By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Women Entrepreneurs and Professionals Association (Swepa) is committed to serving as a catalyst for the growth of women entrepreneurs in the state.
Its President, Betty Epin, said the association will continue to empower women through strategic and high-impact entrepreneurial development to produce more outstanding, competitive and visionary women entrepreneurs who, in turn, contribute to inclusive and sustainable economic development.
She said this during the opening of the Excellence in Business Management Programme organised by Swepa in collaboration with the Department of Women’s Affairs (JHEWA) at the Sabah International Convention Centre.
Throughout 2025, she said Swepa has implemented various programmes aimed at enhancing women’s capacity in the economic sector.
Among them was the Urban Community Economic Empowerment Project (PEKB), which was carried out in Tawau with the support of the Ministry of Housing and Local Government.
“A total of 35 participants from the e-Kasih community took part in an intensive mobile phone servicing course,” she said.
The programme not only enhanced the participants’ technical skills but also opened up opportunities for them to generate sustainable income.
The initiative reflects Swepa’s role as a driver of women’s community development through a practical and market-oriented approach, she said.
She also highlighted the Excellence in Business Management Programme, which was held on May 5, 2025, in Kota Kinabalu in collaboration with JHEWA.
The programme emphasised a holistic approach to business management, including the adoption of digital innovation and progressive entrepreneurial thinking.
Through structured training, social support and the implementation of community projects, Swepa strives to ensure that women’s development is comprehensive and resilient.
The programme aimed to help entrepreneurs enhance their competitiveness, manage their businesses more systematically and strengthen their brands to a higher level, including entry into the global market.
A total of 10 participants were selected to showcase their products during the programme, reflecting the strong commitment and great potential of local women entrepreneurs.
Also present were Swepa past president Karen Wong, organising chairperson Angeline Liew and the programme’s speaker, Norfaranina Zaki.
Betty (seated centre), flanked by Karen (right), and Norfaranina (left), together with the participants and Swepa members.
