Forum highlights changing role of women in Asian business

That was the view expressed yesterday at Asia’s Power Business Women forum, held in Bangkok by Forbes. Two hundred women and men came from a number of Asian countries and from different backgrounds to share ideas, visions, and their working experience. They agreed that women in Asia are playing a rising role in the economic and political arenas, thanks to the region’s growing economic power on the global stage.

They said women could do business just as successfully as men, but by using the “softer” qualities typical of their gender. They can play different roles in society, especially serving as mothers while running business operations at the same time. 

Clearly, the door of business opportunity in Asia has been opened wider to allow women to show off their abilities. However, some said women and men should work together to perfect the business environment.

Lim Hwee Hua, former minister in the Singapore Prime Minister’s Office and executive director of Tembusu Parters, said it was out of date for men to use military power to control society. Now, it is an era of innovation, driven by human brains. Technology provides an opportunity for women to work anywhere, strengthening their business role.

Manal AlBayat, group chief executive of Falcon and Associates from the United Arab Emirates, said that even though they faced barriers, younger women in her country had played an increasing role in business. Eighty per cent of women in the UAE workforce are university graduates. Obviously, education is an asset in getting a job. She said women could access education the same as men.

AlBayat said clearer legislation would lead to changes in women’s roles. The law has to give more opportunity for women, especially after giving birth. The government should provide privileges such as allowing them to work at home, and day-care services. Becoming a mother should not be a barrier to pursuing a role in business. 

In the commercial world, attitudes towards woman’s abilities should be changed, she said, and women’s views accepted.

Shinta Widjaja Kamdani, CEO of Sintesa Group from Indonesia, said diversity had played a key role in the business environment. Both sexes should create a better environment by working together, especially via recruitment programmes. This is a way to create equality. 

Kyung H Yoon, CEO of Talent Age Associations from the United States, said society should accept changes in women’s roles. Law is important, but it cannot define women’s role in society. Women themselves have to possess leadership qualities. A Korean-American, she pointed to South Korea as example, as it had recently elected its first female president.