Malaysia has launched the Wanita MyWira Accelerator, a national initiative aimed at equipping at least 100,000 women with high-growth, future-ready skills and opportunities beyond 2030.
The programme, spearheaded by the Ministry of Human Resources through Talent Corporation Malaysia Bhd in partnership with the World Economic Forum, marks Malaysia’s entry into the Forum’s Global Gender Parity Accelerator Network, the first ASEAN country to join the platform.
The first year targets 1,000 women and 1,000 companies, supported by an RM15 million co-investment model. Participants will undergo TalentCorp’s MyMahir-certified pathways with an 80% job placement target within six months of completion. Companies are committed to flexible work practices, returnship programmes for women who have taken career breaks and hiring trained graduates.
Speaking at the launch, Minister of Human Resources Steven Sim Chee Keong said the initiative reflects Malaysia’s commitment to inclusion and ambition, equipping women for sectors such as artificial intelligence and renewable energy. Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri added that the programme creates pathways for women to access decent work and participate fully in the economy.
Malaysia’s female labour force participation currently stands at 56.2%, below the national target of 60% by 2030. The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2025 ranked Malaysia 108th out of 146 countries, highlighting the need for stronger action to close gender gaps in economic participation.
The initiative is guided by co-chairs from the public sector and supported by a private-sector advisory panel, with TalentCorp leading implementation alongside the respective ministries and the World Economic Forum.
