The presence of female entrepreneurs highlights the importance of resilience, networking, mentorship and maintaining personal growth as they bring innovative and creative perspectives, diversity and inclusion to businesses, delegates said on Tuesday at the China Daily Asia Leadership Roundtable, on the sideline of the 18th Asian Financial Forum (AFF).

In delivering the welcoming remarks at the roundtable, which was themed “Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Transforming Challenges into Breakthroughs”, China Daily Group Deputy Editor-in-Chief Zhou Li said: “We gather under the theme of ‘Empowering Women Entrepreneurs’, a topic not only close to my heart but also essential to the fabric of our global economy and community. We’re here to dive into the rich tapestry of stories that these formidable women have woven through their resilience and strategic prowess.”

“As we unpack their experiences, let’s remember that each story shared is like a beacon—guiding and inspiring budding entrepreneurs on their journeys to success. Our goal today is not just to talk about challenges, but to transform them into springboards for growth,” Zhou added.

READ MORE: Startup ecosystem, funding in focus at AFF

At the roundtable, female entrepreneurs from business segments as varied as carbon trading, wine and angel investing agreed that they have to confront numerous challenges in male-dominated industries.

Grace Hui, CEO of Net Zero Asia, a company focusing on carbon asset development and decarbonization management, said one of the business challenges that female entrepreneurs face is hiring. “Resumes that come in tend to be all from females. Firstly, male employees rarely want to work for startups, and secondly, it is very hard to get their interest if a woman is the leader of the startup.”

The other question is what kind of strategies women entrepreneurs can use to secure capital in male-dominated industries. “If you want to talk about risks, you should turn it around to talk about opportunities,” Hui added.

“We have to start to build this confidence of accepting that no means yes, and then to pursue what we believe in, and not to let people change the vision of what you intend to achieve as your mission,” Hui said.

As a former senior executive with Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX), Hui said that enhancing gender diversity on the boards of business is very important.

“The policy of increasing gender diversity on business boards by the Hong Kong Stock Exchange paves the way for grooming a new set of female directors so that they can get adequate experience and training. Making it mandatory to have one female on the board will be important to the next generation of women directors,” she said.

Mariana Lam, founder of Wineworld Xplorer, a multimarket wine trading and asset management platform, shared her journey of entrepreneurial resilience and the significance of women in business leadership.

“Investing in women-led businesses not only promotes diversity and inclusion but also fosters creativity, innovation, and economic growth across various industries,” Lam said, highlighting sectors such as education, healthcare, and creative industries where women entrepreneurs are making a profound impact.

Years ago, Lam faced a critical decision when her business partner departed. “I felt lost, overwhelmed, and desperate. There was no longer someone to brainstorm with, tackle problems together, or share (the responsibility for) business decisions,” she said. After careful consideration, Lam chose to take full control of operations, a decision that proved transformative.

“Looking back, I am glad I made this decision. It is through tough times that one can grow stronger and more resilient,” she said. This experience led to her embarking on a second investment journey.

As a permanent honorary chief president of the Golden Bauhinia Women Entrepreneur Association, Lam noted the broader impact of women entrepreneurs. “We remain socially active in society, running our businesses while still taking care of our families. We create job opportunities and serve as role models for our children, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship,” she said.

Lam added, “Women-led businesses contribute to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment in the workforce and society at large, creating a more equitable and prosperous society.”

Anna Wong, CEO and co-founder of Female Entrepreneurs Worldwide, said there are common misconceptions about gender bias in funding. “I was never discriminated against because I am a woman entrepreneur when it came to raising funds. However, some female founders face social bias, such as assumptions about reduced commitment timewise after marriage and children.”

Wong highlighted the significant economic impact of women entrepreneurs. “Women contribute $2.7 trillion to the global economy, with women-owned businesses creating approximately 12.2 million jobs.”

READ MORE: Saudi Arabian firm finds partnership in HK

Regarding business expansion strategies, Wong said, “Nobody should raise capital just when they need to expand. The operational cost of doing business is much lower compared to the past. Focus on strategic investments that bring value and help you grow internationally.”

“Partnerships in our region are a low-cost way for you to access the market. If your partner is able to help you to get to the market, you can consider doing something more substantial like having a team or opening an office,” she noted.

“You could start small — (with a) partner first. When your partner helps you enter the market, then consider bigger objectives like building a team or setting up an office,” Wong added.