In an era where leadership and technology intersect to create powerful pathways for change, unique opportunities arise that beckon change-makers to step forward. WAKE's Tech2Empower Malaysia, slated for June 2024, is one such initiative. This program will build on WAKE’s existing partnership with Harpswell Foundation, an organization striving to bring positive social change in Southeast Asia by empowering the next generation of women leaders. This collaboration underscores our commitment to fostering global empowerment through technology and leadership, and serves as a convergence of minds, cultural learning, and co-creative innovation.
Set in the culturally rich city of George Town, Penang, Tech2Empower Malaysia is poised to be a transformative experience. Taking place June 1 - 8, 2024, the program will bring together an international cohort of women leaders from diverse backgrounds, including volunteer Advisors from the global tech industry and beyond, with dedicated local NGO leaders focused on women's rights and empowerment. At its core, Tech2Empower Malaysia is committed to fostering an environment where diverse groups of women benefit mutually from shared experiences and insights.
Our journey to Tech2Empower Malaysia is intertwined with our longstanding relationship with Harpswell Foundation. This partnership, which first formed during our 2016 Tech2Empower program in Cambodia, is a testament to our shared belief that women lead change. Our past partnership with Harpswell focused on advancing gender equality and combating gender-based violence and human trafficking. Working with diverse groups including social entrepreneurs, educational institutions, and tech professionals, the program underscored the power of skills-based volunteerism in advancing the rights of women and girls.
As we launch Tech2Empower Malaysia, we are honored to collaborate again with Harpswell, aligning the dates of our program with their annual ASEAN Women’s Leadership Summit. This summit brings together young women leaders from the region (countries represented include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam) for a two-week immersion designed to advance positive social change in Southeast Asia through women’s empowerment. It offers a unique platform for these young women to join forces, learn collaboratively, and form bonds that last a lifetime. Trainers from academia, industry, and community development across Southeast Asia and beyond contribute to a rich learning environment, covering critical topics such as critical thinking, leadership, gender theories, ASEAN and women’s empowerment, and civic engagement.
Tech2Empower Malaysia Advisors will have the opportunity to participate in Harpswell’s Women’s Leadership Summit, learning alongside the inspiring young ASEAN leaders, as well as lead interactive workshops on tech, communications and leadership topics and host coaching and mentoring circles.