- Event's inaugural year launched by Minister of Youth and Sport
- Showcases 10 leading personalities from various walks of life and their experiences
- Photo exhibition celebrates diversity of empowerment
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, April 17, 2014 -- The BMW Malaysian Open today celebrated the role of women in the development of sports and nation building through "[email protected] presented by GE." Formally opened by YB En Khairy Jamaluddin, Minister of Youth and Sports, Malaysia - a strong proponent of the program who helped develop it as a concept - this is the inaugural year for the forum and photo exhibition that is a platform for the open discussion of the role that women play across every aspect of life today.
"Women are the pulse of the country and of our families. They mold youth, they drive families and they empower the nation in so many ways that we need to recognise and celebrate. [email protected] presented by GE in collaboration with the BMW Malaysian Open 2014 is the beginning of what I hope will be an on-going dialogue and development effort to better support women who will in turn support the nation in every way," said YB En Khairy Jamaluddin, Minister of Youth and Sports, Malaysia at the official opening of the event today.
[email protected] presented by GE is a by invitation speaking program and photo exhibition that focuses on the d iversity of empowerment that is made possible by women from various walks of life. It is designed to bring the government and private sectors together in an on-going dialogue on the importance of programs and events that empower women even as it celebrates their successes.
"We are excited to have helped create this exciting forum on the backdrop of the most prestigious women's tennis tournament in Malaysia. We hope that this inaugural event will kick start an annual forum to bring together women leaders to combine capabilities, share best practices and experiences, and work together to conceive ideas to support the broader objective of promoting women in the national development agenda" said Stuart Dean, CEO of GE ASEAN.
[email protected] presented by GE also takes a special interest in the role of sports in developing stronger, effective and more capable women and the creation of a community that supports this goal on an on-going basis. This last point is especially relevant as the development of women's tennis globally in general and in Malaysia over the past four years, has shown the tremendous potential for sports to empower women in all aspects of their lives.
[email protected] presented by GE brought together a diverse set of personalities for it's inaugural forum here. Attended by over 150 guests, guests were treated to up close and personal presentations and spirited discussions between the speakers and several topical panels that were spread across the day long event. The topics discussed include, Diversity of Success, Women Supporting Women, Enabling Environment and Key of Success.
The accompanying photo exhibition showcased the stories of the speakers and women from various backgrounds. These included a chef, a cancer survivor, a dancer and many other inspirational women with compelling success stories to share.
"[email protected] presented by GE is the logical next step for the BMW Malaysian Open. We have for the past four years been focused on enhancing the talents and abilities of women in the sport of tennis and this has also highlighted the power that sports plays in empowering every aspect of our young talent's lives. This forum and the photo exhibition celebrates that by showcasing examples of empowered women from all walks of life and their unique stories," said Dr. Gerhard Pils, President & CEO, BMW Group Malaysia.
The speakers this year included:
- Minister Of Youth and Sports YB En Khairy Jamaluddin;
- The first woman during the Open Era to win the singles Grand Slam, Margaret Court;
- Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood, President of MERCY Malaysia
- Malaysia's own women's squash legend and world number 1, Datuk Nicol David;
- North American, Asian entertainer and brand ambassador of Beverly Wilshire Medical
- Centre, Sarah Lian;
- Editor in Chief of Marie Claire Malaysia, Mindy Teh.
- Consultant Aesthetic Physician of Beverly Wilshire Medical Centre, Dr Karen Po
Moderators
- Datuk Yvonne Chia, an international banker and corporate leader in Malaysia.
- Peter Johnston, Managing Director of WTA Asia-Pacific and a former professional tennis player.
"This event is key to the future development of the BMW Malaysian Open. Through the efforts of the tournament and the BMW National Circuit, we are seeing a very strong pool of young women who are developing their skills in both sporting excellence and in life. This forum provides them clear examples of women who are empowered, to be admired and who can be role models for them as they pursue their dreams," said Keld Kristiansen, Executive Chairman of Carbon Sports Sdn Bhd, the organiser and promoter of the BMW Malaysian Open 2014.
The event is supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Malaysia; Ricoh Malaysia and Beverly Wilshire Medical Centre.
The BMW Malaysian Open is currently being held at the Royal Selangor Golf Club (RSGC) from the 14th to 20th April 2014. The tournament is promoted and organized by Carbon Sports with BMW Group Malaysia as the title sponsor and sanctioned by the Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia (LTAM).
