I AM a science communicator trained in biotechnology. Being a career woman in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), I also spend my time empowering women in science and encouraging young girls and women to pursue STEM education and careers. I therefore commend the Government for announcing 2018 as the Women Empowerment Year and the related measures announced in Budget 2018.
These include increasing the mandatory maternity leave from 60 days to 90 days in the private sector; requiring government-linked companies, government-linked investment companies and statutory bodies to set aside 30% of positions in their board of directors to women by the end of 2018; and allocating RM20mil for training and entrepreneurship programmes tailored for women through the Entrepreneur Programme.