Women-Led Enterprises Record RM229 Million in Projected Sales at Inaugural WiEX @ MIHAS 2026

Whole-of-Government initiative empowers women exporters to secure international trade leads at the inaugural WiEX @ MIHAS 2026.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 October 2026 – Demonstrating the global demand for Malaysian innovation, women-led enterprises achieved RM229 million in potential export sales during the pre-arranged business matching sessions and the 4-days exhibition held at the Women in Export (WiEX) Pavilion @ MIHAS 2026.

The targeted 215 B2B meetings connected local women entrepreneurs with international buyers and distributors from Egypt, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia and Myanmar. Women-owned companies from Selangor, Kedah and Kuala Lumpur, Perak and Penang topped the sales with a combined value totaling RM129.84 million for confectionary, snacks, coffee, tea, cocoa and sportswear products.

The WiEX platform held in conjunction with MIHAS 2026 underscores a strategic Whole-of-Government (WoG) approach to scaling women-led businesses into high-value global supply chains. Led by MATRADE with the support of Pertubuhan Hal Ehwal Wanita dan Keluarga Malaysia (HAWA Malaysia), the initiative brought together key government Ministries and developmental Agencies, including the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), SME Corp, Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER), Wanita Berdaya Selangor (WBS) and UDA Holdings Bhd. This inter-agency ecosystem ensures the inclusiveness of women entrepreneurs' transition seamlessly from domestic capacity-building to international market placement.

Speaking at the WiEX Forum, MATRADE Chairman, Dato' Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican highlighted that:

"The contribution of women entrepreneurs is not a side story in our economy; it is central to it. DOSM's Economic Census 2023 shows women own 20.1% of Malaysian businesses, generating RM136.9 billion in output and employing nearly a million people. Yet, there remains room to improve export readiness. That is why MATRADE continues the WiEX initiative alongside HAWA Malaysia, chaired by Tan Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil. I am delighted that WiEX is now incorporated as a key component under MIHAS 2026, delivering a complete ecosystem of capacity building, market access, and recognition under one roof to help women entrepreneurs seize global opportunities."

"In the era of Industry 5.0, success is no longer defined by high-tech alone, but also by high touch. Businesses must go beyond profit and contribute meaningfully to the well-being of their employees, communities and society. As women leaders and entrepreneurs, we must ensure that technological progress is balanced with values that are inclusive, ethical and anchored in integrity", said Tan Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, President of HAWA Malaysia during her opening speech.

Complementing the commercial outcomes at the WiEX Pavilion is the WiEX Forum 2026 brought together over 300 participants for actionable knowledge-sharing under the theme "Thriving through Uncertainty: Adapt, Compete, and Grow."

The forum featured an array of industry leaders and founders sharing practical international expansion models:

• Ms. Low Ngai Yuen, Managing Director of AEON 360, detailed retail procurement standards and supply chain integration strategies for domestic and regional growth.
• Datin Eryca Baiduri (Madammu), Founder of NOIR, delivered a fireside chat on evolving a home-based digital business into a scalable global beauty and health brand.
• Founder-led Panel: Moderated by TV personality Ms. Azaria Tagaya, a dynamic panel consisting of Ms. Amnah Shari (Founder/CEO, Serunai Commerce), Tengku Norhanim Tengku Othman (Founder/CEO, NIMS Adeliciousz), Ms. Jesmine Tan (Co-Founder/COO, Applecrumby), and Ms. Amy Blair (Founder/CEO, Batik Boutique) provided tactical lessons on maintaining quality, navigating regulatory compliance, and managing supply chains across export markets.

Through the combined impact of trade facilitation, strategic cross-agency backing and industry mentorship, MATRADE will continue working alongside HAWA Malaysia, KKDW, MARA, SME Corp and NCER and international trade partners to elevate the 'Made by Malaysia' brand globally.

Hashtag: #MIHAS

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MATRADE

The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) is Malaysia's national trade promotion agency. Established in March 1993, its primary role is to assist Malaysian exporters in developing and expanding their export markets. Aligned with Malaysia's commercial diplomacy efforts, MATRADE is the nation’s trade facilitator and champion of Malaysian-made products and services on the global stage.

