Dr. Ramlee Mustapha is a Professor of Technical and Vocational Education at the Faculty of Technical and Vocational Education, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) [the Sultan Idris Education University]. In 2010, he was appointed as the Dean for Post- Graduate Studies at UPSI.  A year later, he is appointed as the Dean of the Faculty of Technical and Vocational Education at UPSI. In 2017, he was appointed as the 5th President of the Asian Academic Society for Vocational Education and Training (AASVET). In 2022, he was as appointed as the Head of TVET and Industry Cluster in National Professor Council. He is an expert in vocational education and training and human resource development especially in the Pacific Rim and East Asian region. In 2023, Prof Dr. Ramlee Mustapha was appointed as a Member of National TVET Council chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister. He has written over 150 articles and 10 books in Technical-Vocational Education and Human Resource Development. Dr. Ramlee Mustapha holds a Bachelor degree in Chemical Engineering (BSChE) from University of Alabama, USA. His first Masters degree in Educational Administration (M.Ed) from Eastern New Mexico University, USA and his second Masters degree in Industrial Technology (M.Sc) from Purdue University, USA. He earned a doctoral degree in Technical and Vocational Education (Ph.D) also from Purdue University, USA.

Beyond Silicon Valley: Can Women Technopreneurs Lead the Next Global Innovation Revolution? For decades, Silicon Valley has been regarded as the epicentre of technological innovation and entrepreneurial excellence. However, the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI), green technologies, biotechnology, digital finance, advanced manufacturing, and the global startup ecosystem is redefining where and how innovation is created. The next global innovation revolution will no longer be confined to a single geographical region but will increasingly be driven by diverse talent, inclusive leadership, and collaborative innovation ecosystems. At the heart of this transformation lies an unprecedented opportunity for women technopreneurs to become architects of the future global economy. This presentation argues that empowering women in technology entrepreneurship is not merely an issue of gender equality but a strategic imperative for sustainable economic growth, technological competitiveness, and social progress. Women entrepreneurs are uniquely positioned to develop human-centred innovations that address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including climate change, healthcare, food security, digital inclusion, education, and sustainable urban development. Yet significant barriers remain, including unequal access to STEM education, venture capital, mentorship, intellectual property support, leadership opportunities, and international innovation networks.