Engaging Enthusiastic Entrepreneurs: Sembang Sembang in Johor

Panelists offered important advice on branding and marketing for success.

On March 3, the successful “Sembang Sembang” series of networking events for women entrepreneurs sponsored by the U.S. Embassy and Warisan Global, expanded to the southern city of Johor Bahru.  50 women entrepreneurs and businesswomen gathered, along with several men at LACE Motor Sdn Bdh to participate in a discussion entitled “Branding and Marketing for Success.”  The session was hosted and moderated by Mohamad Redzuan, Senior Vice President of the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA).  Taking part on the panel were YBhg Dato’ Paduka Haja Rokiah Haji Omar, owner of LACE Motor and President of USAHANITA Johor; YBhg Dato’ Maimunah, entrepreneur on optical devices and consultant; and Puan Noreen, Managing Director of BeaubelleCosmetics and CEO of Women Shoppe.

The common message delivered by the panelists was that branding isn’t necessarily about the logo, tagline or a glossy brochure, but rather, it’s about branding a business with positivity.  Those in attendance were so enthusiastic about the program and with networking, that the session went on for an additional two hours.  This was the first Sembang Sembang for nearly all of the attendees and they were unanimous in their desire to attend more.

This session of “Sembang Sembang”  (Malay for “casual conversations”) was updated live on GEW Malaysia Twitter, GEWMalaysia Facebook Fan Page, and Sembang Sembang Facebook page.