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From Mekong-side culture in Vientiane to the mountains and adventure of Vang Vieng, Amari encourages travellers to experience Laos at a slower pace

VIENTIANE, LAOS – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 October 2026 – Amari is inviting international travellers to discover two contrasting sides of Laos in one journey, combining the culture, cuisine and laid-back riverside life of the capital, Vientiane, with the dramatic mountain landscapes and outdoor adventures of Vang Vieng.

Connected by rail, the two destinations offer a compelling twin-centre itinerary for travellers looking to experience more of Laos beyond a traditional sightseeing trip. Amari Vientiane and Amari Vang Vieng provide bases at either end of the journey, allowing guests to move from life beside the Mekong River to the limestone mountains and waterways surrounding the Nam Song River.

The experience reflects a different approach to discovering Laos: travelling at a pace that leaves room for local food, everyday encounters and spontaneous discoveries alongside the country's better-known attractions.

A Capital Best Discovered Slowly

Vientiane may be the capital and economic and cultural centre of Laos, but its appeal lies as much in its unhurried atmosphere as its major landmarks.

Travellers can visit icons including Pha That Luang, Patuxai and Wat Si Saket, while leaving time to explore local markets, discover small cafés, try Lao coffee, cycle through quieter streets and watch the city come to life beside the Mekong River as evening approaches.

Food provides another window into the destination, from noodle dishes and locally caught river fish to dishes flavoured with native herbs and ingredients. Even simple interactions – a "Sabaidee" greeting, a conversation at a market or a recommendation from a local – can become part of the experience.

Located in the heart of the city beside the Mekong River, Amari Vientiane places guests close to many of these experiences while providing a retreat from the capital outside.

Approximately 4.8 kilometres from Wattay International Airport, the hotel offers 242 rooms and suites alongside a swimming pool, fitness centre and Breeze Spa.

Its dining experiences bring further elements of the destination into the hotel. Amaya Food Gallery combines international and Thai cuisine with dishes influenced by Lao flavours and ingredients.

As evening falls, Stellar Rooftop Bar provides another perspective on the capital, with views across the river as the sun sets and Vientiane moves into its evening rhythm.

From Capital Culture to Vang Vieng Adventure The experience changes dramatically in Vang Vieng. Travelling from Vientiane to Vang Vieng by rail allows visitors to exchange the capital's temples, markets and Mekong-side life for limestone mountains, caves, waterways and outdoor adventure.

Set beside the Nam Song River, Amari Vang Vieng places the surrounding landscape at the heart of the stay. Its more than 160 contemporary rooms incorporate details inspired by Lao craftsmanship, with views towards the mountains and surrounding countryside.

The destination offers a very different way to experience Laos.

Travellers can kayak along the Nam Song River, explore caves, experience the landscape from above or simply spend time surrounded by Vang Vieng's striking natural scenery.

After a day outdoors, guests can return to the hotel to relax and dine against a backdrop of mountains and river views.

Two Destinations, One Laos Journey

Together, Vientiane and Vang Vieng demonstrate how dramatically the character of Laos can change within a single journey.

In Vientiane, the experience centres on culture, cuisine, temples and everyday life along the Mekong. In Vang Vieng, mountains, waterways and outdoor experiences take centre stage.

Yet both lend themselves to a style of travel that encourages visitors to spend longer in a destination rather than racing between attractions.

Through Amari's More of What You Love philosophy, both hotels aim to connect the stay more closely with the places around them – through food, relaxation, well-being, local encounters and experiences that encourage guests to explore beyond the hotel.

For travellers, the result is an opportunity to see two distinct faces of Laos in one trip: beginning with the understated charm of the capital before changing pace amid the spectacular landscapes of Vang Vieng.

Because sometimes the most memorable way to discover a destination is not to see more, but to give yourself more time to experience it.

Hashtag: #ONYXHospitalityGroup

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** This press release is distributed by Media OutReach Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **

Amari Puts Two Sides Of Laos Within Easy Reach For International Travellers