How does a Japanese entrepreneur transform her passion for social impact into a cutting-edge fintech company in Malaysia?

In this episode, Krista Goon sits down with Fumiko Inada, founder and CEO of Bee Informatica, to explore her inspiring journey from volunteering in Vietnam and Bangladesh to building a digital microfinance business that’s changing the game for small and micro-entrepreneurs.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Fumiko’s early experiences with NGOs and what sparked her interest in economic empowerment
• The challenges and lessons learned from starting over in a new country
• How Bee Informatica is using technology to make microfinance faster, fairer, and more accessible
• The realities of raising funds as a woman founder in fintech
• Why Fumiko chose business over the NGO route for sustainable impact
• The importance of resilience, mission, and community in entrepreneurship
• Practical advice for women entrepreneurs and anyone looking to make a difference

About Fumiko Inada:

Fumiko is the founder and CEO of Bee Informatica, a digital microfinance company based in Malaysia. With a background in finance and a passion for social impact, she’s dedicated to empowering small businesses—especially women entrepreneurs—through innovative financial solutions.

Connect with Fumiko:

Website: fundingbee.my

About Your Host:

Krista Goon is the creator and host of Womenpreneur Asia, a podcast that uncovers the stories and strategies of Asian women entrepreneurs to inspire and guide you on your own entrepreneurial journey.

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What does it take to run seven marathons on seven continents in just seven days — and then return home to lead a movement transforming the future of work in the Philippines?

In this episode of Womenpreneur Asia, I talk to Mench Dizon, marathoner, changemaker, and Country Head of YGG Pilipinas.

Mench shares her incredible journey of completing the World Marathon Challenge, a test of endurance, resilience, and grit that pushed her to her limits both physically and mentally.

She reflects on what it taught her about facing life’s literal and metaphorical climates, from minus 25-degree chills to the tropical heat, and how those lessons carry into her professional life.

As the leader of YGG Pilipinas, Mench is committed to empowering Filipino talent by creating opportunities in gaming and technology, building communities, and helping Filipinos thrive in the digital economy.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• The mindset that helped Mench conquer the World Marathon Challenge
• Why she believes “how you do one thing is how you do everything”
• How she’s building opportunities for Filipinos through YGG Pilipinas and Metaversity
• The importance of leaning into discomfort and seizing opportunities before you feel ready

Mench’s story is a powerful reminder that the limits we set are often the ones we choose to accept — and that growth comes from daring to push beyond them.

Links & Resources:

Visit: WomenpreneurAsia.com

This episode is brought to you by Redbox Studio — helping entrepreneurs grow with strategy-first marketing.

Do you know that Krista’s From Vision to Voice program is now open for enrollment? Check it out here.

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with someone who needs a dose of encouragement and clarity on their entrepreneurial journey.

What does it take to reinvent yourself and start fresh in a new city?

In this episode of Womenpreneur Asia, I sit down with Carmen Salameh, a podcaster and entrepreneur who made the bold move from Paris to Hong Kong to create a new chapter in her life.

Carmen is the founder of Asian Business Owners, a podcast where she shares raw, honest conversations with entrepreneurs across Asia, and Octo Gen, a social media marketing agency that helps businesses grow with purpose-driven content.

In our conversation, Carmen opens up about:

• Why she chose to leave the familiar behind in Paris for the challenges of Hong Kong
• How she built two businesses from scratch in a new city
• What reinvention really means and how to take charge of your own destiny
• The importance of aligning work with values and purpose

If you’ve ever felt the pull to reinvent yourself, to pursue a challenge that stretches you, or to take ownership of your destiny, Carmen’s story will inspire you to make bold moves and write your own next chapter.

Links & Resources:

Visit: WomenpreneurAsia.com

This episode is brought to you by Redbox Studio — helping entrepreneurs grow with strategy-first marketing.

Do you know that Krista’s From Vision to Voice program is now open for enrollment? Check it out here.

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with someone who needs a dose of encouragement and clarity on their entrepreneurial journey.