KUALA LUMPUR: The 30% Club Malaysia has called on corporate leaders to move beyond gender representation and empower women to influence boardroom decisions, as women now hold 34.4% of board seats among the country’s top 100 listed companies.
At its annual Board Mentoring Celebration, 30% Club Malaysia highlighted the need for stronger sponsorship, inclusive leadership and action against unconscious bias to translate diversity into meaningful influence.
The event celebrated 15 graduates of its 11th Board Mentoring Scheme (BMS) cohort and welcomed 24 women to its 12th cohort.
Established with PwC Malaysia in 2017, the nine-month programme has supported more than 179 senior women leaders, with 47% of mentees securing board roles in public-listed companies, small and medium enterprises, and industry associations.
30% Club Malaysia chair and PwC Malaysia executive chair Nurul A’in Abdul Latif said aspiring women directors needed greater access to networks, sponsorship and boardroom opportunities, while emphasising the role of male allies in advancing gender-balanced leadership.
The event also featured discussions on unconscious bias, leadership appointments and the Men Allies for Parity initiative, which recognises men taking concrete action to expand opportunities for women.
The organisation said its focus remains on ensuring women’s perspectives are heard, valued and reflected in corporate decisions.
The 30% Club Malaysian Chapter was launched in May 2015 as part of a global business-led campaign to promote diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) with a focus on gender parity in Boards and C-suites.
