Equi joins leaders in Singapore to advance opportunities for women-owned businesses across APAC

Equi Consultancy Partners joined regional leaders at the WEConnect International APAC Summit 2026 in Singapore to advance opportunities for women-owned businesses across the Asia-Pacific region.

The two-day summit convened leaders from 13 countries, including multinational buyers, investors, policymakers, and ecosystem partners, to strengthen collaboration and accelerate inclusive economic growth across the region.

The event brought together public and private sector leaders to explore practical pathways for future-ready businesses amid economic uncertainty, geopolitical shifts, digital transformation, and sustainability challenges across APAC.

Equi Consultancy Partners CEO Nora Fraser participated in a strategic roundtable discussion examining how impact sourcing and the intentional engagement of women-owned businesses can create more inclusive supply chains.

“Across the Asia-Pacific region, there is growing recognition that inclusive procurement, innovation, and collaboration are essential drivers of sustainable economic growth,” said Fraser. “The summit created valuable opportunities to connect with leaders committed to strengthening pathways for women-owned businesses across APAC.”

Fraser added: “It was especially encouraging to see the focus on practical action, from AI adoption to public-private partnerships and impact sourcing. Bringing together governments, investors, corporates, and founders in one place creates meaningful opportunities for long-term regional impact.”

The summit also highlighted the growing role of AI in supporting SME growth, with sessions exploring how businesses are using AI-enabled tools to improve governance, streamline contracting, strengthen negotiation readiness, and support financial sustainability.

A notable outcome of the summit was Uzbekistan’s memorandum of understanding with WEConnect International, signed through Hamroh, a national initiative supporting women entrepreneurs across all 14 regions of the country with expanded access to finance, training, and markets.

While in Singapore, Equi Consultancy Partners also engaged with several of the region’s leading innovation and impact ecosystem organisations, including JTC LaunchPad @ one-north, Singapore’s flagship start-up ecosystem precinct designed to support entrepreneurship and innovation.

The summit concluded with a shared commitment among participants to strengthen partnerships, expand inclusive economic opportunities, and continue supporting the growth of women-owned businesses throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

Equi Consultancy Partners continues to work across business and government to support gender equality and women’s empowerment across workplaces, marketplaces, and communities. More information on their commitments is available here.