Pinnacle Entrepreneurs Forum Opens with Vision for ASEAN’s Digital and Innovation Landscape
The Pinnacle Entrepreneurs Forum (PEF) 2025, held as part of the ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Network (AWEN) 2025 celebrations, officially opened on the morning of November 21, 2025, at the Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, bringing together regional leaders and entrepreneurs for a full day focused on business, digital transformation, and innovation across ASEAN.
The ceremony was presided over by H.E. Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), representing Prime Minister Hun Manet of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and featured remarks from Lct. Dr. Eng Lykuong, Co-Founder and Chair of PEF & AWEN and President of CamWEN, and Thomith Chin, Co-Founder and Event Director of PEF.
In her welcome remarks, Lct. Dr. Eng Lykuong, highlighted PEF’s mission to strengthen regional collaboration and support women-led innovation across the region, emphasising that “True prosperity is unlocked when we connect, when a traditional business embraces digital transformation, when a bold innovation finds the smart capital it needs to scale.”
During his keynote speech, H.E. Sun Chanthol outlined Cambodia’s economic momentum and ASEAN’s shared entrepreneurial future, emphasising the central role entrepreneurship plays in building a more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable world, especially as ASEAN strengthens its position in the global economy. He noted that women entrepreneurs, in particular, are poised to shape impactful solutions across the region.
He called for ASEAN’s entrepreneurial platforms, including the PEF, to be scaled globally through stronger human capital, cross-border knowledge exchange, and deeper regional networks. Despite strong progress, the DPM highlighted that entrepreneurs across ASEAN continue to face persistent barriers, including limited access to funding, insufficient mentorship, and challenging regional networks. Addressing these gaps, he said, is critical for long-term competitiveness.
Reaffirming Cambodia’s growth, the Deputy Prime Minister highlighted that the country remains one of ASEAN’s fastest-growing economies, driven by manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism, and continues to be a high-opportunity destination for regional and global investors. As of today, the CDC has approved over 600 quality investment projects, signalling robust investor confidence and establishing Cambodia as a strategic stepping stone for ASEAN business expansion.
He also noted Cambodia’s world-class business environment, including the country’s reciprocal trade agreement with the United States—the first of its kind, and an entrepreneurial ecosystem increasingly attractive to both local and foreign founders. Pointing to FinTech, digital finance, and renewable energy, the Deputy Prime Minister described Cambodia’s rapidly rising digital economy as a foundation for innovation, investment, and future-ready industries.
He recognised AWEN for its vital role in strengthening women’s entrepreneurship, providing a platform where women can connect, collaborate, and access opportunities across the region. Despite the momentum, the Deputy Prime Minister called on ASEAN stakeholders to do more, stressing that women must be equipped with the tools and resources to compete globally.
He outlined four priority actions for advancing women’s entrepreneurship:
- Expand cross-border connections through platforms like PEF to enhance market access and strengthen international networks.
- Support women at scale by widening access to funding, mentorship, and business development programs.
- Promote inclusive innovation and technology, describing technology as “the great equaliser”.
- Foster sustainable, impact-driven enterprises, leveraging ASEAN’s potential in clean energy, responsible agriculture, and socially impactful business models.
The Deputy Prime Minister closed by encouraging leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs across ASEAN to strengthen collaboration, describing collective regional action as the pathway to global competitiveness and sustainable prosperity.
The Opening Ceremony concluded with a photo session, followed by a networking lunch and business-matching activities scheduled for early afternoon. Later in the day, participants will hear from senior leaders, including H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (virtual address); H.E. Cham Nimul, Minister of Commerce; H.E. Dr. Or Vandine, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Health; and a few key figures representing development organisations and commercial institutions.
The evening will culminate in the AWEN Award Gala Night, honouring exceptional women entrepreneurs from across ASEAN and marking the official handover of the AWEN Chairwomanship from Cambodia to Lao PDR, presided over by regional ministers and ASEAN leaders.
This press release was supplied.
