Welcome Address | Jasmine Wong Kah Man | 5th International Women Lawyers Conference 2026

Good morning, everyone. Welcome to the 5th International Women Lawyers Conference.

It is truly an honour to stand here today, not just as the current President of the Association of Women Lawyers, but as someone who has personally grown through this community. I still remember joining AWL years ago, knowing only a handful of people, unsure of what to expect, and wondering whether I truly belonged in a room filled with such accomplished women. Whenever I doubted myself, these women were always there to remind me of my worth and capabilities.

AWL has given me so much: Mentors, friendships, and a renewed sense of confidence. Through these connections, I have learned lessons that have shaped not only my career, but also the way I see the world. This is the quiet but powerful impact that spaces like this can create, and it is something I hope every one of you experiences during IWLC.

I am seeing many familiar faces in this room, and I am deeply grateful for your continued support. And to the new friends whom I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting — rest assured, I will make my way to say hello to you later. One of my personal highlights of IWLC has always been the conversations that happen outside the formal sessions — the quick introductions that turn into collaborations, mentorships, and sometimes lifelong friendships.

When planning this Conference, we initially considered organising it as a virtual event. In this day and age, many of us are accustomed to consuming information in bite-sized portions, and convenience often shapes how we engage. But as we reflected further, we realised that there is something deeply powerful about being fully present — when we linger after a session to continue a discussion, when we introduce ourselves to someone new, or when we simply share experiences over coffee. Those moments often leave a deeper and more lasting impact than any presentation slide. IWLC is not just another legal conference where we focus solely on the law and its application. It is a space where we speak honestly about the real experiences and challenges faced by women in law, and where we learn from one another’s journeys.

This year, we are privileged to host speakers from 6 different countries, each bringing unique experiences and perspectives. You would have seen their photos displayed on the screen as you entered the Auditorium earlier. Our distinguished speakers include:

• Dr Jasmine Begum from Microsoft ASEAN

• Hanie Razaif-Bohlender “The Career Coach”

• Namrata Shah from India

• Wita Krisanti from Indonesia

• Dato’ Shyamala Alagendra, International Criminal Lawyer

• Terri Mottershead from Australia

• Kirthi Jayakumar from India

• Ng Lai Thin

• Lee San San

• Sitpah Selvaratnam

• Habiba Balogun from Nigeria)

• Jiamie Chen, Attorney (United States of America)

To our speakers and moderators who made time for AWL despite your demanding schedules, and especially to those who have travelled to Malaysia to be with us in person - including Namrata from India, and Dato’ Shyamala, who also flew in from The Hague, words cannot fully express my gratitude. Thank you for making the journey and for so generously sharing your time and insights with us. Your presence truly enriches this Conference.

We also extend a very warm welcome to those who are joining us online. Although you may not be physically present with us here today, your presence and participation are just as meaningful. IWLC has always been about connection, dialogue, and shared learning, and we are truly delighted that technology allows us to continue including voices from beyond this room.

At this juncture, I would like to record our sincere appreciation to AIAC for being our Strategic Partner and for generously sponsoring the venue for this Conference. Some of you may remember that our Conferences used to be held here before the pandemic, and somehow, that feels like ages ago. We are also grateful to the Malaysian Bar, Mr Anand Raj, the Vice President of Malaysian Bar, for their unwavering support of AWL and IWLC throughout the years. Your partnership has been invaluable in making this Conference possible.

Of course, behind every successful conference is a dedicated team working tirelessly behind the scenes. To my wonderful organising committee and EXCO, Denise, Cindy, Su Huei, Santhi, Sheena, Raihan, Meera, Fiona, Dani, Azira, Keerthana, who worked day and night to bring today to fruition — thank you for your commitment, creativity, and resilience. My sincere thanks also go to our volunteers for helping to ensure this Conference runs smoothly.

To each and every one of you. As you participate in today’s sessions, I encourage all of us to listen with openness, engage with curiosity, and carry these conversations forward beyond this Conference. IWLC is not just about knowledge sharing — it is about inspiring change, building alliances, and strengthening a community that uplifts and supports one another.

Before I conclude, thank you all for being here and for being part of a community that strives to empower and uplift women in law and beyond. Special shout out to the few gentlemen in this room for being our allies.

As we begin this Conference, I leave you with this thought — the strength of a profession is not measured by how many voices are heard, but by how many voices are welcomed, nurtured, and given the space to rise. May today’s conversations not end when the Conference ends, but continue in our work, our decisions, and the spaces where change is most needed.

With that, I warmly welcome you all to the 5th International Women Lawyers Conference.

Thank you.