2020 EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
31 January 2020 – CNY Potluck for members.
KAD for Support & Network: Tammy Yeoh
14 February – Happy Hearts’ Day with 100 Elderly at House of Hope
KAD for Social Responsibility: Lynda Tan
We decided to celebrate Valentine’s Day with 100 senior citizens – many of them in their 70s and 80s – by giving them not just KFC but also a chance for them to sing, dance and have fun like kids! Each year we celebrate CNY through a steamboat lunch but this year, we decided to be truly creative and spend time with them. We also gave out ang pows and even sang a birthday song to 86 year old Mr Wong Eng Kee. Lest you think that KFC is not the best kind of food for the elderly, many of them appreciate it as they rarely if ever get to enjoy such “luxuries”. Some quickly put their KFC box into their bags, wanting to savour the fried chicken at home! Grateful thanks to WBS members who contributed money, food and time towards our social responsibility event led by Lynda Tan, our Key Area Director for Social Responsibility.
28 February – Orientation Lunch for New Members at Jazz Hotel
27 March – AGM & Special International Women’s Day Talk.
The talk is open to men and women. Details and registration here.
2019 EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
26 January 2019
Celebrating A New Beginning in 2019
Venue – Tower Club, Level 60, The TOP Komtar
For more information – http://womenbizsense.com/2019/01/double-celebration/
7 March 2019
BizBuddy Tea Talk for Entrepreneurs
A programme by Sunshine Wholesale Mart, Penang Women’s Development Corporation and WomenBizSENSE brought together 70 enthusiastic entrepreneurs to understand how to get products into retail stores like Sunshine.
Venue – Indoor Cafe @ Level 10, Suntech @ Penang Cybercity, Lintang Mayang Pasir 3, 11950 Bayan Baru, Penang
Photos & event writeup here.
12 – 13 March 2019
Women Netprenuer eCommerce series
A collaboration between Gorgeous Geeks and SME Corp with WomenBizSENSE as the community partner.
Venue – The Light Hotel (Seberang Jaya), Lebuh Tenggiri 2, Bandar Seberang Jaya, 13700 Penang
Photos of event here.
22 March 2019
WBS 13th AGM, followed by a talk on Business Start-up Essentials & the launching of WomenBizSENSE Inaugural Entrepreneurship Mentoring Programme Venue – Jora Reignmakers, B-3-1, Vantage, Jalan Desiran Tanjung, Tanjung Tokong, Penang
5 April 2019
Purpose & Profitability with Patrice Tsague (talk with lunch)
Venue – Kraffmen, 80, Jalan Zainal Abidin, Georgetown.
19 April 2019
Corporate Visit to Ee Lian Enterprise (M) Sdn Bhd
Venue – Kawasan Perindustrian Bukit Minyak
4 May 2019
Parents’ Day Collaboration With The Chief Minister’s Office
A collaboration with Penang’s Chief Minister’s Padang Kota constituency to co-organize a family-friendly event for several elderly homes and schools/ centres for children with special needs. Venue – Moral Uplifting Society, Jalan Utama. Buletin Mutiara report here.
31 May 2019
Time And Space Management Talk
Venue – Jora Reignmakers, B-3-1, Vantage, Jalan Desiran Tanjung, Tanjung Tokong, Penang
19 June 2019
Business Support Network (BSN) – 2nd excursion (Southern)
Location 1: City Wellness Pharmacy
Location 2: Soap Cart
28 June 2019
Art Skills & Dance Session for the students of the Special Children Centre (SCC)
Venue – SCC, 24-B Jalan Grove, Penang
29 June 2019
Discover Your Strengths
A collaboration event between WomenBizSENSE & Google Business Group featuring Anushia Kandasamy
Venue – aCAT Penang, 16 Gat Lebuh China, George Town, Penang
17 Jul 2019 – Business Support Network (BSN)
20-21 August 2019
Seminar Infiniti e-Commerce Penang 2019
Event by organised by SME Corp, Gorgeous Geeks and WomenBizSENSE as the community partner. Venue – Sunway Hotel, Seberang Jaya
30 August 2019
Aloha Hawaii! WomenBizSENSE co-founder, Krista Goon, shared her experience as the only 2019 Malaysian recipient of the US scholarship for the Changing Faces programme in Hawaii. Venue – Jora Reignmakers, B-3-1, Vantage, Jalan Desiran Tanjung, Tanjung Tokong, Penang
5 October 2019
13th Anniversary Fundraiser Dinner & Dance
“Retro Night: Back to the 70s and 80s”
Venue – Olive Tree Hotel Penang Ballroom, 76 Jalan Mahsuri, Penang. Celebration of our 13th years of founding. Photos & event here.
11 October 2019
WomenBizSENSE Business Mentoring Programme Graduation Showcase
Venue: Jora Reignmakers, B-3-1, Vantage, Jalan Desiran Tanjung, Tanjung Tokong, Penang
Five women mentees who underwent the 4.5 months programme with selected mentors had their graduation presentation and showcase at Jora.
20 November 2019
Bling Bling Visit
Networking event with the CEOs of Venessa Diamonds, Marque de Luxe, Amee Philips & Nam Loong Jewellers. For members only.
14 December 2019
Christmas Hi-Tea for WBS members & friends
Venue: Level 29, Jazz Hotel, Tg Tokong, Penang.
14 December 2019
Christmas Party ‘Joy to Penang’ Collaboration with Padang Kota Constituency (by invitation only event)
Venue: The TOP, Komtar
2018 EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
For photos of all our activities, please visit our Facebook page.
27 January – Grow Your New Year with WBS event at Real Food, Straits Quay.
10 March – House of Hope Chinese New Year Steamboat for Seniors. Venue: House of Hope, Rifle Range, 12pm to 2pm, Saturday.
10 March – CNY celebration dinner for WBS members and friends. Venue: Olive Tree Hotel.
30 March – WBS Monthly Meeting with member Hayley James on “How to Sell Yourself – Naturally” seminar cum workshop, plus business sharing session by members Vanitha, Jenny Lam and Sany Low.
27 April – High-Tea at Level 60, The Top, Komtar with a tour of the Business Club and a session with the COO of Tower Club.
25 May – WBS Monthly Meeting with member Elizabeth and Burnie on “The Right Image Enhances Your Business”.
29 June – Attendees took part in a unique entrepreneur card game called Big Timer at Jora Reignmakers. The event was conducted by Krista Goon and Nic Sim of Redbox Studio, the creators of the game.
27 July – WBS Meeting – An educational presentation by Doreen Tan, Rebecca Chong and Traccey Yeap to educate members and friends about the importance of insuring your business, trademarking your IP and setting up your business properly.
18 August – 12th Anniversary Dinner “Bollywood Night” (Organising Chairperson: Surinder Kaur) at Level 5, Komtar.
28 Sept – WBS Meeting. A tour to learn about how Mattel started and their operations in their factory in Prai.
26 Oct – WBS Annual General Meeting at Level 60, The Top Komtar to elect the new office-bearers for 2019/2020.
8 Dec – Christmas celebration for the underprivileged with KADUN Padang Kota at Olive Tree Hotel. We hosted House of Hope as well as Special Children’s Centre with games, food, carolling and more.
2017 EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
For photos of all our activities, please visit our Facebook page.
20 January
We had a lunch followed by our first WBS monthly meeting, a sharing session by Surinder Kaur, an entrepreneur who switched from a highly successful corporate career to start her own business in trading and now in manufacturing coconut water.
25 February event
WBS organised one of its annual Social Responsibility programs, CNY Steamboat Lunch and Angpow for seniors of House of Hope. We made and served a steamboat lunch for 80 senior citizens at House of Hope. Angpows were also given to them as well. Venue: House of Hope, Rifle Range.
