Women entrepreneurs joined halal businesses and international speakers at the ASEAN Business Forum 2026 in Batam. Held from September 22 to 24, the program combined discussions on market access with international and national business matching.
The forum’s stated aim was to connect women-led enterprise, halal businesses, and overseas markets. It also sought to support development of the Batam-Bintan halal ecosystem. The three-day agenda moved from networking and recognition to buyer-seller introductions and product pitching.
According to IN Diplomacy’s forum report, the event used the theme “Connect, Collaborate, Grow.” Its program included a Women Business Forum, a Halal World Forum, and an international gala dinner.
Women Entrepreneurs Feature in the Opening Program
The September 22 opening took place at Harmoni One Hotel in Batam. The International Gala Dinner and Nusantara Heritage Night included a heritage parade, a traditional Malay performance, and cultural presentations.
The evening also included a welcome address and a Women Entrepreneur Recognition and International Networking session. Those activities preceded the following day’s discussions on business opportunities and international markets.
Halal Business Discussions Lead Into International Matching
The September 23 program brought together the Women Business Forum, Halal World Forum, and International Business Matching. Sessions addressed Indonesia’s opportunities in the global halal economy and Batam’s potential as a halal business hub.
Other topics included halal certification, one-stop services, and women’s role in reaching international markets. A talk show focused on women entrepreneurs and the halal world. It was followed by a declaration and commitment for women entrepreneurs and halal businesses.
International business matching took place that afternoon. Participants continued discussions about negotiations, product sampling, and possible memoranda of understanding. The report describes those memoranda as potential agreements.
Final Day Focuses on Buyers and Sellers
The September 24 program centered on national business matching under the theme “From Product to Partnership.” Buyers and sellers were introduced before product pitches and matching sessions. Closing discussions covered matching results and transaction commitments.
Dr. H. Zuraimi Jumaat, chief executive of Everdeen Global, thanked speakers for contributing to the forum and its pre-event webinar. Forum speakers came from countries including Turkey, South Korea, India, and Vietnam.
The webinar included participants from Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Turkey, Indonesia, Singapore, and Vietnam. Zuraimi also thanked supporting organizations and partners for their contributions.
For participating women entrepreneurs, the program offered both market-focused sessions and business introductions. Its closing discussions concerned how those connections could progress from products toward partnerships and transaction commitments.
Frequently asked questions
When and where was the ASEAN Business Forum 2026 held?
The forum took place in Batam, Kepulauan Riau, from September 22 to 24, 2026.
Which topics were discussed at the Women Business Forum?
The program covered women entrepreneurs reaching international markets, alongside halal certification, one-stop services, and halal business opportunities.
What happened during the international business matching session?
Participants discussed negotiations, product sampling, and potential memoranda of understanding during the afternoon session on September 23.
What was the focus of the forum’s final day?
The final day featured buyer-seller introductions, product pitching, national business matching, and discussions of results and transaction commitments.
