Penang launches first virtual mall for women-run businesses

GEORGE TOWN – A virtual mall set up by women for women entrepreneurs in Penang was launched recently in conjunction with International Women’s Day 2021 today.

Dubbed PWEMall, it features 60 virtual stores, covering various consumer categories – digital, software and system services, education, environment, fashion, clothing and accessories, food and beverages, gifts, crafts and flowers, health and beauty, and professional and personal services.

This programme is the first of its kind and was created within a month since the idea was mooted. 

The initiative is undertaken by the Penang Women’s Development Corporation in partnership with the Penang government.

Penang executive councillor for social development Chong Eng expressed pride that the e-mall was set up by a mentee who emerged from the state-initiated Penang Women Entrepreneur Mentoring Programme (PWEMP).

“I am indeed proud to note that this e-mall is set-up by our own mentee from PWEMP, Lena Tan,” Chong said during the launch.

“She challenged herself and came up with this idea of an e-mall to showcase products and services from women entrepreneurs involved in PWEMP, and the others jumped in and took up the e-shops.”

Chong also said that the first PWEMP, which started in October 2020 and is scheduled to complete at the end of March, is on the verge of churning out 34 mentees from the M40 group and 71 mentees from the B40 group.

“We want more platforms like this, either through industries or the state, to offer more opportunities for women,” she said.

“But women will still have to work very hard to show that these investments are worth it.

“I want to see successful women help other people to be successful – that is our return of investment.”

Chong also expressed optimism that Penang can record 100,000 (40% out of all Penang SMEs) small and medium-scale enterprises owned by local women by 2030.

Right now, only 16% of all SMEs are run by women.

“Empowering women to earn money is one way to narrow the power gap between men and women,” she said. 

“It is my vision that when this happens, violence against women will also reduce.

“I want them to know that women are equally rich and powerful,” she said.

The PWEMall virtual mall is live for visits till March 14. 

It is run with strategic partnerships with WomenBizSense, Yayasan Kemajuan Sosial Malaysia, JCI Pearl, NAWEM Penang and Tamarai. 

Readers may visit the virtual mall here at https://www.pwemall.store.

Shoppers are encouraged to don VR goggles when entering the mall to experience a more complete shopping experience. – The Vibes, March 8, 2021