31 March meeting
Education Director, Jeanne Ooi, presented ‘6 Steps To A Winning Business’ Seminar cum workshop.
28 April meeting
First session by guest speaker Mr William Cheong on “How to generate sales through Facebook”. Second session by 4 WBS members who shared about their businesses.
13 May – special session
Education session featuring member and stylist Burnie Lok.
1 June Entrepreneurship visit
Factory Visit to Ghee Hiang. Collaboration between WBS & NAWEM. We visited Ghee Hiang @ Beach St and Ghee Hiang @ Burmah Rd.
3 June – special session
Education session featuring member and company secretary Cheah Kiu Hong.
23 June meeting
“Online Productivity Tools for Women Business Owners” – A talk presented by Krista Goon & Pauline Ang to help women in business make full use of technology to speed up their business while saving time and money.
22 July 2017
WBS 11th Anniversary -. Kebaya Delights Luncheon (open to all women)
This women-only luncheon was held at Olive Tree Hotel. Themed Kebaya Delights, it also featured a fashion and jewellery show as well as lucky draws.
25 August Entrepreneurship visit
Visit to Jonathan Yun Sculptural Jewelry and hosted by the entrepreneur himself. A close look at the jewellery business.
29 September Meeting
‘Who Ate My Time’ Seminar cum Workshop to help members with prioritisation and time management. Presented by Jeanne Ooi, KAD for Education.
27 October 2017
WomenBizSENSE Annual General Meeting @ Dandy Modern Food, 2pm to 4pm. Complimentary lunch was served.
10 December 2017
House of Hope community event in collaboration with YB Chow Kon Yeow’s team at Berjaya Georgetown Hotel for single mothers, children and seniors.
12 December 2017
Christmas Lunch for WBS members and friends @ Kraffmen Cafe.
2016 EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
For photos of all our activities, please visit our Facebook page.
FIRST QUARTER
29 Jan – We visited the MyKuali factory at Bukit Minyak on 27 January. This is a joint visit with NAWEM to hear the success journey of the MyKuali brand.
16 Feb, Social – Chinese New Year Dinner & Get-Together at Ruins of Victoria, a newly opened F&B outlet in Victoria Street owned by one of our members.
25 March, 2.30pm-4.30pm at YMCA Penang. Cecilia presented on “Networking Through Treasure Hunting”.
SECOND QUARTER
6 April, Wed – Visit to Pensonic Headquarters and Factory to meet its CEO, Mr Chew. Joint visit with JCI Pearl.
29 April at YMCA Penang (2pm-4:30pm). Dr YKK (Yew Kam Keong), renowned business innovation speaker & best-selling author shared how women entrepreneurs can fly with innovation.
27 May, 2.30pm, JORA at Tanjung Tokong. We played the game of Leverage where we were exposed to 282 strategies that will increase customers, revenue and profits as well as 84 strategies to develop teams to deliver to their customers on time. Game coordinator: Jeanne Ooi, founder and Chief Reignmaker at Jora Reignmakers, a coaching and training company focusing on career, business and leadership.
24 June,Key Area: Education – KAD: Lilian Lim (012 423 6611), PIC: Mety Lee. We had a great time sharing about the failures and mistakes we made in our businesses. It was a good sharing session as we opened up about past mistakes and lessons learnt.
THIRD QUARTER
23 July, WomenBizSENSE 10th Anniversary Gala Dinner Celebrations at Berjaya Georgetown Hotel (organizing chair: Cecilia Yew). We successfully celebrated our 10th years as an organisation and brought together some 90 women to have dress up and have a glamorous evening!
26 Aug at YMCA Penang. Panel discussion by 3 WBS members and moderated by Ms Kristine Leong.
FINAL QUARTER
1 Oct, Women Entrepreneurship Expo at Iconic Hotel, Prai (headed by Organising Chairperson, Mardilyn King). Our first ever expo to bring together women entrepreneurs to network, learn and collaborate. It featured guest speakers, fun activities for the family and a chance for aspiring entrepreneurs to meet with other women who are in business.
28 Oct, AGM – We elected our incoming office-bearers for 2017-2018.
20 Nov – We organised a public event, Heritage Walk Hunt to raise funds for our Social Responsibility account. We had more than 350 participants for this event.
3 Dec – Christmas Party for the underprivileged at Olive Tree Hotel, a collaboration with YB Chow Kon Yeow’s office for 190 children and single mothers.
15 Dec – Christmas Lunch & Installation at Macalister Mansion. We welcomed the incoming and newly elected Committee.
2015 EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
FIRST QUARTER
30 January, 2.30pm-4.30pm @SoVo – First Kickoff Meeting to start the year. Members were asked to brainstorm what they wanted to see in WBS for the entire year. We also challenged members to write down their goals. These goals will be reviewed in June to see if we’ve kept to our promises! Meeting coordinator: Krista. Photos on our FB page.
13 February, 11am (Friday), Pre-CNY Charity Steamboat Lunch at House of Hope, Air Itam.This is a special community event that we organised this year in collaboration with JCI Pearl. WomenBizSENSE & JCI Pearl organised a pre-CNY steamboat party for 100 senior citizens at House of Hope. This is a joint effort to bring CNY cheer to the senior citizens who are residing in the Rifle Range flats. Photos on our FB page.
27 February. 7pm-10pm. Chinese New Year 8-course Lou Sang Dinner for WBS members and guests. Venue: Loke Thye Kee Restaurant, Jalan Burma, George Town. Photos on our FB page.
8 March, 9am – 1pm, Sunday. International Women’s Day celebration at Beach Street, George Town. WomenBizSENSE participated with a booth at this Penang State endorsed celebration.
27 March, 2.30pm-4.30pm @YMCA Penang -“An Afternoon With 3 Business Ladies” at YMCA Penang featuring Pam Mueller (5.4º North), Mardilyn King (Kids Seahome Montessori) and Jerrica Tan (SoapCart). Meeting coordinator: Ai Li & Josephine Yoong.
SECOND QUARTER
24 April, 2pm-4pm at PenangPAC at Straits Quay – Drama Workshop. This time around we are collaborating with PenangPAC for a drama and teambuilding workshop for our members. The workshop aims to help us develop the skills needed to be a more confident entrepreneur. Meeting coordinator: Kristine. Photos at our FB page.
22 May – Krista Goon was one of the panellists at the Penang Institute organised forum entitled “Retaining Women In the Workforce” to be held at Royale Bintang Hotel. She spoke on her core area of expertise, women entrepreneurship. Other panellists include Dr Wong Chin Huat (Penang Institute), YB Steven Sim (MP of Bukit Mertajam), Janarthani Arumugam (President of EMPOWER) and Datin Rohana Weiler, ex VP of HR for Asia-Pacific Agilent Technologies.
29 May – Krista Goon gave a talk on the power of marketing oneself at Incitement Penang held at Hin Bus Depot, Jalan Gurdwara.
30 May. Josephine Yoong was one of the 8 invited women at this event. She shared about her publishing journey and the idea of integrity and tapirs at TEDxWeldQuay at Penang Town Hall.
29 May, 2.30pm-4.30pm – We held our meeting offsite at the Bing Han office at Pekaka Square, Jalan Sungai Dua featuring 2 of our members, Kiki Saw and Tan Bee Ling. Besides a fun cooking demo using the Thermomix and using Bing Han ginseng powder, the two ladies also shared the ups and downs of running their businesses. May meeting coordinator, Jennifer.
26 June – Cecilia Yew presented on 7 steps to problem-solving. This session included a fun ice-breaker. Our Key Area Directors – Lilian Lim, Yeap Ai Li, Jennifer Yeoh and Pauline Ang updated members on their key areas for the rest of the year. Meeting coordinator: Cecilia. Photos on our FB page.
