ADVANCING the women’s agenda, the Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC) has forged partnerships with the National Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Malaysia (NAWEM) and the 30% Club Malaysia.
This collaboration aims to close the gender gap in corporate leadership while promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in organisations.
Two Memorandam of Understanding (MoUs) were formalised during the event, which took place at the ‘Wanita Bangkit: No Money, No Talk’ workshop at the Mecure Hotel yesterday.
The first MoU was between PWDC and the 30% Club Malaysia while the second was between NAWEM and the 30% Club Malaysia.
State Social Development, Welfare, and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim said the event reflects Penang’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for women in business.
“The theme ‘No Money, No Talk’ highlights a fundamental truth: financial empowerment is the cornerstone of entrepreneurial success.
“It is essential that women not only have access to funding but also possess the knowledge and skills to manage finances effectively, negotiate strategically, and grow their businesses.
“This workshop is a reminder of Penang’s commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs, nurturing their growth and celebrating their successes,” Lim said during her speech at the event.
Lim commended PWDC and NAWEM Penang for their dedication in promoting gender equality and empowering women in the state.
“They have consistently demonstrated the power of collaboration and innovation in driving progress.
“Together, we can create an environment where women entrepreneurs not only survive but thrive, contributing to a prosperous and inclusive Penang,” Lim added.
She also thanked the speakers and facilitators for sharing their time and knowledge, making the forum a valuable learning experience.
PWDC chief executive officer Datuk Ong Bee Leng highlighted that financial independence for women is of utmost importance.
“At PWDC, we believe that investing in women is investing in the future.
“Through initiatives like this, we want to create an environment where women entrepreneurs are not just part of the economy, but also lead and innovate within it,” Ong said.
NAWEM president Sarojini Ruth, 30% Club Malaysia chairman Nurul A’in Abdul Latif, NAWEM Penang chairman Bharati Suresh Chand, and 30% Club Malaysia influence pillar lead Ahila Ganesan participated in the MoU signing ceremony.
Ong and PWDC’s Women Empowerment and Leadership Division programme manager Mangleswary Subramaniam represented PWDC at the ceremony. It was witnessed by Lim.
Bharati shared that over 125 women entrepreneurs took part in the programme, noting that NAWEM aims to nurture and develop women entreprenuers.
As of 1 October 2024, women hold 32.2% of board seats of top 100 public-listed companies (PLCs) and 26.6% board seats across all PLCs in Malaysia.
Some of the pictures taken during the event :
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Nuratikah Rahmat