentlemen good health and success in all your endeavors.
I now declare the opening of the 2024 Pinnacle Entrepreneurs Forum and AWEN Award.Thank You!