27 June – WBS under our Social Responsibility Director Pauline Ang took part in Tenby International School’s Summer Fair. We took a booth to sell cupcakes to raise funds for our Social Responsibility account (which is used for community events like our year-end party for the children of House of Hope). We managed to raise RM909 for our SR account after deducting all costs and the 20% contribution to Tenby. Thanks to members who helped with the baking, selling and more! Photos on our FB page.
30 June – WBS members were given complimentary seats (valued at RM650 each) at the i-HR breakfast talk at City Bayview Hotel. This is one of our initiatives to help WBS members learn about HR best practices in Malaysia. Victor Gan of MECA spoke about the types of employee misconduct.
THIRD QUARTER
25 July, Saturday, 2pm-6pm – WBS celebrated its 9th Anniversary with a hi-tea plus exciting tea talks by author and financial expert, Brenda Yong and business coach, Jeanne Ooi. The celebration at Hotel Jen (formerly Traders Hotel) included a special guest of honour, YB Steven Sim (MP for Bukit Mertajam) and YDP of Majlis Perbandaran Seberang Perai, Dato Maimunah. Check out our gorgeous photos!
28 August, 2.30pm-4.30pm@YMCA Penang – Member Regine Lim of Ecopest Green Management educated us about termites, how to protect our homes and what challenges she faced in running a pest control business when all she wanted originally was to work with elephants! Photos here. Meeting coordinator: Jennifer
25 September, 2.30pm-4.30pm@ Coffee Journey, Island Plaza – We were taken on a “coffee journey” by owner and founder, Victor Leong. He gave us samples of coffee and explained in detail how he started his own coffee journey. Event coordinator: Kristine. Photos at our FB page.
30 October, 2.30pm-4.30pm@YMCA Penang – Annual General Meeting. Meeting coordinator: Krista. Photos at our FB page.
28 November at House of Hope, Air Itam – Annual community event for the children who live in the Rifle Range flats. The event was held at House of Hope, Rifle Range. Event coordinator: Juanna, Pauline & Gina. Photos at our FB page.
4 December – Annual Christmas lunch at Saffron Cafe, Basement 33, Prangin Mall with a 70s theme. Event coordinator: Juanna & Gina. See photo below.
11 Dec – Some of the WBS Committee were invited to the Indonesian Consulate to celebrate in the Indonesian Dharma Wanita Persatuan, a women’s organisation within the consulate. DWP turned 16 and WomenBizSENSE joined them to usher in this auspicious day. Thank you Ibu Nurul of DWP and thanks to Ferial, one of our WBS members, who invited us to this enriching event. Photos here.
2014 EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
10 January – We kicked off the year with a goal setting exercise and discussion meeting at YMCA Penang.
12 February – Chinese New Year Loh Sang Nyonya Buffet Dinner at Noor & Dean Cafe on Noordin Street. See photos of our gorgeous members here.
28 Feb – WBS Meeting @ YMCA Penang. Special invited guest sharing by Thomas Tang from the very successful MyKuali Penang White Curry Mee brand. Photos here.
9 March – Participated in International Women’s Day. We were invited by Penang Women’s Development Corporation to exhibit at the Esplanade during this year’s JCI International Women’s Day Run on 9 March (Sunday). Our Committee members turned up in full force to support this. Photos here.
28 Mar – Lean In Mini Sharing at SoVo, Union Street, Georgetown. Krista & Josephine introduced “Lean In” – a concept popularized in Sheryl Sandberg’s book of the same title. Sheryl Sandberg is the COO of Facebook. Krista & Josephine attended the Penang State Government Lean In Program in October 2013 and shared some of what they learnt and experienced with members.
25 April – Draw date for WomenBizSENSE Charity Raffle. We sold raffle tickets to raise RM20,000 for House of Hope & Handicapped Children’s Centre. Our grand prize was a Venessa Diamonds’ pearl necklace & pearl bracelet worth RM2500. Supporters and friends as far as KL & Singapore snapped these raffle tickets up! Results of the raffle draw are here.
25 April – Our first ever full-day business seminar called “Empowering Entrepreneurs To Win” seminar at Georgetown City Hotel (formerly Berjaya Georgetown Hotel) from 9am to 5pm. Guest speakers included author & business coach, Maresa Ng from KL as well as a panel of HR experts who shared about growing and sustaining our businesses. The seminar ended with the live drawing of our Charity Raffle. Check out these 378 photos.
30 May – This WBS Meeting featured Miss Cheah Kiu Hong who spoke about saving money with proper tax planning for your business. Photos here.
12 June – WomenBizSENSE is one of the official marketing partners for this event in KL called “SME-Accelerate Series 5: Funding For SMEs”.
14 June – Relay for Life (6pm onwards till the next day). WBS members took part in this year’s Relay For Life event at Youth Park. For details, visit relayforlife.org.my
21 June – Visit to Hakka Lodge, Balik Pulau and to meet its founder, Maggie Fong who shared how she started this unique home stay & food business.
27 June – WBS Meeting @ SoVo. We invited May Wong, the director and founder of MayPartners & Consultancy Sdn Bhd who spoke on “Building People, Teams & Relationships in Business”. We also celebrated our WBS Anniversary at this meeting. Photos here.
25 July – WBS Meeting featuring Miss Louise Goss Custard who spoke about the pros and cons of starting a restaurant business. Photos here.
29 Aug – WBS Meeting @ SoVo featuring Dr Michelle Mary Lim who spoke “Looking Fabulous At Any Age”. She is the founder and clinical practitioner of Michelle Herbs Therapy (MHT) & Complementary Medicine (Australia & Malaysia). She is also a trainer, researcher and creator of MHT innovative health products & health techniques which support auto immune & degenerative health problems. She is also the author of “Detox & Live”. Photos here.
26 Sep – WBS Meeting @ SoVo. We focused on beauty and health in this meeting. Members got their blood pressure and blood sugar checked. They also learnt how to apply make up for a more professional, groomed look. Photos here.
31 Oct – 2.30pm-4.30pm – WBS Annual General Meeting @ YMCA PENANG. We voted in our new office-bearers for 2015-2016 at this meeting.
22 Nov – Annual community visit and tea party at House of Hope. We organized a fun children’s lunch party for 100 kids of House of Hope in Rifle Range. Elianware sponsored water tumblers for the kids while our generous friends and members contributed cash and gifts. Open to friends and members. Photos here.
5 Dec – Christmas Rock Luncheon at TGIF, Gurney Paragon. We ended the year with our yearly Christmas lunch with a “rockstar” theme. Photos here.
2013 EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
25 January – WBS Meeting at YMCA Penang, 2.30pm to 4.30pm. Details here. (Organizer: Jo & Krista)
22 February – Chinese New Year party Lo Sang Lunch at Hai Nan Restaurant. Details here. (Organizer: Pauline). Photos here.
22 March – Hi-tea and jewellery showcase at Venessa Diamonds, Jalan Kelawei from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. Selected WBS members modelled the gorgeous jewellery. Dr Khoo, the owner of Venessa Diamonds, spoke to us at this private hi-tea event.(Organizer: Krista & Mety). Photos here.
26 April – “Social Media Marketing for Business” Forum at YMCA Penang, 2.30pm to 4.30pm. (Organizer: Siew Yean).
31 May – Meeting at Global Ginseng outlet, 2-3-7, 3rd Floor, Lebuh Pekaka 1, Pekaka Square, Sungai Dua, Penang (opposite TESCO Extra) (Organizer: Mily Goh) Open to members and guests. RM15 for guests, free for members. Read the full report here.
