30% Club Malaysia Advocates wishes Happy International Women’s Day 2024

At the 30% Club, fostering a more inclusive and equitable future for women is at the core of everything we do.

Inclusion comes from the heart!

The achievement of the 30% minimum threshold for the top 100 PLCs achieved in June 2023 is a collective milestone that was only possible through the support and commitment of our fellow Advocates from the 30% Club Malaysia.

As we celebrate IWD2024 we want to share some of that heart with you.

Happy International Women’s Day from 30% Club Malaysia Advocates!

‘When we recognise women, the Country excels’

On 23rd February, Rejina Rahim and Geetha Kandiah, representing the 30% Club Malaysia, attended the Women’s Ministry Dialogue session, held at one of the hotels in Kuala Lumpur.

 

It was a meeting of minds and a very engaging session!

 

Working in groups, split by various interest topics, issues were derived from a lab style discussion amongst group members, who were also tasked to come up with proposed solutions. 

 

Out of 10 topic groups, 4 groups were selected to present their ideas.

Working as part of the “Women and Leadership” group, two key issues were prioritised, namely 𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑦 and 𝑤𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛 𝑖𝑛 𝑓𝑢𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑠𝑘𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑠.

 

It was presented by Rejina and Ts. Dr. Mahaletchumy Arujanan from Malaysia Board of Technologists to the Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri as well as the officials from her Ministry.

 

It was a very fruitful session where collaboration, healthy discussion and many issues were raised. Change is a journey that happens in an ecosystem and takes time.

 

We look forward to more collaboration as we work towards a future of gender equality, financial empowerment and equal access to health and well-being measures for women.

 

30% is not ceiling but a starting point.

30% Club Malaysia and Accenture hosted Board CV Writing Workshop

In the ever-evolving realm of corporate representation, women have excelled at promoting their companies, articulating their strengths, and positioning their organisations for success. 


However, when it comes to advocating for themselves, many women encounter obstacles. Presenting their best selves to the world can feel like a daunting task.


Recognising this challenge, 30% Club Malaysia, in partnership with Accenture Malaysia recently hosted a transformative Board CV Writing Workshop facilitated by seasoned expert Raj Kumar Paramanathan, Managing Partner of CnetG Asia and Steering Committee Member of the 30% Club Malaysia.


The workshop provided a platform for the 20 women participants to enhance their skills in board placement and recruitment, while offering a valuable networking opportunity for them.


Raj’s experience and expertise in executive and board search and selection, combined with his encouragement to participants, fostered a truly enriching learning experience where key takeaways from the workshop included:

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      • Utilisation of Prime Real Estate: The first 1/3 page of a CV, often known as “prime real estate,” is crucial. Effective presentation in this section is paramount, as research suggests that readers form initial impressions in just 6 seconds.

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      • AOE Table: The Area of Expertise (AOE) table serves as a powerful self-assessment tool, aiding in identifying Most Significant Achievements (MSA), strengths, weaknesses, and areas of interest. This structured approach helps participants gain clarity on their professional profiles.

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      • STAR Format: When describing achievements or responding to interview questions, utilising the STAR (Situation-Task-Action-Results) format ensures clarity and relevance, enabling succinct articulation of experiences and their impact.

    Additionally, participants were advised to:

        • Engage in Self-Reflection: Take time to identify and articulate the three best attributes.

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        • Eliminate Fillers: Remove unnecessary jargon and fillers from CVs, prioritising clarity and conciseness.

        • Develop an Action Plan: Commit to completing CVs by taking concrete steps toward refining and finalising professional profiles.

      The 30% Club Malaysia’s signature Board CV Writing Workshop equips participants with tools, tips, and confidence to navigate the competitive landscape of board placements. By empowering women to represent themselves effectively, initiatives like these contribute to achieving greater gender diversity in boardrooms.


      Our thanks goes out to Accenture Malaysia for generously hosting this event, underscoring their commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity in the workplace!


      Making Waves: Nurul Ain meets Hanneke Smits, 30% Club Global

      Nurul Ain Abdul Latif, our new brand new Chair of 30% Club Malaysia and Executive Chair at PwC Malaysia, met with Hanneke Smits, CEO of BNY Mellon Investment Management & Global Chair of the 30% Club Global.


      Fueled by passion and purpose, they delved into 2024’s focal points for both the Global and Malaysia Chapter.


      From upcoming events to impactful activities, the stage is set for transformation and growth!

      The 30% Club Global celebrates #IWD2024!

      The 30% Club Global celebrates #IWD2024!


      This International Women’s Day, we’re joining forces with our global chapters to profile inspirational female CEOs who are shattering glass ceilings and leading the way for others.


      Kicking off our campaign is Raja Teh Maimunah, CEO of AEON Bank, with a message of empowerment: “You are as strong as you want to be, and weak as you allow people to think you are.”


      Throughout the week, we’ll be sharing reflections on from exceptional women leaders from around the world, on this year’s IWD theme: ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.’


      Please follow 30% Club Global as they’ll be sharing insights from extraordinary women leaders worldwide, focusing on this year’s IWD theme: ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.’



      30% Club Malaysia Welcomes PwC’s Nurul A’in Abdul Latif as New Chair

      30% Club Malaysia is thrilled to announce Nurul Ain Abdul Latif, Executive Chair at PwC Malaysia, as our new Chair!


      In this new role, Nurul will work alongside our Corporate & Volunteer Advocates on various initiatives to advance women leaders on corporate boards and management teams in Malaysia.


      In addition, with PwC Malaysia as our new corporate sponsor, we’re not just setting targets, we’re pushing boundaries!


