NEM Malaysia hosted the first-ever Women in Blockchain (WIB) Asia event at the NEM Blockchain Centre (NBC) – the largest blockchain centre of its kind in Asia – located at GLO Damansara in Kuala Lumpur.

WIB Asia kickstarts the KL Blockchain Week, held from 24-27 September 2018, where participants will hear insights of entrepreneurs, developers and regulators bringing blockchain to life in this part of the world, and gain valuable knowledge of the practical and potential uses of blockchain.

Focused on showcasing the hardworking women in the blockchain industry and providing a platform to share their knowledge and points of view, WIB is part of the larger NEM objective to promote the development and adoption of blockchain technology not only in Malaysia, but the whole world. The inaugural edition also partnered two local non-profit women's organisations to highlight the discussion around women at risk of social and economic exclusion, and how the blockchain community can play a part in creating better lives. Part of the proceeds from WIB will be donated to their cause.

Maria Chin Abdullah, member of Parliament for Petaling Jaya, graced the event and gave the closing address.

“The government is committed to bring about democracy and an ‘Inclusive Politics’, where we aspire towards laying the foundations for genuine human development. One of the causes I am passionate about is the empowerment of women. There is a need to not only build the leadership capacity of the women, but to inspire them to feel that this is a viable and sustainable path where they can better their own lives, their families and society.

“I congratulate NEM for organising the Women in Blockchain Asia event which provides a platform for raising awareness in this matter, and how revolutionary technologies such as blockchain can be leveraged for social good, bringing transparency, equality and openness – values that are in line with the New Malaysia – to the table for the betterment of individuals and the nation as a whole,” she said.

Jasmine Ng, Director, Investment & Special Projects, NEM.io Foundation, said, “We are delighted to launch the first-ever Women in Blockchain event in Asia where talented, successful personalities can come together to share, discuss and explore the opportunities in what is a rapidly growing technology here in Malaysia, the region and the world. While the technology is set to revolutionise the way we do business, it also has a role to play in encouraging social inclusion and empowering marginalised women. We want to be part of these conversations and we believe that NEM can make a difference.”

Breaking barriers through blockchain
Blockchain technology has been gaining global traction across various verticals and industries, some of which may seem unlikely given the differences in the tech, and the ‘non-financial’ nature of some of these sectors.

Besides highlighting the achievements of women in the blockchain sphere, speakers at WIB presented in-depth insights into the impact of blockchain in areas such as healthcare and the legal community, apart from topics like cybersecurity and privacy. Participants were introduced to blockchain and its applications, as well as learn about opportunities and innovations from experts such as Daphne Choong, Key Member & Logistic Worldwide Express Chief Technology Officer of Women Who Code; Elizabeth Chee, Chief Operating Officer & Co-Founder of HIT Foundation; Belinda Lim, Founding Member of The Good Block; and Madga Chelly, Director of Responsible Cyber.

In the same vein, Elizabeth Chee, COO and Co-Founder of HIT Foundation, shared during her session how healthcare health data can help spur universal basic income.

The key principal is that data is an individual’s intellectual property, and through blockchain each individual can trace its usage. Individuals should get paid for health information instead of paying others such as hospitals to process or store it.

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