21 June – Potluck at Pristine Creation, 23, Lorong Susu, 10400 Georgetown.
6 July (Saturday) – WBS 7th Anniversary Hi tea Celebration. From 12 noon to 5pm at Hotel Equatorial, Penang. For photos of our event, check out our Facebook album.
18 July (Thursday) – WBS is a supporting partner of the Technopreneur Open Day held at Ixora Hotel, Prai. It is a full day event from 9am to 6pm. Last year, WBS was invited to speak and a group of WBS members attended the event.
18 August – WBS Participated in SPCA Family Carnival. (Coordinator: Siew Yean).
23 August –WBS Meeting & Networking Session at YMCA Penang, 2.30pm to 4.30pm. “Getting To Know You & Your Business” is a networking session to help members show us what they’re all about. (Organizer: Josephine)
20 September – WBS Meeting at YMCA Penang, 2.30pm to 4.30pm. “Dressed For Success” is the theme. Click here to find out more about Nga Beertsen and the mini workshop. (Organizer: Mety)
25 October – WBS Meeting plus AGM (see photos here). Kristine Leong conducted a presentation titled “Branding & Advertising” from 3.30pm onwards at YMCA Penang AFTER our WBS Annual General Meeting (election of office bearers, and secretary’s and treasurer’s reports for the year). (Organizer: Kristine)
23 November – Annual community event at House of Hope from 11am to 2pm (Organizer: Pauline Ang). This time, we organized a lunch for the children of House of Hope plus we gave 10 single moms of House of Hope a makeover and photo session. Check out our photos of the event here.
14 November – Collection For Typhoon Haiyan Survivors.WBS Members opened up their shops to help collect donated items for the Philippines.
6 December – Christmas Celebration Lunch at Ben’s @ Gurney Paragon! For members only. See photos here. Gifts contributed by our members were also distributed to House of Hope on 20th December. (Organizer: Juanna)
2012 EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
10 Nov – Our year-end community gift to the children at House of Hope, Rifle Range. (Organizer: Pauline). See this for the complete write-up with photos and video.
25 Oct – DARE BizStart Event at Ixora Hotel, Prai, 9am to 5pm. Krista, Josephine, Lisa Lee and Lilian Lim were invited to present and speak at this event organized by MAD Incubator as part of their nationwide roadshow. Some 15 members turned up at this event. See photos here.
19 Oct – Visit to China House Cafe, Beach Street from 2.30pm to 4.30pm to learn more from their owners. Alison, the co-owner, recounted her entrepreneurial journey. It was a great sharing session as it is very difficult to pin down the owners. We were especially delighted that Alison made the effort to speak with us. (Organizer: Jo & Krista). Check out the photos on Facebook.
28 Sept – WBS Meeting at YMCA Penang from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. “Retail Shops – To Open or Not To Open?” Kristine organized a wonderfully informative session by gathering members of various backgrounds to talk about retail outlets’ pros and cons. Our experienced members who are retailers shared their stories of what to do and what NOT to do. See photos of this meeting. Or view the summary of the discussion.
8 Sept – WBS Participates in Welcome To Penang Expo at G Hotel, from 9am to 2pm.
WBS takes a table annually at the Welcome To Penang Expo (organized by Spiral Synergy) for the expat community in Penang. As part of our promotion efforts, WBS members were able to use our tables to display their business cards and flyers for a mere RM10 (non-members RM30). Many of our members took tables this year. See photos here.
24 Aug – WBS Meeting at YMCA Penang from 2.30pm to 4.30pm.
“Motivating Employee – Do it Right the First Time and Sharing of Best Practices”.
What do you do with a new employee? Are you doing it right? Or are you simply winging it, hoping it fulfills the needed requirements? Siew Yean with her previous experience as a manager with DELL presented on the best HR practices while members shared on what worked for them in their own small businesses.
27 July (Fri)- WBS Meeting at YMCA Penang from 2.30pm to 4.30pm.
“Effective Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses” – In this meeting, business owner and ISO trainer Cecilia Yew (who is also the Mensa Penang branch chairperson) led a group breakout session where members shared effective business and marketing strategies they’ve used in their businesses. View photos here
7 July (Sat) – “Women Leading The Future” WBS 6th Anniversary Celebration, 10am – 2pm. See this for photos and updates.
29 June (Fri)- “Car Care Secrets You Must Not Miss” – a talk by Mily Goh and Lim Mee Mee. These two women who run their car care businesses showed us what to do in event of an accident and how to maintain tyres for our cars. Organizer: Jo & Krista
11 May – Private visit to Danai Spa, Tg Bungah. Thanks to Siew Yean, we had a delightful time visiting Danai Spa. We were hosted by its Operations Director, Cynthia Tong, who not only gave us sampling of the massages and treatments but also gave us an opportunity to invest in her business via her strategic partner marketing programme. She shared about her spas’ growth, opening one every 2 years and some of her unique marketing strategies. If you missed out on this visit, fear not as we are hoping to bring Cynthia back as a guest speaker and facilitator very soon. Big round of thanks to Juanna, our photographer of the day who captured wonderful shots of us all.
27 April – “Laws & Challenges of Terminating Employees” a special 45-minute talk by our guest speaker, Miss Loh Sub Mui, a HR practitioner with 20+ years of experience. Get details here. Or view her presentation slides.
30 March – Networking event where 2 ladies – Amrit Kaur and Jenny Khoo – shared about their businesses.
8 March – International Women’s Day Luncheon at 32 The Mansion. Organizer: Kim Khoo & Josephine Yoong.
24 February – Krista recapped what WomenBizSENSE did in 2011 while Josephine shared about what’s coming up this year for all members. Muzlifah Yusoff, our facilitator of the day, guided us on how to create our vision and mission for our businesses. See this link for slides and photos.
4 February- CNY Dinner at OH Sushi and PenangPAC performance at Straits Quay.
2011
26 November 2011: Lunch for Kids at House of Hope, Rifle Range
WomenBizSENSE organized a lunch for the children at House of Hope, Ayer Itam. House of Hope, set up in 2006 by Khoo Cheng See and her friends, is a non-profit organization providing physical aid/provisions/care to the underprivileged families living in the Rifle Range flats area of Ayer Itam.
House of Hope provides monthly flat rentals for needy families, provide monthly food provisions, facilitate applications for social welfare aid, conduct health and medical screening, conduct children’s programmes (pre-school, tuition, art, computer, music and drop-in day care) and community clean-up programmes for the Rifle Range community. To help them or to know more, go to:www.houseofhope.com.my
For full photos, go to our Picasa album
28 October 2011: Ethics – Why & How It Benefits Our Business
Organized by WomenBizSENSE and facilitated by Samuel Lock from Clarion Consultants (Singapore), this workshop brought women in business together to discuss the applications and dilemma of ethics in business.
14 October 2011: Visit To Creative Furnishing Sdn Bhd
WBS members were personally hosted by its MD, Mr Stanley Chew and Marketing Manager, Sue Chee of Creative Furnishing, a furniture export company which is already 38 years old this year. The visit allowed us to ask questions and tap into Mr Chew’s knowledge of the business. He shared tips and insights on the business. For photos, please go to our WomenBizSENSE Facebook page.
30 September 2011: An Entrepreneurial Success By Venessa Diamonds
This was an exclusive session with one of Penang’s most dynamic business ladies,Venessa Diamonds owner, Miss Khoo Seok Wah. She shared how she started with a tiny outlet in Prangin Mall in 2001 and how she balanced her business, mothering and life. This down-to-earth entrepreneur inspired many of us with her stories of perseverance and hope. Here are the photos.
18 September 2011: WBS Joined StarWalk
WBS joined this year’s StarWalk which saw us ladies joining some 20,000 people in the heritage zone of George Town.
