Big Tulip Summit 2.0 - Inspiring, Empowering And Transforming Women

Penang - Following the success of its inaugural organisation last year, Othman Yeop Abdullah Graduate School of Business (OYAGSB), Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) once again hosted the Big Tulip Summit, a summit that serves as a platform for the learning and empowerment of highly aspiring female leaders to project their potential.

Adopting the theme, "Dare To Dream - Make It Happen," the Big Tulip Summit 2019 was organized in partnership with the Penang Women's Development Corporation (PWDC) and it garnered support from the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development and the Penang State Government.

The opening ceremony was officiated by Penang Chief Minister, Yang Amat Berhormat Tuan Chow Kon Yeow.

"Congratulations to UUM and OYAGSB for organising the Big Tulip Summit which provides a platform for women to learn, build networks, exchange ideas and implement best practices.

"I am deeply impressed by UUM's commitment to empowering women and touched by the event’s ability to bring together many leading figures, inspirational speakers and decision makers to share their success stories with participants," he said in his opening remarks.

On the issue of women empowerment, YAB Tuan Chow said Penang was not only active and progressive but it also played a leading role in empowering women or better known as 'gender inclusiveness' in the state's policy.

"When the Penang2030 vision was introduced last year, we are committed to creating an inclusive and people-centred state. In making that a reality, gender inclusion is a key component of stimulating economic development and general well-being.

"By setting this idea as an objective, the Penang state government has pledged to transform the community's orthodox view of the role of men and women into the view that women have the opportunity to reach and realise their potential," he said.

He also reiterated that in support of Penang2030's vision, the state had adopted the Gender Inclusion Policy, making it the first state to adopt such a policy in Malaysia.

"This policy promotes gender-based management by reaching a 40:40:20 ratio or 40% women, 40% men and 20% of both men and women, especially in leadership positions," he said.

Meanwhile UUM Vice-Chancellor, Prof Dr Ahmad Bashawir Abdul Ghani said UUM had conceptualized and developed the Big Tulip Summit as a platform for the learning and empowerment of aspiring women leaders to highlight their potential and grow in the context of diversity and participation in the workplace, with a clear focus on closing the gender gap at work.

According to him, the Big Tulip Summit received formal recognition and was given the status of the National Women Inspiring Programme by YAB Dato' Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia cum the Minister of Women, Family and Community Development during its inaugural organisation on 3 December 2018 in Kuala Lumpur.

The opening ceremony of the Big Tulip Summit 2019 also witnessed the presentation of the keynote address entitled "Equality Is My Dream" by YB Puan Chong Eng,Penang State EXCO for Women and Family Development, Gender Inclusiveness and Religion Other Than Islam cum Chairman of PWDC.

The two-day Big Tulip Summit 2019 which began on 20 August  brought together speakers and influential and inspirational panellists comprising well-known leaders, prominent men and successful women.

These leaders shared leadership experiences, knowledge and professional and personal stories to inspire some 230 participants.