The 30% Club Malaysia has joined hands with the Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC) and the National Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Malaysia (NAWEM) to drive women’s leadership in Penang. This landmark collaboration aims to close the gender gap in corporate leadership and champion diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in organisations across the state.
The partnership was formalised by Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Ong Bee Leng, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PWDC, Sarojini Ruth, President of NAWEM, and Nurul A’in Abdul
Latif, Chair of the 30% Club Malaysia.
Together, they aim to create more opportunities for women to step into leadership and boardroom roles, paving the way for a more inclusive corporate environment in Malaysia.
With each organisation bringing unique strengths to the table, this partnership seeks to enhance visibility, provide support, and foster opportunities for women aspiring to leadership and board roles within Corporate Malaysia.
This collaboration will focus on several key areas, including:
- Mentorship and Coaching: Providing mentorship and coaching programs to aspiring women leaders;
- Networking Opportunities: Creating platforms for women to connect, share
experiences, and build relationships; - Advocacy and Policy: Advocating for policies that promote gender DEI and women’s
empowerment; - Capacity Building: Offering training and workshops to enhance women’s leadership
skills.
“Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC) is honoured to stand alongside the 30% Club in advocating for greater DEI in leadership. We firmly believe that empowering women to take on decision-making roles is essential to fostering equitable and sustainable growth. This collaboration signifies our shared commitment to breaking barriers and building a future where women and men contribute equally to leadership and innovation,” said Dato’ Ong Bee Leng, CEO, Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC).
Sarojini Ruth, President of NAWEM, added, “More than an agreement; this MoU is a rallying
cry. By uniting our efforts, we aim to inspire not just individuals but entire organisations to
recognise the power of diversity. Penang has the talent, drive, and potential to lead Malaysia’s charge toward better gender-balanced leadership, and we are here to help make that vision a reality.”
Nurul A’in Abdul Latif, Chair of the 30% Club Malaysia, emphasised the significance of this
partnership, “This collaboration amplifies our collective impact to create a more inclusive
business landscape. Harnessing diversity of thought and experience is critical for the
continuous growth of Penang’s vibrant ecosystem.”
“By uniting the strategic insights and network of the 30% Club Malaysia, PWDC’s focus on state-level advocacy and NAWEM’s expertise in nurturing entrepreneurs, we aim to empower women to thrive as leaders in corporate Malaysia. We look forward to seeing business leaders in Penang driving positive change and advancing DEI in management and boardrooms,” she further added.
This collaboration reflects the belief that three voices are louder than one, combining national and state-level expertise, as well as business-led advocacy, to empower women to rise, lead, and thrive. It also reinforces Penang’s reputation as a hub for innovation, investment, and progress in DEI.
The collaboration aims to deliver concrete results, such as showcasing board-ready women
in Penang, offering mentorship to develop their potential, and celebrating success stories to
inspire change nationwide.