10 September 2011 : WBS Joined Welcome to Penang Exhibition
WBS took up an exhibition booth at this exciting event called Welcome to Penang Expo held at Grand Ballroom, 2nd Floor, G Hotel from 10am to 3pm. The event showcased businesses and services which newcomers to Penang may need as they settle into life in Penang, concentrating on those with good levels of customer service. We took this chance to promote our group as well as distributed our members directory to all who visited our booth.
19 August 2011: Talks From NCER & MIDF
WBS organized 2 short talks with speakers from NCER and MIDF where Jasper and En Fazil shared on the financing and economic opportunities for women in business. En. Fazil Mohd Saad from Malaysian Industrial Development Finance gave a short presentation on how women could get loans at 4% interest per annum while Jasper from Northern Corridor Economic Region gave us the big picture about the upcoming economic projects in the Northern Region. He also explained more how his agency worked and how it helps women in business. See our photos of this event in Photo Gallery.
29 July 2011: 5th anniversary lunch
It’s been 5 years! We celebrated WBS’ anniversary with a fun lunch at Delicious Cafe, Straits Quay. We also celebrated the birthdays of members whose birthday falls in July, August and September. Thanks to Committee Member, Pauline Ang who organized this event.
23 July 2011 – Outing to durian farm
We visited a private orchard in Teluk Bahang belonging to Joseph and Beatrice Teoh. It started with a short nature walk plus a cooling off at a little stream full of fish which gave us all natural foot spas! We hand-fed durians to the fish before retiring to Joseph’s kampung house for a feast of durians. Thanks to Pauline who organized this trip.
14 July 2011 “Empowering Women With Life Skills” – a WBS Supported Event
Kim Khoo (in pink blazer, as seen below) presented on “Empowering Women With Life Skills” at the YMCA Penang on 14 July as part of her work with The Haggai Institute where she was trained. This is a fringe event supported by WBS to encourage and promote our members’ talents and skills.
24 June 2011
An enlightening talk by our member and lawyer, Kim Khoo on “Awareness & Answers to Legal Questions on Property Sales & Purchase”. This talk is geared at giving more awareness to our members about the importance of knowing some basic law and guidelines when you are buying a house or an apartment. Kim is a lawyer with more than 16 years of experience.
She is also a member of the Penang Disciplinary Committee appointed by the Bar Council. With her vast experience in litigation and conveyancing, her clients have benefited from her legal advice and representation to either complete their legal transactions smoothly or ensure success in unavoidable legal actions. Kim is also a Committee Member of WomenBizSENSE.
27 May 2011
A little change of format this time around. We started with a get-to-know-you networking game which elicited lots of information. It gave the 15 ladies a chance to talk to each other more deeply and get unusual answers from each other too. This gave us at WBS an insight into what our members want and what they want to see in our group. Juanna brought sinful cream puffs from Ritz Bakery to share with us all during tea. After tea, we had 3 short but energetic presentations from Siew Kee (on Thermomix), Pauline (on how to choose quality honey) and Elisa (on her Mary Kay lipsticks). We also welcomed the President of PAN NAWEM, Miss Ong Swe Ee, who joined us that afternoon despite her busy schedule. She talked about the idea of sharing our collective resources so all ladies in business can benefit. She also praised our website, saying it is truly an informative one. All who attended went home with a voucher for a free 3-month advertising on our website.
29 April 2011
This sharing session attracted quite a number of guests as they were looking at work-at-home opportunities while caring for their children at home. Siew Yean and Arissa Lim presented their perspectives on working from home and earning passive income respectively.
Despite the heavy downpour, many ladies turned up to hear what these two WBS members had to teach them about working from home. Thanks to Wong Lai Yee who sponsored the cakes for tea time as well as to Sally Chong who brought flour-less bread to share with us.
25 March 2011 (Friday)
We had our monthly WBS Networking Meeting at YMCA Penang – this time it was organized by Muzlifah and moderated by Siew Yean. We invited 3 members to share about their businesses: Grave Vu who runs a Vietnam crafts business, Ally Che who runs a property business and Christine Kam who helps people with mortgages. Members get to attend for free while guests are required to pay RM15 each. The 45-minute business sharing was followed by tea and casual networking.
25 February 2011
WBS Networking Meeting at YMCA Penang, 2pm to 4pm. Photos at: http://bit.ly/fX7MZl
16 February 2011, 2pm @ Seri Tanjung Pinang
We had our annual yee sang tossing, sushi and light snacks at Siew Kee’s beautiful home again. For photos, go to: http://bit.ly/gxPEfv
21 January 2011, 2pm @ YMCA Penang
We had a great start to the year with our first meeting at the YMCA. Jo and Krista recapped the year that was and set the vision for this year. View photos here.
2010
27 November 2010 – Xmas Party for The Handicapped Children’s Centre
To cap our year, we organized a Christmas Party for the special children at The Handicapped Children’s Centre, Grove Road. Generous donors gave us more than enough cash and gifts for all the beautiful children of this centre. Thanks to prize sponsors for the lucky draw, thanks to MizzStudio for their photography, thanks to Venessa Diamonds for the pearl necklace gift, thanks to the 4 students of Penang Medical College for their dance and many more. Finally thanks to WBS Committee, Josephine and Siew Yean for this event.
The Handicapped Children’s Centre provides early intervention programme and behavior modification classes for children from age 3 to 18. The centre curriculum covers academic, basic living skills, fine and gross motor, singing, cooking and workshop. This is to help the children to learn some skills and be independent. Once the children reach 18 years old, they will attend training workshop and learn to earn some money for themselves.
See photos here.
12 November 2010 – “The Importance of Connecting”
WomenBizSENSE invited a dynamic guest speaker from KL, Miss Choe Swee See, to share on “The Importance of Connecting”. Miss Choe Swee See spoke to more than 20 ladies at 28, Nagore Road in this meeting-cum-talk session.
29 October 2010 – Exclusive Photography Session
Thanks to Arden and Pam of ePixels, WBS ladies had a wonderful time getting their professional photos done at the ePixels Studio on 28 Nagore Road on 29 October. This is a free service offered to all WBS ladies so that we could all go home with gorgeous photos we could use for our business and profiles. We did group shots as well as individual shots and even the shy ones eventually warmed up enough to strike some very interesting poses! See photos here.
12 October 2010 – Talk by author, Joan Hon from Singapore
This is a special event hosted by WomenBizSENSE at 56, Lorong Selamat (Precious Ones’ shop) to support Joan Hon, a fiction and non-fiction writer from Singapore. For details of this event, please see: http://bit.ly/aapJej See photos here.
8 October 2010 -WBS 4th Anniversary Lunch
We celebrated our 4th anniversary with a buffet lunch at the E&O Hotel, Penang.
24 Sept 2010 – WBS Meeting at Pam’s shop (28, Nagore Road)
This meeting was facilitated by Committee Member, Lilian.
20 Sept 2010 – Special Visit
A special visit and demo of soap-making at Indo-Chine Natural, a private soap-making facility in Penang. We were hosted by two of its directors, Miss Le and Dr Mike. See photos.
WBS Meeting, 27 August 2010
We invited Miss Goh Ka Tin, the founder of the successful chain of kindergartens called De ‘Monte to speak about her journey of success. Miss Goh shared her principles of success, which enabled her to receive the Malaysia 50 Enterprise Award. She started with just 1 kindergarten 15 years ago and now runs 41 units based in 21 locations in the Penang and Butterworth. View photos in our Photo Gallery.
