On the same day Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made her first official diplomatic visit to Malaysia for the ASEAN Summit, the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ABIS) 2025 brought together leaders and innovators to discuss inclusive, human-centered digital transformation.
Speaking at a panel hosted by the ASEAN–Japan Centre, Japanese entrepreneur Ami Marie Fukase shared her vision under the theme “Driving Inclusive Futures in ASEAN and Japan: Women’s Entrepreneurship in a Digital World.” She emphasized the potential of women-led innovation across lifestyle, e-commerce, healthcare, femtech, and beauty — sectors where women’s creativity and empathy can drive meaningful technological change.
During her remarks, Fukase referenced “Onilema,” a playful concept blending Japan’s Onigiri and Malaysia’s Nasi Lemak, symbolizing cross-cultural friendship and co-creation between Japan and ASEAN. She described it as a reflection of her hope to “expand friendship across ASEAN and co-create innovation through the power of diversity and technology.”
Her message aligned closely with that of Dr. Kunihiko Hirabayashi, Secretary General of the ASEAN–Japan Centre, who noted that “digital transformation is not about technology — it’s about people”. He called for a “Just Digital Transition” that empowers women, youth, and innovators to shape an inclusive digital future.
Fukase also expressed plans to collaborate with Malaysia’s national universities to strengthen the bridge from research to commercialization, focusing on practical innovation over capital-intensive competition. “Malaysia’s act-fast business culture gives me strong confidence in the country’s potential”, she said.
The following day at the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Forum (AIPF), Fukase reportedly discussed the Onilema concept with President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia, underscoring the growing role of women entrepreneurs in AI and digital sectors as key catalysts of ASEAN’s next wave of innovation.
Joey Concepcion, Chair of the Philippine ASEAN Business Advisory Council and host of next year’s summit, reinforced the importance of mentorship, stating, “Mentorship is the most important; it guides you through real-world business challenges.” With the Philippines set to chair ASEAN in 2026, women’s entrepreneurship and digital inclusion are expected to remain central themes driving collaboration across the region.
Maria Lourdes
