The Pinnacle Entrepreneur Forum & Award 2024, encompassing the ASEAN Entrepreneur Forum and ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs’ Network (AWEN) Award, was inaugurated under the patronage of Prime Minister Hun Manet.
The event brought together prominent government officials and private sector leaders on August 1.
The Pinnacle Entrepreneur Forum is an initiative established by Cambodia to create an international business forum to be held annually in the country, bringing together business, economic and related talents to discuss, collaborate and initiate businesses within and from Cambodia.
This year's forum is aimed at empowering ASEAN women entrepreneurs across all sectors. Key objectives included establishing a regional platform, enhancing access to financial institutions, fostering a strong community network and providing funding for innovative business ventures.
Manet emphasised the country’s longstanding commitment to women's empowerment, highlighting their crucial role in both societal and economic progress.
“Women are the heart of the family, the spirit of the community and the conscience of the nation,” the prime minister declared.
He underscored the significance of women’s entrepreneurship in the ASEAN region, citing the impressive statistic of approximately 60 million women business owners across the bloc.
Manet reaffirmed the government's dedication to supporting women, promising continued efforts to build their confidence and potential.
Following the prime minister's opening remarks, the Pinnacle Entrepreneur Forum transitioned into a panel discussion. High-level government officials and prominent private sector leaders convened to explore key economic policies aimed at attracting investment.
Government panelists, including Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol, Minister of Science, Technology, Industry and Innovation Hem Vanndy and Ministry of Commerce secretary of state Chea Ratha shared insights on government strategies.
During the discussion, Chanthol highlighted, “The Cambodian government must compete for every single investment dollar. Our role should be to facilitate the private sector, not manage it.”
“Cambodia offers a liberal investment [policy] with no restrictions on foreign ownership and a stable macroeconomic environment,” he continued.
The private sector perspective was shared by prominent industry leaders. Neak Oknha Sear Rithy, chairman of the Worldbridge International Group, one of the private sector panelists stated that, “Our sector relies on imports due to insufficient domestic production, but that’s a big opportunity in providing quality services.”
The AWEN Award recognised 100 exceptional women entrepreneurs. Cambodia claimed the highest number of awardees with 23, followed by Thailand with 11. Laos and Brunei had 10 and five winners, respectively. Myanmar contributed 12 awardees, while Malaysia had two. Singapore and Indonesia each had six and 18 winners, and the Philippines rounded out the list with 15.