For more information on the tournament check out:
Website : www.bmwmalaysianopen.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BMWMalaysianOpen
Ticketing : www.ticketpro.com.my
About GE
GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter. The best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in energy, health and home, transportation and finance. Building, powering, moving and curing the world. Not just imagining. Doing. GE works. For more information, visit the company's website at www.ge.com
About BMW EfficientDynamics
BMW EfficientDynamics was coined by BMW more than a decade ago to define the company's long term sustainable strategy to produce fuel-saving and alternative vehicle concepts through clean production processes. It is an array of technologies that are already fitted as standard across practically the whole model range. As the manufacturer with the most comprehensive programme for reducing fuel consumption and emissions, BMW EfficientDynamics are designed to enhance the performance and driving pleasure of the vehicles at the same time. In 2007, BMW was awarded a "Green Steering Wheel" for outstanding environmental innovation for its BMW EfficientDynamics technology.
The BMW Group
The BMW Group is the leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles in the world with its BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 28 production and assembly facilities in 13 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.
In 2013, the BMW Group sold around 1.963 million cars and 115,215 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2012 was €7.82 billion on revenues amounting to €76.85 billion. As of the 31st December 2012, the BMW Group had a workforce of 105,876 employees.
The success of the BMW Group has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.
About BMW Group Malaysia
BMW Group Malaysia is the representative of Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) AG in Malaysia with activities that cover the wholesale of BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad vehicles, spare parts and accessories, as well as the overall planning of sales, marketing, after-sales, and other related activities in Malaysia. The organisation's presence in the country includes its National Sales Centre (NSC) in Cyberjaya and BMW Assemby Facilities at the Kulim Hi-Tech Park, Kedah which supports the Malaysian region as well as the BMW Group Data Centre (GDC), BMW Group Regional Trainining Centre (RTC) in Cyberjaya and BMW Group Parts Distribution Centre (PDC) in the Pelepas Free Zone at the Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP), Johor which supports 22 markets in the Asia-Pacific region. BMW dealership network covers 36 outlets in various cities in Malaysia.
Website: www.bmwgroup.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup
Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BMWGroupview
Google+: http://googleplus.bmwgroup.com
Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia (LTAM)
The Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia (LTAM) is a non-profit organization affiliated with the International Tennis Federation and all State Affiliates and Angkatan Tentera Malaysia are members of LTAM. The members determine the direction of LTAM and every two years there will be election of Office Bearers that form the Main Committee.
The LTAM's main objectives are to facilitate and increase participation in, development of and raise the standard of Malaysian tennis comparable with world class. LTAM works closely with the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and supports its Member State Affiliates through the implementation of a wide range of tennis participation, high performance and exposure programs.
Working closely with the ITF and member State Affiliates, LTAM organizes a number of local and international tennis events, coaching certification courses, tennis officiating seminars, administrative workshops, selection trials and elite camps and a number of other programs that are vital to the development and growth of tennis in the country.
Women's Tennis Association (WTA)
The WTA is the global leader in women's professional sport with more than 2,500 players representing 92 nations competing for a record $96 million in prize money at the WTA's 53 events and four Grand Slams in 32 countries. More than5.2 million people attended women's tennis events in 2011 with millions more watching on television and digital channels around the world. The WTA competitive season concludes with the TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships in Istanbul, Turkey from October 23-28 and the Tournament of Champions in Sofia, Bulgaria from October 30-November 3. Further information on the WTA can be found on www.wtatennis.com.
The Royal Selangor Golf Club
The Royal Selangor Golf Club or The RSGC as it is popularly known by its renowned acronym has a long and illustrious history that is associated with the birth and dawn of golf in Malaysia. It was founded at the time when the game was just beginning to be popularised by the privileged few in society. The Club's existence is indeed a long road travelled and a long experience of friendly good camaraderie, pleasant social interaction and the excellence of amenities, which it offers. A Club unsurpassed, The RSGC's stature, as the premier golf club in the country since its early founding years remains unrivalled.
Carbon Sports Sdn Bhd
A company that has developed a full range of expertise in initiating, commercially developing and implementing executive sport and entertainment properties, media and corporate hospitality. These include professional and amateur golf, tennis, sailing, cycling, football and motor-sports properties. In entertainment the company experiences cover conferences, exhibitions, concerts, pageants and television shows
With the company headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Carbon Sports Sdn Bhd has established a network and partnerships in all of the key markets across the region. This local presence and knowledge married with a global outlook has been the key foundation in bringing together and forging the successful partnerships between governments, local corporations, global companies and media which ensures the successful planning and execution of a major project
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Fione Wong
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