WAWASANITA, an Association of Bumiputra Women Entrepreneur of Malaysia was formed in 1996 with more than 1,000 registered members from all over Malaysia. Its main objective is to bring together women entrepreneurs and to assist and develop members to succeed in their business endeavours in this complex and challenging environment.

WAWASANITA provides opportunities for networking amongst members and encourage members to support each other in promoting the growth of women-owned enterprises through sharing of information. WAWASANITA also conducts various programmes with all government agencies for members to further enhances their skills and create innovative and competitive force in economic activities.

WAWASANITA works closely with government bodies such as Ministry of Entrepreneur and Co-operative Development (MECD), Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), Minister of Women, Family and Community Development and their related agencies in order to create enabling environment for the promotion of women enterprises.

WAWASANITA is committed in their effort in assisting members to promote their products and to get more market access both locally and globally. Towards this end, many have showcased their products during the third MIHAS (Malaysian International Halal Showcase) in May 2006 and many other trade exhibitions. Their participation enabled them to establish business linkages and keep abreast with the latest market trends.

Puan Noor Hayati is the President of Wawasanita. She used to work for a multi-national company for several years. The exposure and experience acquired has given her the confidence to venture into business.

The best and safest thing is to keep a balance in your life, acknowledge the great powers around us and in us….

She contributes her success in business mainly through determination, hard work and good planning. She believes that it is important to be committed in achieving goals but at the same time be sensitive to market changes. The combination of capital investment, human resources and sensitivity towards the market conditions have also helped to bring her the success she enjoys today.

Puan Noor Hayati generally feels that women of today are more educated and are aware of their rights. They are afforded the same or more opportunities than men and many have careers in many areas of business. She also feels that women today are more financially independent and form the backbone in the country’s economy and workforce. Given the support and programs by the government and public recognition for their contributions, many have excelled in their chosen fields.

Through WAWASANITA, Puan Noor Hayati hopes that she will be able to develop more women entrepreneurs and her personal advice to aspiring women are for them to be physically and mentally ready to meet future challenges. They must be prepared to enrich themselves with knowledge, know the business well, acquire new skills, be innovative and be strong to face any adversity.