PHNOM PENH: July 17, 2024 – Cambodia is set to host the inaugural ASEAN Entrepreneur Forum & Award, with a new trademark of The Pinnacle Entrepreneur Forum, a high-profile event designed to spotlight the nation’s women-led enterprises and attract global investment.
Under the leadership of Lct. Dr. Eng Lykuong, Chair and President of AWEN & CamWEN and Lct. Oknha. Sreat Mom Sophear, Chair of the Event Organising Committee, we are proud to announce the Pinnacle Entrepreneur Forum, a summit promised to empower and propel businesses, especially women-led businesses to ever greater heights and is set to take place on the 1st of August, 2024 at the Sofitel, Phnom Penh, Cambodia; and, this event is set to be participated by the Prime Minister of Cambodia, Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet followed by the government’s ministers: Minister of Women Affair, Minister of Tourism, Minister of Commerce, and Ministers from other related Ministries.
According to Lct. Oknha. Sreat Mom Sophear, during the press conference, this forum will act as a catalyst in supporting the Cambodian Royal Government’s ASEAN-International Policy of embracing and succoring the potential of women-led businesses across all sectors in the direction of developing the economy and societal upscaling sustainably. “AWEN Award Night is AWEN’s proud legacy, one of fostering connections, igniting ambition, and empowering women to rise above limitations. It is a legacy we are honored to carry forward with The Pinnacle Entrepreneur Forum, she continued.
As the Chair of the AWEN, Lct. Dr. Eng Lykuong promises to “Commercialize Cambodia” to the ASEAN member states. This initiative of “Commercializing Cambodia” translates to attracting foreign investors to invest in Cambodia. Cambodia has also been done by His Excellency Sun Chanthol, as he has tried his best to commercialize Cambodia to the EU member states for the past few years. “This event will go beyond H.E’s, we will not only commercialize Cambodia in a foreign land, but in our own soil.”
“AWEN’s mission is to create a supportive and inclusive environment for women-led businesses to thrive. Meanwhile, the Cambodian Women Entrepreneurs Network (CamWEN) is to foster vibrancy in the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Cambodia,” said Lct. Dr. Eng Lykuong.
“Under the honor of leading this event, I vow to create a legacy and work to benefit all women entrepreneurs across Southeast Asia, especially Cambodia; and, this is also one of my commitments as a Cambodian citizen to join the Royal Government of Cambodia in continuing the process of sustainable development and peace in this Kingdom of Wonder.” continued Lct. Dr. Eng Lykuong.
ABOUT THE FORUM
Shifting the focus from gender-specific skillsets to the universal potential of entrepreneurship, this year’s event aims to spotlight the abundant opportunities available to all – men and women. By emphasizing inclusivity and equality, we seek to create a platform that celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit irrespective of gender. Our goal is to showcase how both men and women can contribute to and benefit from thriving businesses.
According to the event committee, unlike the challenges faced by other countries in hosting AWEN events, Cambodia presents a unified front. Rather than competing, our diverse organizations – AWEN and CamWEN – dedicated to women’s empowerment have come together under one banner to host this event. We aspire to be a prime example of collaboration within the AWEN network, demonstrating how unity can amplify impact. By showcasing our collective strengths and distinct approaches, we aim to set a new standard for partnership and event execution.
Meanwhile, the Evaluation Committee of this event stated that our rigorous evaluation process, conducted by a five-member committee from diverse sectors, ensured unparalleled transparency. As we consolidated the scores of each entrepreneur, it became evident that the ratings were remarkably consistent, highlighting the fairness and objectivity of our assessment. The exceptional quality of the 22 awardees is a testament to their business acumen. Given this year’s highly competitive yet equitable competition, we strongly encourage all participants to reapply for the next edition. Your chances of winning are excellent, and we invite you to become part of our growing network by joining the organizing organization.
During the interview session with the event committee, Lct. Oknha. Sreat Mom Sophear took the opportunity to invite businesses and organizations to support the event through sponsorship opportunities. Cash sponsorships of $10,000 for the platinum level compared to other events which the platinum level would cost around $30,000 to $50,000. While cash sponsorships are preferred, in-kind contributions that reduce operational costs are also welcomed.
Regarding ticket pricing, AWEN offers several options to accommodate different preferences. Individual tickets (half-day) are available for $100, while those wishing to attend the entire day can purchase a full-day pass for $160. For group attendance, table reservations (up to 10 seats) are priced at $1,500.
This year’s ASEAN Entrepreneurship Forum, under the trademark of “The Pinnacle Entrepreneurs Forum” is a new hope for Cambodia’s efforts to empower entrepreneurs, especially women entrepreneurs, and drive economic growth. By bringing together key stakeholders from around the ASEAN and perhaps, the world, the event will create strategic partnerships and unlock new investment avenues.
