Laos will take the helm of the ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Network (AWEN) for the 2026-2027 term and host a regional forum and awards ceremony in Vientiane next month, with a focus on strengthening opportunities for women-led businesses across ASEAN.
The Lao Business Women’s Association, the focal country organisation for AWEN in Laos, announced Laos’ chairmanship at a press conference in Vientiane last week.
The AWEN Forum and awards ceremony will take place on October 2-3 at the Amari Hotel in Vientiane.
Chairperson of the ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Network for the 2026-2027 term and President of the Lao Business Women’s Association, Mrs Chanthachone Vongsay, said Laos’ leadership would provide an opportunity to promote the potential of Lao women entrepreneurs and strengthen cooperation among women-led businesses across the region.
She noted that AWEN’s Terms of Reference were adopted in Vientiane in 2012, before the network was officially launched in Hanoi in 2014 with 10 founding member countries. It has since expanded to 11 ASEAN member states.
Mrs Chanthachone identified three priorities: strengthening the capacity of national member organisations and regional linkages; expanding women entrepreneurs’ access to markets, capital and investment opportunities; and promoting digital transformation and greater inclusivity among women-led micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.
She said the network would seek to provide more practical opportunities for women entrepreneurs to connect with regional markets, investors and business partners, while encouraging the adoption of digital tools and supporting an enabling policy environment.
The October forum will bring together women entrepreneurs, business organisations, government representatives and other stakeholders from ASEAN for discussions on policy, business networking and innovative business models.
The event will also feature the AWEN Awards, which will recognise outstanding women entrepreneurs for their business achievements and contributions to their communities.
The forum is expected to provide opportunities to establish regional business connections and gain greater exposure to potential markets, investors and partners.