Wanita MyWira Accelerator Launched; Empowering Over 100,000 Women Beyond 2030

23 October 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has taken a bold step towards closing the gender gap in the workforce with the launch of the Wanita MyWira Accelerator, a national initiative designed to equip at least 100,000 women with high-growth, future-ready skills and opportunities beyond 2030.

His Highness Tunku Ali Redhauddin Ibni Tuanku Muhriz, Tunku Besar Seri Menanti, together with Steven Sim Chee Keong, Minister of Human Resources (KESUMA), and Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM), along with the Private Sector Co-Chairs of the Wanita MyWira Accelerator, officiated the programme’s launch.

The initiative is led by the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) through its strategic think-tank agency, Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp), in partnership with the World Economic Forum (WEF). This milestone also marks Malaysia’s entry into the WEF’s Global Gender Parity Accelerator Network, making it the first ASEAN nation to join this global platform dedicated to advancing women’s economic participation.

In its inaugural year, the programme will train 1,000 women through TalentCorp’s MyMahir-certified pathways, aiming for an 80% employment placement rate within six months of completion. Supported by a co-investment fund of RM15 million, this phase brings together 1,000 companies committed to adopting flexible work practices, offering returnship opportunities for women who have taken career breaks, and hiring women graduates who have completed the programme.

Looking ahead, the initiative aims to empower more than 100,000 women beyond 2030, contributing to Malaysia’s national goal of increasing female labour force participation and fostering an inclusive, future-ready workforce.

Speaking at the launch, Steven Sim Chee Keong, Minister of Human Resources (KESUMA), stated that the initiative reflects the nation’s commitment to both ambition and inclusion. He highlighted that KESUMA, through TalentCorp, is preparing Malaysian women for high-growth sectors such as artificial intelligence and renewable energy, ensuring their skills align with the demands of the future economy.

Recent data indicates that the gender pay gap has narrowed significantly, with the median difference decreasing from RM211 in 2023 to just RM18 as of March 2025. Additionally, nearly half of Malaysia’s public-listed companies now have boards comprising more than 30 per cent women directors as of 1 October 2025.

Steven also noted that KESUMA has introduced several policies to support working families, including Flexible Work Arrangements (FWA), tax deductions of up to RM500,000 for employers adopting FWA, and a 50 per cent tax deduction for paid caregiving leave. Budget 2026 has further expanded childcare tax relief to include children aged six to twelve.

"Through the Wanita MyWira Accelerator, the Government aims to remove barriers to women’s workforce participation by providing training for flexible employment opportunities, promoting family- and caregiving-friendly workplaces, and encouraging women’s involvement, especially in rural areas," he said.

Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, remarked that the initiative embodies Malaysia’s belief that when women succeed, the nation succeeds.

"Through Wanita MyWira, in collaboration with KESUMA and TalentCorp, we are creating tangible 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," she stated.

Malaysia’s female labour force participation rate currently stands at 56.2%, below the national target of 60% by 2030, yet slightly above the ASEAN average of 55%. The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2025 ranks Malaysia 108th out of 146 countries, showing some progress but emphasising the need for stronger action to close gender gaps in economic participation.

The Wanita MyWira Accelerator addresses these challenges through targeted training programmes, employer collaborations, and childcare-friendly policies designed to facilitate greater workforce participation among women.

"Current projections suggest it could take 179 years to close the gender gap in East Asia, despite the region’s urgent need for talent and skills in high-growth sectors. Malaysia’s Wanita MyWira Accelerator offers a different, more immediate pathway," said Saadia Zahidi, Managing Director of 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 excel in these sectors will bolster Malaysia’s resilience and growth in the coming years, laying the groundwork for a more equitable future. It also presents a valuable case study and best practice for the wider region," she added.

Malaysia joins the WEF’s Global Accelerator Network, active in over 35 countries. These accelerators serve as platforms for public-private collaboration, helping governments and businesses address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Member countries have introduced reforms such as gender pay gap reporting, expanded parental leave, and returnship programmes, among others.

The strategic leadership of the Accelerator will be guided by Co-Chairs YB Steven Sim Chee Keong and Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri, representing the public sector; alongside Tunku Ali Redhauddin Ibni Tuanku Muhriz, Tunku Besar Seri Menanti, Chairman and Founding Trustee of Teach For Malaysia; Aireen Omar, Group CEO of BigPay; Dr Jasmine Begum, Director of Legal, Government and Corporate Affairs (ASEAN and New Markets) at Microsoft; Nurul A’in Abdul Latif, Executive Chair of PwC Malaysia; and Anne Abraham, Founder and Chairperson of LeadWomen, representing the private sector.

The implementation of the initiative will be led by TalentCorp, with support from the respective ministries and the World Economic Forum.