WBS Meeting, 30 July 2010
Mr Lim Keat Nee, partner at Y&L Secretarial Services, was the guest speaker at our meeting at 28, Nagore Road. Some 20 ladies attended this event where they learnt about accounting for the self employed. He gave good tips about being meticulous about keeping accounts in order. The meeting ended with a fabulous networking session. View photos here.
SPCA Food Fair, 4 July 2010
WBS took part in this event to raise funds for the Penang SPCA with the sale of contributed food items, educational toys, books and household items from members, a jumble sale and a voter registration exercise. Thanks to Pauline, Mety, Jo, Melvis, Siew Yean, Muzlifah, Krista, Mei Fern for helping out throughout the day. Thanks to Nancy, Lerks and Erina for contribution of products. We raised RM843 for SPCA Penang. View event photos.
WBS Meeting, 7 May 2010
This time we had our WBS Meeting at Mei Fen’s Global Ginseng shop on Batu Lanchang. Mei Fen is a new member of WBS. We were taught how to differentiate quality ginseng and even sampled her mom’s special chicken soup double boiled with ginseng that they sell. We also met new business ladies – Celine and Crystal who are in the sanitary pad business, Michelle who runs a home-based beauty business and Sylvia who runs a pub and restaurant in Tg Tokong. Grace of Ecalshop kindly sponsored the Vietnamese instant coffee for our tea session. Thanks, Grace! View photos here: http://bit.ly/d7svXj
Update of 26 March WBS meeting By WBS President, Josephine
We had a fruitful meeting in March with very interesting sharing from various women as our vision for our companies or lives, as Muz led us through the exercise. Many of us started off with something which looked more like goals and action plans but later learnt about ‘vision’ being something which is much bigger, to set the direction/ pace for either our biz or lives.
Most of us were able to share our vision and learned from each others’ very interesting visions from so many varied industries, legal, retail, services etc.
Some of us also discussed about doing a follow-up and accountability check on each other to ensure we have applied what we learn, eg sharing the vision with staff, breaking down the vision into mission, goals, tasks. We found that many of us may have goals written down but not the bigger picture which Muz shared is helpful in decision making, ie when making a key decision, the vision is a very useful guide as to which decision to take. She gave us an excellent example of a vision statement for our own WBS! “Being a role model women entrepreneur organization in Penang”.
We initially intended to just get the new ladies to share about themselves, but as a few thought it would be good to each introduce themselves, we ended up having an interesting time hearing about each other as well as feedback and constructive ideas to build WBS. As Lilian got ladies to share ideas of talks and activities they would like to see on our schedule, we got more than what we bargained for, so looks like there will be many interesting events coming up.
The committee is meeting mid month to come up with the finalized schedule of the year’s fixed meeting dates, venues, etc.
Pam has kindly offered her media office on Nagore Road for our meetings, so that will be the fixed venue unless otherwise stated. However that would be only after renovations in May/ June.
For this month a new lady (Mis Tan Bee Hoon) who recently opened her long time ginseng biz has offered her venue and we will give details soon of the upcoming Fri 30th Apr meet. This would give her a platform to impart her ginseng knowledge to us as well as for us to help promote her biz to others as we ourselves get ‘on site’ and feel/ taste her offerings.
Looking forward to you joining us for future meets and bringing other lady entrepreneurs who can join us to achieve our objective of SENSE (support, education, networking, social responsibility & entrepreneurship)!
Halal Yee Sang Lunch, 25 February 2010 (Thurs)
We celebrated another exciting year with a “loh sang” and potluck lunch at Siew Kee’s elegant Seri Tanjung Pinang home from 2pm to 4pm. Thanks to our Recreation Committee Member, Siew Yean, for hosting this event complete with karaoke, laksa lemak, sushi and yee sang from Sakae Sushi.
Business Talk & WBS Meeting, 22 January 2010 (Friday), 2pm to 4pm
We kicked off 2010 with a WBS Meeting on 22 January which included a 60-minute free business talk by Mr Radin Ikram, a business coach and speaker from Action Coach International. Some 25 of us members and non-members learnt what a true business is and what the 6 pillars of business success are.
Pam of ePixels kindly hosted our talk. We had a fun time networking with new business ladies who were eager to join WomenBizSENSE. We are currently on a membership drive so if you wish to join us, contact us and we will send you the membership form. View photos here.
2009
Christmas Luncheon, 4 December (Friday), 12 noon @ STRADA Restaurant
This event is the highlight of the year for WBS. Organised by our Recreation Committee, Siew Yean, we had an early Christmas luncheon cum charity effort at STRADA Restaurant, Pulau Tikus where festive turkey was served. We decided to host it at Strada to support our own members’ businesses. Siew Chin, one of our members as well as a Committee member, owns Strada. Besides a lunch to toast our events of the year, we also collected gifts for the children of St Joseph Orphanage.
WBS Business & Communication Talk, 21 November 2009, 10am – 1pm
Thanks to Lilian’s hard work, some 24 of us women enjoyed ourselves learning about the tenets of business communication on a Saturday morning at the Penang YMCA. Mr Ricky Ch’ng and Miss June Lim, both from Toastmasters, spoke to us about the importance of leadership and how this can be cultivated through effective communication. Some of us got the chance to practice speaking in front of large crowds and were cheered on by the rest.
WBS Meeting, 30 October 2009, 2.30pm – 4.30pm
This time around, Pam of ePixels on Nagore Road hosted our WBS Meeting which saw a fantastic turnout of ladies. Besides business updates, we also updated everyone on what’s coming up in WBS for 2010 as well as the upcoming talk organised by Lilian, our Committee for PR & Marketing. Pam also introduced us to her business offerings such as the innovative photo books and the family photography opportunities.
WBS Meeting, 18 September 2009, 1.30pm – 4pm
From September onwards, all meetings are called WBS Meetings. We had our WBS Meeting at Christy’s business premises, Crystal Palace Beauty Solutions located at 56F, Perak Plaza, Jalan Perak, Penang. During this meeting, we updated each other and discussed business updates. Christy also gave Kristine, Kim and Mety a makeover session to demonstrate the versatility of mineral makeup. She also kindly gave us each free samples of serum, tonic and cleansing milk with vouchers to try out her beauty services. As always, the session ended with a tasty tea party, with food contributed by those who attended.
For photos, go to: http://bit.ly/HWksI
WBS 1st Committee Meeting, 4 September 2009, 1.30pm to 3pm
The idea to form a committee to help grow WBS was mooted in during our 3rd anniversary lunch. These ladies will be helping to plan and execute upcoming activities for WBS to further foster the objectives of WBS.
Chair: Josephine Lo
Co-chair/secretary: Krista Goon
Treasurer: Mety Lee
Recreation: Lim Siew Yean & Cheok Swee Yong
PR & Marketing: Siew Chin & Lillian
Committee: Kristine Leong & Kim Khoo
Facilitator: Muzlifah Yusoff
3rd Anniversary, 21 August 2009, 1pm to 3pm, Strada Restaurant, Jalan Burma
It often rains when we come together to celebrate our WomenBizSense events and 21 August was no exception. We had postponed to this date as the previous date wasn’t too popular with some of you.
Anyway, it was a lunch to be remembered as we marched towards our 3rd birthday for WomenBizSense. When Jo and I started this group in 2006, it was just an idea between the both of us. Look where it has taken us.
We didn’t want it to be just another lunch so we started with a lovely ice-breaker with questions designed by Jo. The idea was to get us all mingling and asking questions and to test if we knew each other well. If we didn’t, well, we had to work on it, right? We had to find out the name of the businesswoman and the specific answer to the question.
