South Asian International Women Assembly 2026

Riverside Majestic, Kuching Sarawak

17th – 19th November 2026

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What is South Asian International Women Assembly 2026 about?

South Asian International Women Assembly (SIWA) 2026 marks an ambitious initiative dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and inclusivity among South Asian women, both nationally and internationally. Hosted for the very first time in Sarawak, this landmark event will serve as a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange, meaningful networking, and collective empowerment.
Guided by the tagline “Hard Truths and Shared Triumphs from the Diaspora’s Trailblazers”, SIWA 2026 aims to inspire, connect, and equip women leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers with the tools, insights, and collaborations needed to thrive in today’s dynamic global economy.
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Speakers

Ambassador Prof. Veena Sikri
(Assembly Chair)

Prof. Dr. Shanthi Thambiah

Dr. Mahaletchumy
Arujanan

Prof. Dr. Meenakshi Gopinath

Ms Vandana
Khialani

Ms Rami Niranjan
Desai

Ms Kiran Deep
Sandhu

Dr. Lalitha N. Kuttikrishnan Nair

Ms Seema
Bhatt

Dr. Jaishri
Jethwaney

Ms Anne
Rajasaikaran

Dr Ann Anni
Basik

Ambassador Professor Veena Sikri

Dr. Mahaletchumy
Arujanan

Ms Vandana
Khialani

Ms Rami Niranjan
Desai

Ms Anne
Rajasaikaran

Ms Seema
Bhatt

Dr. Jaishri
Jethwaney

Professor Krishna
Menon

South Asian International Women Assembly 2026

Tentative Program

Venue: Riverside Majestic Hotel, Kuching Sarawak

Date: 17th November 2026

  • 10:00 - 17:00

Registration of Delegates

  • 19:00 - 22:00

Gala Dinner

Riverside Majestic to Launch SIWA 2026

Venue: Riverside Majestic Hotel, Kuching Sarawak

Date: 18th November 2026

  • 08:00 - 08:30

Arrival of All Delegates

  • 08:30 - 09:00
Arrival of VIP
  • 09:00 - 10:00

Inagural Session

Opening Ceremony – The Right Honourable YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, Premier of Sarawak

  • 10:30 - 11:00

Tea Break

  • 11:00 - 12:30

Session 1 – Leading from The Front

South Asian Women’s Leadership on the Global Stage, highlighting their growing influence in world affairs, peacebuilding, and security, and their role in protecting vulnerable communities and promoting peace in times of conflict.

Session Participants: YBDS Hajah Fatimah Abdullah, Ambassador & Professor Veena Sikri, Ms Rami Niranjan Desai & Profesor Dr. Shanthi

  • 12:30 - 13:00

Q&A Session

  • 13:00 - 14:00
Lunch Break
  • 14:00 - 15:30

Session 2: Weaving Sustainable Features

The importance of maintaining biodiversity, respect for the environment, South Asian women’s leadership role in creating sustainable futures, especially through women-led rural tourism and eco-tourism sectors.

Session Participants: Dr Anne Rajasaikaran, Dr Lalitha & Sarawak Tourism Board representative

  • 15:30 - 16:00

Q&A Session

  • 16:00 - 16:30

Tea Break

  • 16:30 - 17:30

Workshops (Optional)

  • 17:30

End of Day 1

Venue: Riverside Majestic Hotel, Kuching Sarawak

Date: 19th November 2026

  • 09:00 - 10:45

Session 3: The Architects of Influence & Networked Futures

Examining how media, advertising, entertainment, and AI shape perceptions of women, reinforce gender stereotypes, and influence their representation, while exploring evidence-based approaches to promoting positive portrayals of women in leadership and society.

Session Participants: Ms Vandana Khialani & TBC

  • 10:45 - 11:00

Q&A Session

  • 11:00 - 11:30

Tea Break

  • 11:30 - 13:00

Session 4: The Blueprint for Progress – Education, Science & Innovation

Examining how media, advertising, entertainment, and AI shape perceptions of women, reinforce gender stereotypes, and influence their representation, while exploring evidence-based approaches to promoting positive portrayals of women in leadership and society.

Session Participants: Ms Anne Rajasaikaran & TBC

  • 13:00 - 13:30

Q&A Session

  • 13:30 - 14:30

Lunch Break

  • 14:30 - 16:00

Session 5: Culture, Commerce & Livelihoods

Exploring ways to empower women-led craft and heritage businesses through market access, e-commerce, diaspora networks, and sustainable cross-regional trade.

Session Participants: TBC

  • 16:00 - 17:00

Concluding Session: Resolutions & Declaration

Exploring ways to empower women-led craft and heritage businesses through market access, e-commerce, diaspora networks, and sustainable cross-regional trade.

  • 17:00 - 18:00

Closing Ceremony

YAB Datuk Amar Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia
  • 18:00

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Official Partner

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Established in 2007, the Sarawak Indian Women Association (SIWA) was founded to provide a dedicated platform for Indian women in Sarawak to showcase their abilities, contribute to society, and empower their community.

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Contact Informations

  • C/O, Lot 397, 1st Floor, Lorong Rubber 3A, 93400 Kuching
  • 011-2684 8313 (Mr. Sivanesan)
  • swkindianwomen@gmail.com

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