Women-Owned Suppliers Drive 2.2% Revenue Growth in Southeast Asia

A recent report reveals that increasing the representation of women-owned suppliers can enhance corporate revenue growth by 2.2%. The findings were unveiled during the launch of “The Diversity Dividend: Why it Pays to Engage Women Owned Businesses in Southeast Asia” by the American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (AmChamSG), in partnership with Accenture and WEConnect International, on October 11, 2025.

The report analyzed supplier diversity across 631 companies in Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia. It indicates that corporate revenue rises significantly when companies increase the percentage of women in leadership roles within their supplier networks by just 5%. This correlation highlights the potential of women entrepreneurs to contribute to economic growth, provided that structural barriers are addressed.

During the launch event at the 2025 AmChamSG SME ACCelerate Forum, Anoop Sagoo, Chief Executive Officer for Southeast Asia at Accenture, emphasized the advantages of embracing supplier diversity. He stated, “Companies embracing supplier diversity experience tangible benefits, including enhanced performance and revenue growth.” Sagoo urged stakeholders to implement the report’s recommendations, which advocate for greater engagement with women-owned businesses.

Despite the promising revenue potential, the report also identified ongoing challenges faced by women entrepreneurs. A survey of 121 women business owners revealed that complicated procurement processes and extended payment terms significantly hinder their access to opportunities. Elizabeth Vazquez, CEO and co-founder of WEConnect International, remarked on the inherent risks of vendor selection, asserting that “Anytime a company selects a new vendor in search of innovation, there is a risk.” She argued that continuing to work with the same suppliers year after year could limit value over time.

The report also featured insights from Dr. Hsien-Hsien Lei, Chief Executive Officer of AmChamSG. She noted that business networks can play a crucial role in bridging gaps between multinational corporations (MNCs), small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), investors, and policymakers. Through events like the SME ACCelerate Forum, AmChamSG aims to provide platforms that facilitate essential connections for SMEs, allowing them to participate more actively in large-scale supply chains. Dr. Lei emphasized that supplier diversity transcends mere inclusion, presenting a significant business advantage.

The full report, “The Diversity Dividend: Why it Pays to Engage Women Owned Businesses in Southeast Asia,” can be downloaded [here](https://amcham.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/The-Diversity-Dividend-Final-Version-Website.pdf).

Established in 1973, AmChamSG is the largest international business association in Singapore and Southeast Asia, representing nearly 700 global companies with substantial U.S. business interests. The organization aims to provide advocacy, community, and thought leadership to create value for its members.

WEConnect International, a leading global non-profit, is dedicated to driving financial opportunities for women business owners by connecting them with large corporate, multilateral, and government buyers worldwide. With over 180 member buyers, its collective purchasing power exceeds $4 trillion annually, demonstrating a strong commitment to sourcing from women-owned businesses across more than 135 countries.

The findings of this report underscore the need for greater engagement with women entrepreneurs, highlighting both the economic potential and the challenges that persist in the procurement landscape. Addressing these barriers can unlock significant benefits for businesses and foster a more inclusive economy across Southeast Asia.