For instance:
1. How much per square foot for this environmentally-friendly roof lamination?
2. What’s the most popular dessert at this eatery along Jln Burma?
3. What’s the top product from Hong Leong Assurance?
4. How many flowers does it take to make a hand basket?
5. How many beads minimum to make a ring?
I did a quick round-up of last year’s events and one of our proudest moments was our little raffle/luck draw where we collected RM1,140 for Teo Seow Lynn of the Handicapped Children’s Centre. The round-up served to remind us of the good we are doing as a group!
Jo then spoke about the successes we’ve attained as a group too, referring businesses to each other.
After lunch, Muzlifah kindly facilitated some group feedback where we listened as everyone gave their vision of how they wanted to see WomenBizSense grow.
Christy called for more meetings because we don’t see each other too many times now.
Vimala mentioned that we needed more new faces in the group as well as a proper database of contacts for everyone.
Siew Yean suggested having a private members login area at our website or even a private Facebook page.
Maureen had a vision that WBS could one day have a one-stop centre to manage and link businesswomen. She said she wanted to see chapters of WBS in other states and places in the future.
Kim said that she hoped WBS would be more outward-looking.
Siew Kee suggested we have more activities which are recreational and social so that we could get to know one another better instead of coming together once in a while in formal events. She kindly offered her place for karaoke!
Lilian also said she felt that more members should be welcomed into the group.
Lee Min suggested we focus on activites and organise more public awareness programmes so others would know about us.
In the end, something wonderful took place. Muzlifah suggested we organise a committee to help plan and execute events for the coming months. On this note, Mety, Siew Chin, Lillian, Kim and Siew Yean volunteered. This committee will be meeting on 4 September, 1pm at Strada to discuss what else we can do to grow WBS. Many grateful thanks to these ladies for helping!
For photos of our lunch, click here: http://bit.ly/womenbizsense
Thanks to Christy, Siew Kee, Maureen, Lilian, Muz, Eliza, Vimala, Mety, Siew Yean, Kim, Grace Vu, Jo, Grace Foo, Lee Min, Kristine, Siew Chin and Sally!
Quarterly Meeting, 26 June 2009, 2pm to 4pm at Sally’s Organic Health shop
Sally hosted our quarterly meeting this time at her shop on Tg Bungah. We began with a new format for our meetings – everyone introduces themselves in one session instead of 2 separate sessions as we did previously. This shortens our time and lets our meeting begin and end in 2 hours or less. She had her supplier demonstrate to us the use of the vegetable and fruit ozoniser machine, and she gave us good discounts off purchases at her shop that day. We met Christy (beauty business), Lay Eng (florist) and Siew Chin (restaurant business). For photos of this and other previous events, go to Photo Gallery.
Networking Tea, 24 April, 2pm to 4pm at Strada Restaurant & Patisserie
We met at Strada Restaurant on Burmah Road and met new ladies in business as well as homemakers who came with their children. The restaurant was cosy and lovely and we even met Siew Chin, the owner of Strada. Networking teas are informal networking events where we bring together not only our WBS ladies but other ladies who may not be in business (such as homemakers, professionals etc). This is a great way to get to know other women in Penang. This time around, we met Christy, Burnie, Wayne and Siew Chin and were joined by other regular members of WBS. For photos of this and other previous events, go to Photo Gallery.
Goal-setting Workshop, 17 April, 9am to 5pm
Due to unforeseen circumstances, we were unable to hold Muzlifah’s business workshop in early April. However we did pick a new date, 17 April and we had an invaluable learning time coached by Muzlifah. She walked us through the mission and vision and goal-setting for our own businesses. If you would like Muzlifah to coach you and help your business, please email her muzlifah.yusoff@gmail.com
Laksa & tea at Siew Kee’s, 26 March, 3pm to 5pm
We had our annual laksa get-together at Siew Kee’s home on Thursday. Thanks to the ladies who turned up – Harriet, Grace, Kim, Krista, Sally and Siew Yean.
13 March 2009, Quarterly Meeting, 3.30pm to 5pm @ Natural Hydrosonic Spa Centre
We had our first quarterly meeting of the year at SK Goh’s shop ‘Natural Hydrosonic Spa Centre’ at Prima Tanjung where we met Patie Tan and Jess Tang, two new ladies. We also had a small lucky draw to raise funds for Teo Seow Lynn, the 17 year old girl enrolled at the Handicapped Children’s Centre (where Jo and Swee Yong both volunteer at). We initially thought we could just raise RM600 (from selling 60 tickets at RM10 each) but in the end, we managed to raise RM1,140!
Thanks to our generous sponsors who contributed prizes:
Grace – hand embroidered Vietnamese art in frame
Lee Min – hand made Swarovski jewellery
Joyce – glass painting vase, tile painting of sunflowers, painting of funicular train
Pam – wooden home decorative plaques
Jo – ‘Boundaries’ development books
Erina – hamper of baking supplies, giant pack of curry paste
Krista – tote bags
Siew Yean – bag and t-shirt
Also a big thanks to generous buyers of the lucky draw tickets. We are deeply grateful for everyone’s support and enthusiasm. And it just shows what a bunch of ladies can do despite the economic downturn! (The prize sponsors are linked back to their websites so if you want to know more about them, just click on their names.)
A special mention here goes to Swee Yong who helped rally her friends and support this cause too and a large portion of the donation and ticket buyers came from her.
Click link to view the slideshow: http://tinyurl.com/cndzyj
2008
5 December 2008, Christmas Lunch & Charity Fundraiser, 11am – 1pm @ 32 The Mansion
We had a great time when 12 ladies turned up for a cosy Christmas lunch at 32 The Mansion. As with last year, we are raising funds. This year, we are aiming to help collect some funds for a 17-year old teenager enrolled at The Handicapped Children’s Centre. We are selling lucky draw tickets to raise money for this teenager. For photos of this event, go to our Photo page.
14 November 2008, Networking Tea @ Edelweiss Cafe, Armenian Street
We had our networking tea on Friday, 14 November. This was a chance to meet non-entrepreneur friends because this is the time for women to meet other women and get to know each other better.
We first met at Nam Loong Jewellers (7,Campbell Street, Penang. Tel : 04-261 3400) at 12 noon to 12.45 noon where Philip, the owner, showed us how to transform ordinary pieces of jewellery for both formal and informal use. Some brought along old pieces to ask his advice. After that, we adjourned to Edelweiss (38, Armenian Street) for lunch and networking session. This lunch was attended by Daniela, Jo Teh with her son Chris, Siew Yean and her son, Ai Lee, Krista, Jo, Jo Yeoh, Lily, Joyce, Elisa, Kim, Lee Min, Jini and Mrs Schroeder. You can see more photos at our Photos page.
10 October 2008, WBS Quarterly Meeting @ HundredFold
WBS members met at Hundredfold at Penang Plaza (2nd floor, next to Nutrimetics) for a great tea session and a get-to-know-you session. This time, we arranged for a short talk by John Ng, a certified gemologist who spoke of gemstones. It was a good tea session too where an abundant of homecooked food graced the table! Click the link to see photos. http://tinyurl.com/5tdtg7
10 Sept 2008, IWA Window on Penang General Expo
We took part in the annual IWA General Expo from 9am to 12 noon at G Hotel. This year we distributed our WBS flyer, designed for us by Kristine. The IWA (International Women’s Association) organises this event on a yearly basis to showcase businesses, services and activities expats may be looking for if they are new to Penang.
22 August 2008, Lunch Bunch at SEED, Nagore Road
We had our Lunch Bunch at SEED on Nagore Road with Joyce, Lee Min, Lilian, Jo and Krista. SEED is an organic cafe specialising in food that is green and clean (no MSG, no additives, no meat). Good place to visit if you want some pure food!