      30% is not a ceiling but a tipping point towards true parity. Let’s continue championing diversity, equity, and inclusion to shape a more inclusive future together for Malaysia! Join us on our path to parity!


      Read our media release here.

      Empowering Women in Leadership: 30% Club Malaysia meets LAKSANA

      Recently, 30% Club Malaysia sat down with a team of LAKSANA – Agensi Pelaksanaan Ekonomi & Koordinasi Strategik Nasional to discuss collaboration and support our continued agenda for Path to Parity.

       

      Dato’ Ami Moris, our Chair along with steer-co members, Rejina Rahim of the Influence pillar and Norlela Baharudin of the Enable (Board Mentoring Scheme) pillar met with Sharifah Khairiyah and Shahrol of LAKSANA, an agency set up by the Ministry of Finance (MOF) to track and monitor the implementation of key government initiatives.

       

      The agency believes that key initiatives such as those advocated by the 30% Club Malaysia to promote more diversity in boardrooms and C-suites receive support and collaboration with the regulators and policymakers.

       

      During the discussion, representatives of 30% Club Malaysia proposed how the agenda of a 𝙋𝒂𝙩𝒉 𝒕𝙤 𝙋𝒂𝙧𝒊𝙩𝒚 can be furthered at various ministries e.g. MOF and the Ministry of Women Community and Family Development.

       

      During the discussion, a key suggestion was made for the relevant authorities to take the lead in talent pipeline initiatives for both the public and private sectors.

       

      The discussion also focused on influencing the investment ecosystem within Government-Linked Companies (GIC) and Government-Linked Investment Company (GLIC) in terms of promoting various measures to support more women-linked investment initiatives, women entrepreneurs, and more women participation at the policy-making level in the government and local authorities.

       

      The 30% Club Malaysia is eager to work with the relevant ministries and agencies, as the potential benefits for the country are evident – a 36% boost in GDP, equivalent to USD20 billion, can be realised by aligning women’s workforce participation with that of men.

       

      A study conducted by McKinsey & Company in collaboration with Lean In presents compelling evidence of a direct link between increased representation of women in leadership roles and higher return on equity.

       

      The 30% Club Malaysia is hopeful and positive that it can forge a stronger collaboration with the Government as it strives to make further progress along the Path to Parity in the current year.

       

      30% Malaysia 2023 Report Card

       

       

       

       

      As the year draws to a close, we are thrilled to share our 2023 Report Card highlighting key achievements.

       

       

       

      Working alongside our strategic partners and corporate and individual advocates have been a blessing, and we’re humbled by the trust they’ve placed in us as a valued partner in their DEI journey.

       

       

       

      To more milestones in 2024!

       

       

      Women in STEM – Malaysia Edition

      The 30% Club Malaysia recently held a special “Women in STEM” edition of its signature Board Awareness Program in collaboration with Microsoft Malaysia, supported by Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC)!


      The afternoon drew a full-house of engaged C-suite women and entrepreneurs, alongside a distinguished lineup of speakers, presenters, and panelists.


      Carefully curated to deliver valuable insights into board roles, the Board Awareness Program highlighted trending areas of expertise, and offered practical knowledge on essential skillsets required to get into board positions.


      One notable observation shared by Marzida Mohd Noor during her presentation was the evolving age demographic of board members, with an increasing number of women aged 40-50 holding board roles. 


      She also touched on the 30% Club’s strategic direction, including the hope to garner more support from institutional investors as corporate advocates in this journey towards parity.


      As K Raman rightfully covered in his closing remarks, cultivating a growth mindset is crucial for navigating the transformations in this digital age, with women in tech playing an invaluable role in steering the way forward!


      Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to Microsoft Malaysia for graciously hosting the afternoon, and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) for the great support extended. Special thanks to our esteemed speakers and panelists, K Raman, MD of Microsoft Malaysia; Gopi Ganesalingam, SVP and Head of Digital Exports, MDEC; Datuk Yasmin Mahmood, Dr. Jasmine Begum, See Mei Chin, and 30% Club steering committee members, Marzida Mohd Noor, Raj Kumar Paramanathan and the many volunteers who made it happen!


      Securities Commission Malaysia hosts OECD-Asia Roundtable on Corporate Governance

      “What is acceptable today may not be acceptable tomorrow” was how Arabesque AI’s CEO Carolina Minio Paluello, PhD closed her remarks at the 30% Club Malaysia “DEI x Climate Ambition” panel, OECD-Asia Roundtable on Corporate Governance at the Securities Commission Malaysia


      Today, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is still seen to be a nice to have.


      This is evolving as a more conscious generation enters the workforce. The momentum of change will only grow, fuelled by social media and reporting requirements, in turn leading to more informed consumers and investors. Embracing DEI is logical, makes good business sense and underpins good corporate governance.


      A broader talent pool is a precursor for innovation to flourish especially in an era where we’re grappling with climate crisis, our panelist Petronas Chief Sustainability Officer Charlotte Wolff-Bye said. Focusing on the right skills, at the right place, and the deployment of technology helps in making the process agnostic.


      Our male ally and panelist Suresh Kumar Dass said it was also imperative for the rest of the supply chain to follow through with DEI ambitions, supported by the government by for example, setting a timeframe for compliance on diversity.


      Carolina Minio Paluello, PhD shared data to show a correlation between the climate agenda and women on board. 


      The hope is for regulators to push for investors to look at the data for impactful portfolio construction.


      Data is king.


      Thank you to our panelists Carolina Minio Paluello, PhDCharlotte Wolff-ByeSuresh Kumar Dass and moderator Ami Moris for this wonderful session, and thank you to the Securities Commission Malaysia for the kind invitation to engage with capital market regulators from 18 countries.