ASEAN Leaders Gather in Phnom Penh to Honour Outstanding Women Entrepreneurs at AWEN Award Gala Night 2025
The ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Network (AWEN) Award Gala Night 2025 took place on November 21, 2025, at the Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, bringing together distinguished government leaders, business pioneers, and women entrepreneurs from across the region. Delegations from ASEAN member states attended the ceremony to receive this yearʼs AWEN Awards, which honour women entrepreneurs who have demonstrated notable leadership, innovation, and regional impact.
The ceremony opened with welcoming remarks from Lct. Dr. Eng Lykuong, Chair of AWEN and President of CamWEN, who reflected on AWENʼs growing legacy and the vital role of cross-border collaboration in advancing womenʼs economic participation.
A key session of the evening was the Official Chairwomanship Transition Ceremony from Cambodia to Lao PDR, marking an important milestone for AWENʼs regional leadership. The ceremony was formally presided over by:
- H.E. Dr. Ing Kanthaphavi, Minister of Womenʼs Affairs of Cambodia
- H.E. Cham Nimul, Minister of Commerce of Cambodia
- H.E. Khieu Kanharith, Senior Advisor to His Majesty the King of Cambodia
Next followed the presentation of AWEN Awards to outstanding women entrepreneurs from across Southeast Asia, recognising excellence in leadership, enterprise development, and social impact. Awardees represented diverse industries and sectors, demonstrating the breadth of talent and resilience among ASEANʼs women leaders.
The evening concluded with an acceptance address from the incoming AWEN Chair from Lao PDR, who affirmed the Networkʼs continued dedication to empowering women entrepreneurs through collaboration, capacity building, and regional partnerships.
The 2025 Awards Night showcased Cambodiaʼs leadership in convening the region and reaffirmed ASEANʼs commitment to supporting women-led businesses as drivers of sustainable and inclusive growth.
This press release was supplied.