7 August 2008, 1.30pm, Laksa lunch @ Siew Kee’s Home
We had a good time at Siew Kee’s home, thanks to the hostess with the mostest. She ordered ample laksa for everyone who turned up (me, Jo, Kim, Siew Yean, Siew Yean’s mom, Mety). Jo came with her delicious brownies while Siew Yean brought along the famous lor bak from Batu Lanchang. And Siew Kee’s daughter, 12 year old Ashley, gave us pop song renditions on her piano as we lunched! Like Kim exclaimed, it was absolutely 5-star, both the lunch, company and music!
25 July 2008, Networking Tea, 2pm to 3.30pm @ Ramen Wang Cafe, Pulau Tikus
At networking teas, we allow each WBS member to bring along a friend (who may or may not be in business, for instance, she may be a homemaker or fully employed) to enjoy what WBS has to offer.
At this networking tea, we met new faces such as Lilian who runs a tuition centre in Farlim, Grace who runs a computer and stationery shop in Pulau Tikus and Swee Yong who is a professional will writer. Regulars to this tea included Jo, Krista, Siew Yean, Puie Hoon, Kim, Siew Kee, Kristine and Lynn. Thanks ladies for your attendance.
We kicked off with a 15-minute talk on the importance of wills by Kim Khoo, the lawyer in our midst. Everyone introduced themselves after that and it was followed by mini tea with food ordered from Ramen Wang.
WomenBizSense 2nd Anniversary Lunch at QE2, Church St Pier, 27 June 2008
WomenBizSENSE celebrated its 2nd birthday at the QE2 @ Church St Pier on 27 June 2008. Some 11 ladies turned up to help us celebrate – Mety, Siew Yean, Jo, Krista, Muzlifah, Vimala, Harriet, Kristine, Grace, Kim, SK – in the private upstairs room of QE2 overlooking the gorgeous marina. Kim even brought along a durian cheesecake for our ‘birthday’ (thanks Kim for your thoughtfulness!).
As we lunched, we shared on lessons we learnt in business and in life, focusing on values like respect, humility, gratitude and kindness. We learnt that no matter who we become or what we do, the most important values should always be remembered for at the end of the day, people and relationships matter more, over things and possessions.
See more photos of our lunch: http://tinyurl.com/6bcpft
18 June 2008, Durian Outing to Paya Terubong
Stella, Josephine, Siew Yean, Ai Lee (and her 3 year old, Ethan), Mety, Jo and Krista had a great time at the durian feast on 18 June. They met at the Air Itam Shell petrol station before carpooling in 2 SUVs to Mr Low’s durian shack in Paya Terubong to try this year’s harvest.
We tried a good variety of durians such as D2, Hor Lor, Siaw Hong, etc. prompting Ai Lee to exclaim she was in durian heaven! Unfortunately, it was just the beginning of the season so we really didn’t gorge too much though it was quite funny seeing a bunch of ladies eagerly eating durians on a humid Wednesday afternoon!
9 May 2008, Lunch Bunch #2 @ Hardwicke Bistro
We had an intimate Lunch Bunch at Hardwicke Bistro (1pm to 4.30pm). Yes, it was a long lunch where the 5 of us (Siew Yean, Krista, Jo, Mety and Grace) talked about business ideas, how to promote our businesses, community-related activities and future activities for WomenBizSense. Want to join our Lunch Bunch? Email us to book your place at the next Lunch Bunch (coming up in July).
4 April 2008, WomenBizSENSE Meeting
The 14 of us met on 4 April (Friday) at Kim’s house/home office at Jalan Vermont. The new ladies who joined us were Muzlifah, Jacqueline and Wai Kwan. Muzlifah brings with her some 33 years of experience in the human resources area and will be actively sharing with us her ideas. Jacqueline is a registered chemist who makes organic soap and organic bread while Wai Kwan is in the Elken beauty business. Siew Yean, Mety, SK, Lynn, Puie Hoon, Lee Min, Kristine and Hooi Ching joined us for tea.
See photos at http://tinyurl.com/62tggr
1 February 2008, Lunch Bunch #1
We had our first Lunch Bunch on 1 February at Ramen Wang Cafe in Pulau Tikus. This Lunch Bunch consisted of Jo, Krista, Kristine, Nancy, Louis and Jenny. Jenny and Louis are new and were introduced to our WomenBizSENSE. Louis runs Ramen Wang Cafe (she also runs Com Viet, the Vietnamese restaurant next door!). Jenny is a business improvement specialist with SQEM Consultants & Advisors.
25 January 2008, Yee Sang for Charity
Tze organised a Prosperity Yee Sang for Charity in conjunction with Chinese New Year at the E&O Hotel together with FoodFriends (a group of foodies under the International Women’s Association). All proceeds during this prosperity yee sang for charity went towards two charities, Eden Handicapped Centre and Seri Cahaya Orphanage.
2007
8 December, Self-development Talk @ Hardwicke House
Jo and her friends organised a self-development talk called Boundaries based on the bestselling book of the same name. The speaker, Jenna Donovan spoke on showing respect to others in your life while maintaining respect for yourself. Jenna is a mom, wife, former marketing director with Dell and a regular speaker on ‘Boundaries’ in small groups & retreats. The proceeds of the talk went to KAWAN, a charity organisation at Love Lane which helps the homeless and needy.
7 December, WomenBizSENSE Christmas luncheon/charity fundraiser @ Lynn’s Cafe, Burmah Road
It was 2-in-1. We had an early Christmas luncheon cum charity fundraiser to support Persatuan Lupus Malaysia. An exciting lucky draw with plenty of prizes was held during the lunch, as well as a couple of ice-breaker sessions to allow our new and old members to meet and network! What an amazing way to end another brilliant year for our little ladies’ group!
2 December, IWA Charity Christmas Bazaar @ Bayview Beach Resort
Our ladies joined the annual Christmas bazaar organised by the IWA in aid of charity. Jo, Ai lee, Erina and Grace showcased their beautiful products at this event.
24 October, FoodFriends’ Gourmet Secrets Book Launch @ E&O Hotel
Tze Yin launched her second book, “PenangPassion presents FoodFriends’ Gourmet Secrets” with her co-authors, Maggie T and Davina Dunn at the IWA Fabulous FoodFriends’ event at The E&O Hotel.
4 October, Laksa luncheon @ Siew Kee’s
We had a delicious time at Siew Kee’s beautiful home. It was a laksa luncheon not to be forgotten! The Siamese laksa lemak were specially ordered from Wisma Central in town, which only sells this dish once a week so it was a rare treat! Together with fried belacan chicken and Indonesian style rojak, we enjoyed our very long lunch! It turned into a mini networking event too.
28 September 2007 WomenBizSENSE 3rd Meeting
This time around we met at Lynn’s Boutique Cafe, 124-D, Burmah Road. We had an astounding turnout of almost 20 ladies on that sunny afternoon. Ensconced in a quiet corner of Lynn’s cafe, it was a meeting to plan what we’re doing for the next 3 months before the year ended. Lots of fabulous food too!
12 September 2007 – Exhibiting at IWA Event
WomenBizSENSE ladies exhibited their products at a coffee morning organised by the International Women’s Association on 12 Sept, 9.30am to 12 noon at Gurney Hotel. The response was fantastic!
27th July 2007 (Friday) – English Afternoon Tea @ The 1885, E&O Hotel
We celebrated our 1st year anniversary with an elegant hi-tea at the E&O Hotel from 2.30pm to 5pm, complete with a private room. We even invited a special guest to give us ladies a short and sweet talk on managing staff. More photos and news of this event can be found at Krista’s blog.
13th July 2007 (Friday) – Durian Feast @ Paya Terubong
Siew Yean, Mety, Krista and Jo were the ardent durian lovers who drove to Paya Terubong on a cloudy Friday afternoon for a durian feast at a roadside shack.
