KUALA LUMPUR, 16 October 2025: Aptly themed ‘CatalystHER: Empowering Resilience & Agility in the AI Era’, the Big Tulip Summit 2025 focused the pivotal role of women as drivers of transformation in the age of artificial intelligence (AI).
Organised by the Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) Othman Yeop Abdullah Graduate School of Business (OYAGSB), the summit brought together influential leaders, professionals, and policymakers to emphasise the contributions of women and young professionals in building resilience and agility in an AI-driven era.
The opening of Big Tulip Summit 2025 was officiated by the Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Dato’ Seri Dr. Noraini Ahmad, who also expressed her appreciation to UUM OYAGSB for its continued leadership in advancing the agenda of women’s empowerment and leadership through this prestigious platform.
According to her, the chosen theme reflects a vision of women not merely adapting to change but actively shaping the future through innovation, intelligence, and inclusive leadership.
“We live in an extraordinary era of transformation where artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer an emerging concept, but a central force reshaping economies, institutions, and everyday lives.
“Yet, amid this rapid progress, we must ask ourselves a crucial question: Are women and girls included, equipped, and empowered to thrive in this AI-driven world? The answer must be yes. And to make this a reality, we must act with urgency and unity.
“At the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, we are deeply committed to building an environment that empowers women to lead with confidence in the AI era,” she said.
She also urged all participants of the Big Tulip Summit 2025 to collaborate across government, academia, private industry, and civil society to shape an inclusive digital future that leaves no woman behind.
Meanwhile, UUM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), Prof. Dr Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani said that the summit serves as a platform for learning, sharing and empowerment to help ambitious individuals realise their fullest potential.
According to him, UUM steadfast in its mission to cultivate leadership that is not only intelligent but also inclusive and resilient.
“This platform reflects the belief that women leaders, when empowered with digital readiness, strategic foresight, and resilience, become the main catalysts in creating agile, ethical and sustainable organisations,” he added.
Dean of OYAGSB, Prof. Dr Hassan Abu Bakar, emphasised that this year’s theme highlights women as agents of transformation, innovation and adaptability in an increasingly AI-driven future.
He further observed that the summit will also explore how technology can strengthen women’s leadership, resilience, and opportunities across diverse sectors, while expressing his hope that participants would gain valuable insights from the sharing sessions throughout the programme.
The summit commenced with the first session titled ‘HER AI Edge: From Side Hustle to Scalable Impact’, featuring Mdm. Petrina Goh, Chief Executive Officer of Nuren Group; Puan Sri Nisa Bakri, Founder and CEO of Nisa Holdings; and Mdm. Chin See Mei, Independent Non-Executive Director of PayNet Malaysia.
Moderated by Prof. Ts. Dr. Norazah Mohd Suki, the session explored how women entrepreneurs are leveraging AI and technology to expand their businesses, enhance efficiency and create sustainable impact.
The summit also featured Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, Adjunct Professor at OYAGSB and former Minister of International Trade and Industry, who delivered a keynote address on the role of AI in the today’s context.
According to her, AI is a powerful instrument of empowerment.
“AI can be a tool for progress, but if misused, it can also be a source of harm. The future of this technology ultimately depends on human values and intentions.
“Therefore, it is vital for us, whether developers, users, or policymakers, to always act responsibly, ethically and thoughtfully in every step of AI’s development and application,” she said.
The second session, ‘Future-Proof HER: Skills to Stay Ahead in a Changing Economy’, featured Dr Vimi Ramasamy, Founder and CEO of Stravik Malaysia; Mdm. Dzuleira Abu Bakar, CEO of Nine Yards Ventures; and Mdm. Syireen Rose Mohamead Sha’ari, President of the Women Entrepreneur Network Association of Malaysia (WENA).
The session was moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sabariah Yaakub, and focused on critical skills women must acquire to remain resilient and competitive in a rapidly evolving economic landscape.
Finally, the summit concluded with the closing session, ‘HER Health and Wealth’, featuring Mr. Yoganathan, Managing Director of Gloria Beauty Wellness.
This final session underscored the role to the Big Tulip Summit as a holistic platform for learning and empowerment, enabling future leaders to unlock their potential and continue to thrive in a dynamic and technology-driven world.
