International Journal of Engagement and Empowerment (IJE2)
Vol. 6 No. 1 (2026): International Journal of Engagement and Empowerment

ASEAN WOMENPRENEURS CONNECT: AI-POWERED MICROBUSINESS COLLABORATION NETWORK

Mutoharoh Mutoharoh (Universitas Bina Bangsa)
Furtasan Ali Yusuf (Universitas Bina Bangsa)
Syadely Hanafi (Universitas Bina Bangsa)
Siti Arofa (Universitas Bina Bangsa)
Eka Noviani Lestari (Universitas Bina Bangsa)
Nurasyiah Nurasyiah (Universitas Bina Bangsa)
Samsul Bahri (Universitas Bina Bangsa)
Khaerul Ikhwan (Universitas Bina Bangsa)
Phillip G. Queroda (Pangasinan State University)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Apr 2026

Abstract

Women's economic empowerment through micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) constitutes a cornerstone of inclusive growth in the ASEAN region, yet persistent structural barriers such as limited digital literacy, technology access, and cross-border networks hinder women entrepreneurs' participation in the digital economy. While prior initiatives emphasize isolated AI applications or networking, a notable research gap exists in structured models integrating artificial intelligence (AI) with collaborative frameworks to foster sustainable microbusiness ecosystems. This community service study addressed this gap by implementing the ASEAN Womenpreneurs Connect: AI-Powered Microbusiness Collaboration Network at Big Bee Farm, aiming to enhance women micro-entrepreneurs' capacities via technology-driven empowerment and regional collaboration. Employing a Participatory Action Research (PAR) design, the program purposively sampled ASEAN women micro-entrepreneurs facing digital constraints and unfolded through four phases: needs assessment, AI training (e.g., chatbots, content generators), cross-border workshops, and digital network simulations. Data from pre/post-tests, observations, and semi-structured interviews underwent descriptive statistical and thematic analyses. Findings revealed significant gains in digital literacy and AI proficiency for marketing and decision-making, alongside nascent cross-border business networks that spurred product innovation and market expansion; barriers included infrastructure limitations and psychosocial factors. These results imply that integrated AI-collaboration models advance digital entrepreneurship theory and offer practical, replicable tools for women's economic empowerment, informing policy for scalable ASEAN ecosystems.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

home

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Education Other

Description

International Journal of Engagement and Empowerment (IJE2) is a peer-refereed open-access international journal which has been established for the dissemination of Community Services in the field of Engagement and Empowerment. Starting from 2021, IJE2 would be published Three times in a year. All ...