KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 10): The Securities Commission Malaysia’s (SC) InvestED for Returning Women programme has received over 600 applications, with many coming from the oil and gas, banking, finance and insurance sectors.
The programme, which includes classes, mentorship and industry placements, opened for applications last month. It targets women under 50 returning to work after a career break, especially those with experience in the capital market or public-listed companies.
SC chairman Datuk Mohammad Faiz Azmi said the programme complements the regulator’s ongoing push to enhance diversity and inclusion in the capital market, as women represent a significant share of the country’s talent pool.
“With the capital market’s growing sophistication and ongoing talent shortage, this programme aims to tap into the experience and expertise of returning professionals to strengthen the market’s depth and resilience,” he said on Monday at the launch of the programme.
As of Oct 1, women hold over 34% of board positions among the top 100 listed companies on Bursa Malaysia, Faiz noted. He added that bringing back experienced women professionals would not only expand the talent pipeline but also enrich workplace diversity.
“Greater gender diversity leads to more balanced decision-making and better business outcomes. This aligns with the SC’s aim to increase women’s participation in both boardrooms and the broader workforce, contributing to Malaysia’s gender-inclusive agenda,” he said.
Participants of the programme will receive RM2,000 in incentives and a certificate of completion, signifying their readiness to re-enter the capital market.
The InvestED for Returning Women initiative builds on the SC’s broader InvestED programme, launched in 2023, which provides pathways for graduates and young professionals to develop careers in Malaysia’s capital market.