Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Celebrating the Success of the Australia Awards Short Course on Women-led MSMEs

It was truly inspiring to witness a dynamic gathering of women business leaders from MSMEs across Indonesia during a celebration and networking lunch in Surabaya on 5 December 2024. This event was part of the Post-Course Workshop for the Australia Awards Short Course on Women-led MSMEs – Ready to Export, a transformative course designed to empower women entrepreneurs with the tools, strategies, and confidence to take their businesses to the international stage.

The workshop provided participants with a valuable platform to connect with RMIT University experts (Ms Jane Howie, Ms Cynthia Dearin, Ms Rani Pramesti, and Ms Jennifer Mulyawan) to exchange insights and explore pathways to enhance their export-readiness. Key discussions focused on navigating global market challenges, identifying partnership opportunities, and leveraging trade agreements like the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA), AANZFTA, and RCEP to foster two-way trade. Participants also honed their digital skills to engage with export markets and expanded their networks with key stakeholders in both Indonesia and Australia to support global business growth.

Throughout the three-day workshop (3-5 December 2024), participants had the unique opportunity to engage with prominent speakers, including Mr Lucky Kristian from the East Java Department of Trade & Industry, Ms Holly Krueger from IA-CEPA ECP Katalis, and Australia Awards alumna Ms Putu Sumasri Utari Dewi during an enriching panel discussion. They also visited Ladang Lima, an MSME led by Australian alumna Annisa Pratiwi, a trailblazer in gluten-free food innovation in Indonesia, whose products are now successfully exported to Australia.

This event marked the conclusion of the Australia Awards Short Course on Women-led MSMEs – Ready to Export, funded by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and delivered by RMIT University. Twenty-five inspiring participants celebrated completing the intensive two-week program in Australia, where they honed strategies to expand their markets and elevate their competitiveness on the global stage.

In his closing remarks, the Australian Consul-General in Surabaya, Mr Glen Askew, applauded the participants for their dedication and achievements in showcasing their products to new markets. In a moment of pride and celebration, he presented certificates of completion, recognising their commitment to making a lasting impact on the global marketplace. The celebration was also attended by Mr Amir Mahmood, Pro Vice-Chancellor & Provost of Western Sydney University Indonesia, who hosted the final day of the post-course workshop program.

Congratulations to all participants on completing this journey of growth and transformation! Your efforts in taking Indonesian products to the world are a true testament to the power of women-led MSMEs in driving global change.