Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia held its women empowerment event as part of the Bank’s on-going effort to promote gender parity. Themed #PressforProgress, the event was focused on strategies aimed at empowerment in the changing world and women’s positive contribution to the Malaysian economy.
The panel discussion saw esteemed and respected women leaders from various sectors including Her Excellency Vicki Treadell, British High Commissioner to Malaysia, Prof. Emerita Tan Sri Dr Sharifah Hapsah Syed Hasan Shahabudin, President, National Council of Women’s Organisations, Tan Sri Zarinah Anwar, Chairman, Malaysia Debt Ventures, Datuk Yvonne Chia, Chairman, Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia, together with Standard Chartered’s Mabel Lau, Chief Financial Officer and Sylvia Wong, Head Financial Markets. The panel was moderated by Low Ngai Yuen, Founder, WOMEN:girls and Aiza Azreen Ahmad, Director, Strategic Development, Axiata Digital.
Amongs some of the topics discussed at the forum include pressing issues pertaining to empowering the next generation of female leaders and how breaking the glass ceiling starts by changing the work culture.
Abrar Anwar, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia, says, “At Standard Chartered Bank, we view diversity and inclusion as a critical lever for business success in the long term. It enables us to unlock innovation, make better decisions and manage risk. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment that is free from bias and where everyone can realise their full potential, and in so doing, make a positive contribution to our organisation.”
Currently, nearly 60% of the Bank’s total employees in Malaysia are women with the executive committee also having a strong 42% female representation. The Standard Chartered Malaysia Board comprises 30% women under the leadership of Chairman, Datuk Yvonne Chia.
Datuk Yvonne Chia says, “Gender inequality exists everywhere in the world. It is just that gaps vary due to different cultures. We need to understand that people comprise both men and women who are complimentary to each other and not substitutes. Gender inequality arises due to stereotyping of roles, responsibilities and duties and even by profession. In order to make a difference and minimise the gap, women will need a lot of support and cooperation from men.”
Standard Chartered Bank is committed towards supporting women empowerment, not just within the Bank, but also externally to its female clients and the community through various programs. and the Bank’s employees.
