Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) continues to lead the charge in advancing women’s roles in Malaysia’s digital economy through its dynamic Women’s Special Interest Group—Driving Girls in Technology, Growth & Leadership (DIGITGAL).

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The group recently made a notable impact at the national women’s empowerment event, Wanita Gig and Business in Technology (Gig@BIT) 2025, held on 12 June at M Resort & Hotel Kuala Lumpur. 

Organised by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) and officiated by Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, the event attracted over 350 participants. Its key objective was to explore economic opportunities for women in the digital age while building resilience in the face of modern challenges. 

The event also underlined the National Women’s Policy and the 2025–2030 Action Plan, which emphasise economic empowerment, leadership development, and social protection for women. 

Empowering Women Through Purposeful Action

At the heart of Gig@BIT 2025, APU DIGITGAL showcased the university’s forward-looking strategies in aligning with Malaysia’s national agenda and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). 

Through its multifaceted programmes, DIGITGAL is actively creating pathways for women and girls in STEM, fintech, sustainability, leadership, and entrepreneurship. 

Representing DIGITGAL and APU at the forum was Dr Meera Eeswaran, Senior Lecturer at the School of Accounting & Finance (SoAF) and Lead of DIGITGAL. Speaking at the high-impact forum titled “Realising Aspirations into a Technological Revolution”, Dr Meera delivered a bold message: that emerging technologies and strategic collaboration are crucial in unlocking unprecedented opportunities for women. 

She presented APU’s Fintech Academy as a model for industry-driven education, where students gain real-world experience in digital finance, blockchain, and investment analytics. 

Through simulated environments, accelerator programmes, and mentoring partnerships, the academy is bridging the gap between academia and industry, producing graduates ready to lead in the digital finance sector. 

In her keynote, Dr Meera also urged the audience to rethink traditional career trajectories and challenged women to “harness generative AI not just as a tool, but as a catalyst for social change.” 

Voices of Leadership and Innovation

Dr Meera shared the spotlight with other inspiring women leaders, including: 

Dr Jezamine Lim Iskander, CEO of Cell Biopeutics Resources, who spoke about the future of biotech innovation. 

Ms Nuraizah Shamsul Baharin, Founder & CEO of MADCash Sdn Bhd, whose entrepreneurial journey highlighted resilience and grit. 

Ms Gevi Lim, COO of Pepper Labs Sdn Bhd, who gave insights on scaling and sustaining tech ventures. 

Together, these distinguished speakers transformed the forum into a living blueprint for action, offering tangible strategies and personal stories that exemplified ambition, perseverance, and transformation. 

Interdisciplinary Support and Collaboration

Beyond the forum, APU’s strong presence at the event was further reinforced by academic leaders from multiple disciplines. Among them were: Ms Vinorra Shaker, Head of APU’s School of Psychology; Ir Eur Ing Ts Dr Harvin Kaur Gurchran Singh, Assistant Professor, School of Engineering; and Ms Davina Farhana Dave Irwan Shah, Lecturer, School of Architecture and Built Environment. 

Their collective participation helped forge interdisciplinary collaborations, expanded industry relevance, and laid the groundwork for joint research and innovation. These efforts strengthen APU’s role as an inclusive and future-focused institution, where academic excellence intersects with societal impact. 

Leading the Way in Educational Innovation 

DIGITGAL’s participation at Gig@BIT 2025 reaffirms its mission to build an inclusive community of high-potential women leaders, ready to tackle the complexities of the digital world. Its alignment with Malaysia’s National Women’s Policy and Action Plan (2025–2030) not only supports the government’s long-term objectives but also positions APU as a trailblazer in educational innovation and digital inclusivity. 

Looking ahead, with deepening collaboration between APU and KPWKM, DIGITGAL is poised to expand its reach and impact. Its roadmap includes empowering more women and girls in science, technology, business, leadership, wellness, and social development—thereby narrowing the digital divide while inspiring the next generation of changemakers. 

A Future Where All Can Thrive 

As Malaysia accelerates its journey into a tech-driven future, APU DIGITGAL stands at the forefront—championing equity, leadership, and innovation. Through vision, collaboration, and action, it is shaping a society where every woman and girl can not only participate but lead in building a better digital future for all.