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

On October 11, 2025, the American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (AmChamSG) released a report revealing that increasing supplier diversity can enhance corporate revenue by 2.2%. The report, titled “The Diversity Dividend: Why it Pays to Engage Women Owned Businesses in Southeast Asia,” was produced in collaboration with Accenture and WEConnect International. It highlights the positive impact of engaging women-owned businesses on overall revenue growth in the region.

The findings were presented at the 2025 AmChamSG SME ACCelerate Forum, attended by notable figures including Ms. Yeo Wan Ling, Assistant Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress and Member of Parliament for Punggol GRC. The analysis examined the supplier diversity practices of 631 companies across Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia. The report concluded that corporate revenue growth increases by 2.2% when women representation in leadership roles among suppliers rises by 5%.

Challenges Faced by Women Entrepreneurs

Despite these promising findings, the report underscores the structural barriers that continue to hinder women entrepreneurs from entering the procurement landscape. A survey conducted with 121 women entrepreneurs in the same countries revealed that complex procurement processes and long payment terms remain significant obstacles.

Elizabeth Vazquez, CEO and co-founder of WEConnect International, commented on the risks associated with vendor selection. She stated, “Anytime a company selects a new vendor in search of innovation, there is a risk. However, it is also a risk to hire the same vendor year over year that may or may not offer the best total value over time.”

Anoop Sagoo, Chief Executive Officer for Southeast Asia at Accenture, emphasized the tangible benefits of embracing supplier diversity. He noted, “Companies embracing supplier diversity experience enhanced performance and revenue growth. By implementing the recommendations in this report, stakeholders can unlock the full potential of women-owned businesses, fostering a more inclusive and resilient business ecosystem.”

The Role of Business Networks

Dr. Hsien-Hsien Lei, CEO of AmChamSG, highlighted the importance of business networks in bridging gaps between multinational corporations, small and medium enterprises, investors, and policymakers. She stated, “Through platforms like the SME ACCelerate Forum, AmChamSG provides opportunities for valuable connections that are vital for opening doors for SMEs to participate in large-scale supply chains. Supplier diversity is not just about inclusion – it is a business advantage.”

The report underscores the need for a concerted effort to remove barriers and enhance opportunities for women-owned businesses. With a potential revenue boost of 2.2%, companies are encouraged to consider the benefits of diversifying their supplier base.

To delve deeper into the findings, the full report “The Diversity Dividend: Why it Pays to Engage Women Owned Businesses in Southeast Asia” is available for download at this link.

Established in 1973, the American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (AmChamSG) is the largest international business association in the region, representing nearly 700 companies. The organization aims to facilitate insights and connections for its members, enhancing understanding of local and global business environments.

WEConnect International is a leading global non-profit focused on connecting women business owners with large corporate, multilateral, and government buyers. Its network comprises over 20,000 women-owned businesses across more than 135 countries, committed to driving economic growth and inclusion.