The Singapore Women Entrepreneurs Network (SG-WEN) and Standard Chartered Singapore commemorated International Women’s Day with a landmark event today to celebrate, inspire and uplift the Singapore women entrepreneur community.

The event featured an insightful sharing session by Ms Irene Ang, CEO and Founder of FLY Entertainment, and provided a platform for women entrepreneurs to seek guidance and support from experts on various critical aspects of business development, including fund raising and grants, internationalisation strategies and work-life harmony.

In line with the International Women’s Day 2024 theme of “Inspiring Inclusion”, the joint initiative between SG-WEN and Standard Chartered reflects the shared commitment to foster inclusivity, diversity, and empowerment within the entrepreneurial ecosystem for women entrepreneurs to reach their full potential.

Since the launch of the Standard Chartered Women’s International Network (SC WIN) in Singapore in September 2023, the bank has helped women entrepreneurs set up banking facilities and operating accounts for their businesses, generating greater value for communities and economies both locally and internationally. Across its footprint in Asia, Africa and Middle East, SC WIN has extended over US$100 million worth of financing in the past year.

Ms Rachel Eng, Chairperson of SG-WEN, remarked, “International Women’s Day serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of empowering women in entrepreneurship. Since SG-WEN was set up in 2021, our membership growth has been exponential with more than 550 members part of this network today. This signals a strong desire for women entrepreneurs to collaborate, share knowledge and uplift one another. We hope that greater women entrepreneurs and like-minded partners like Standard Chartered can step forward and help grow SG-WEN to be an impactful force in Singapore and ASEAN.”

Ms Teresa Tah, General Manager, Business Banking at Standard Chartered Singapore said, “Standard Chartered is proud to collaborate with SG-WEN in empowering women entrepreneurs by offering them equitable access to financial services and new opportunities to connect to a global network of like-minded entrepreneurs through SC WIN. As a Bank, we are committed to lifting participation and advancing financial inclusion and we look forward to the continued growth of our partnership with SG-WEN.”

In line with International Women’s Day, three SG-WEN members shared their thoughts on its significance and how being part of SG-WEN has enriched and propelled their entrepreneurial journey.

• Tonya Tan, Founder & Business Sustainability Enabler, World Future Enterprises, Member of the Saudi-Singapore Business Council: 
  “International Women’s Day is about celebrating the achievements of women and inspiring the next generation of female leaders. I encourage fellow women entrepreneurs to embrace their strengths, pursue their passions, and support each other in our journey towards success.”
• Clara Kwan, Global Head of Sustainability and Impact Investment, Consulus:
  “International Women’s Day is a reminder of the resilience and strength of women worldwide. Being part of the SG-WEN family and having the privilege to serve as a Subcommittee Member has given me access to resources and invaluable opportunities to succeed as a woman entrepreneur.”
• Samsiah Suliman, CEO, Jumain Sataysfaction:
  “International Women’s Day is a celebration of women’s achievements and a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to support and uplift women entrepreneurs. I am glad to be part of the inaugural SG-WEN Entrepreneurs Circle which has been a source of inspiration and support. As the co-lead for the Entrepreneurs Circle today, I am excited to be able to play an active role in continuing to raise one another up through the power of collaboration.