SME Academy Resources
GBG Malaysia is a network of professionals, entrepreneurs, and others who aim to become more successful in using web technologies and the internet to develop their businesses. The group is recognized but not managed by Google and has seven chapters across Malaysia.
WENA is founded on four pillars: 1. Development of women entrepreneurs; 2. Adoption of business-related technologies; 3. Research related to women entrepreneurs; 4. Relationships between the public and private sector. WENA runs a business clinic called the “Entrepreneur Emergency Room 360⁰,” which offers counseling from established entrepreneurs and industry leaders.
Membership in Peniagawati is open to all Bumiputera women entrepreneurs who have companies registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia, as well as professionals and managers. The association runs various events including an “Entrepreneur Extraordinaire Series” which features successful experiences of entrepreneurs. Through social media outlets, the association alerts members to upcoming opportunities.
Meetup.com connects hundreds of entrepreneurs throughout Malaysia for “casual networking” and information-sharing about business opportunities and other leads.
The Vietnam Microfinance Working Group’s mission is to “provide the poor in Viet Nam with support and access to professional, sustainable and socially responsible financial services.” The group provides a forum for microfinance practitioners to lobby as a unified voice and share experiences. The group is open to all individuals and organizations with an interest in microfinance working in Viet Nam and currently has nearly 100 members, including government agencies, microfinance institutions, NGOs, individuals, and others.
A quasi-public organization, VWU has a membership of over 13 million women with a network throughout Viet Nam, including more than 10,000 local women’s unions in communes and towns across the economy. The Union is active in supporting women’s entrepreneurship, viewing its role as a promoter and supporter of women-run enterprises, gender equality, Viet Nam’s integration into the international economy, and socio-economic development in Viet Nam. Its support for women entrepreneurs includes policy advocacy, including research studies, surveys, and workshops. VWU also raises gender awareness of policy makers and other influential actors and supports access to credit for women’s businesses.
This NGO aims for improved access to resources and strategic participation in programs that will lead to economically empowered and politically engaged women. SPARK also works toward inclusive policy and practices, gender-responsive financial and political commitments, stronger partnerships and networks among different women’s groups and organizations. SPARK also mentors the next generation of women and engages men to advocate and support women’s issues.
Malaysia’s largest association of enterprises other business organizations, the Malay Chamber of Commerce represents its members’ interests in business and trade within Malaysia and internationally. For exporters, the Chamber issues “certificate of origin” credentials to verify goods exported from Malaysia.
NAWEM is a multi-cultural association for women entrepreneurs whose mission is to “provide the leadership and inspiration to act as a conduit to the transformation of the role of women in business into a dynamic force.” NAWEM supports woman-owned businesses; represents the interests of women entrepreneurs before the government; promote women’s leadership; conducts a variety of training and events; and offers grants to members. NAWEM has branches in Penang, Sabah, Sarawak, and Johor.