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Supported by an RM15mn co-investment model, the first phase brings together 1,000 companies committed to adopting flexible work practices, offering returnship opportunities for women who have taken career breaks, and hiring trained women graduates.
Malaysia has launched the Wanita MyWira Accelerator, a national initiative designed to equip at least 100,000 women with high-growth, future-ready skills and opportunities in efforts to close the gender gap in the workforce.
The first year will see about 1,000 women trained under TalentCorp’s MyMahir-certified pathways, targeting an 80% job placement rate within six months of completion.
Over the longer term, the initiative aims to equip more than 100,000 women beyond 2030, contributing to Malaysia’s goal of increasing female labour force participation and building an inclusive, future-ready workforce.
Supported by an RM15mn co-investment model, the first phase brings together 1,000 companies committed to adopting flexible work practices, offering returnship opportunities for women who have taken career breaks, and hiring trained women graduates. In addition, the Wanita MyWira Accelerator will provide targeted training, employer partnerships, and childcare-friendly practices designed to make workforce participation more accessible for women.
Spearheaded by the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) through Talent Corporation Malaysia, and in partnership with the World Economic Forum (WEF), this milestone this marks Malaysia’s entry into WEF’s Global Gender Parity Accelerator Network, which is said to make it the first ASEAN nation to join the global platform dedicated to advancing women’s economic participation.
Speaking at the launch event, Minister of Human Resources Steven Sim highlighted that the initiative reflects the nation’s commitment to both ambition and inclusion and noted that KESUMA, through through this initiative, Malaysian women will be equipped for future-ready and high-growth sectors such as artificial intelligence and renewable energy, ensuring its talents align with the needs of tomorrow’s economy.
"Through the Wanita MyWira Accelerator, the Government aims to further remove barriers to women’s participation in workforce by offering training for flexible job opportunities, promoting family and caregiving friendly workplaces, and boosting women’s workforce participation, especially in rural areas."
Also in attendance was Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, who said that the initiative reflects Malaysia’s belief that when women succeed, the nation succeeds.
"Through Wanita MyWira, in collaboration with KESUMA and TalentCorp, we are creating real pathways for women to access decent work and participate fully in Malaysia’s economy."
"This effort strengthens our national ecosystem for women’s empowerment, in line with the National Policy for Women 2025-2030 and the MADANI vision of compassion and shared prosperity."
"According to current projections, it may take 179 years to close the gender gap in East Asia, while at the same time the region needs more talent and skills for high-growth sectors. Malaysia's Wanita MyWira Accelerator offers a different path forward," said Saadia Zahidi, Managing Director at the World Economic Forum.
"By focusing on women’s access to opportunities in AI, digital, and green sectors — where growth and demand are strongest — this initiative tackles both workforce transformation and gender equity simultaneously.
"Empowering women to thrive in these fast-growing sectors will boost Malaysia’s resilience and growth in the years ahead and lay the foundations for a more equitable future. The initiative also offers a potential case study and best practice for the region,” she added.
Lead image / TalentCorp Facebook
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