THIS year, International Women’s Day, observed on March 8, passed more quietly than usual in Malaysia.
With global attention drawn to conflicts in Iran, the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, regional border tensions, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, uncertainty has become a constant presence in our daily lives.
Yet it remains not only relevant, but also necessary.
It speaks to a truth we sometimes overlook in turbulent times: that a nation’s resilience is shaped not just by its economic indicators or geopolitical standing, but also by how well it enables all its people to contribute meaningfully.
The empowerment of women is central to this equation. It acknowledges women not only as leaders in boardrooms, but also as educators, caregivers, professionals and entrepreneurs who work to sustain families, communities and institutions.
It also reminds us that progress depends on the policies and systems that support equality, safety and participation in the workforce.
Lessons from Vietnam
In March, I travelled to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi in Vietnam for work. What stayed with me was not the scale of the cities or the pace of development, but the women I met along the way.
At the SME Forum, at which Malaysian entrepreneurs Tan Sri Sir Dr Jeffrey Cheah of the Sunway Group and Pierre Pang of Mamee-Double Decker Group spoke, I encountered women in leadership and entrepreneurial roles who were confident, capable and focused. In fact, they made up the majority of participants at the forum over the men who attended.
I was particularly struck to learn that the founders of Edufit, one of Vietnam’s more prominent education groups, are all women, as are its chairman, chief executive officer (CEO), deputy CEOs and most of the senior leadership team.
Beyond a strong belief in holistic learning, they share a deep commitment to building schools in remote parts of Vietnam through the Dream School initiative, while nurturing students to grow into confident, thoughtful changemakers.
Their efforts to address educational disparities by developing infrastructure and expanding access to quality education for children in marginalised communities, while improving the children’s long-term prospects, resonate deeply with me.
These were not staged encounters, nor were they stories curated for attention. They were simply women doing important work, with confidence and clarity. And in that ordinariness lay their power.
Vietnam’s history lends a deeper context to these observations. Its journey from a turbulent, wartorn past to its position today as a rising economic power has long been intertwined with the contributions of women.
During the war years, Vietnamese women also served on the front lines in various roles, even as soldiers. While their roles were critical, many saw their contributions fade quietly into the background once peace returned.
Yet during every period of national need, women stepped beyond traditional expectations to shoulder military, political and economic responsibilities.
This legacy continues to shape Vietnam today, with female labour force participation exceeding 70%, among the highest globally.
The country is also seeing women take on a growing share of management and senior leadership roles.
Within the Asia-Pacific region, Vietnam’s progress stands out. Its proportion of women in senior leadership exceeds the regional average and surpasses countries such as Japan and South Korea, edging past China, Singapore and Indonesia.
This is a significant achievement for a country still navigating rapid economic development.
Progress at home
Closer to home, Malaysia’s progress is equally encouraging. The latest Grant Thornton Women in Business Report shows that women now hold 41.9% of senior leadership roles in Malaysia, the highest level on record and well above the global average.
This reflects a growing recognition that gender diversity is not just a social aspiration, but also a business and economic imperative. The representation of women on corporate boards in Malaysia has continued to rise, supported by regulatory measures and the sustained advocacy of the 30% Club.
As of early 2026, women hold approximately 29.3% of board seats across all public listed companies (PLCs), nearing the national target of 30%, while representation among the top 100 PLCs is stronger still at about 31.4%. This is a clear indication that larger organisations have already met or exceeded this benchmark.
As part of a global movement, the 30% Club Malaysia has played a pivotal role in advancing this progress by promoting gender diversity at board and senior leadership levels, strengthening corporate governance, encouraging more inclusive decision-making and supporting better business outcomes aligned with Malaysia’s broader goals of equality and sustainable economic growth.
While women leaders and entrepreneurs in Vietnam and Malaysia share a dynamism characteristic of South-East Asia, their journeys have been shaped by different contexts.
In Vietnam, entrepreneurship is often seen as a practical path to financial independence. In Malaysia, many women transition into business ownership from professional careers, supported by more structured ecosystems and institutional frameworks.
What both experiences affirm is that when women are given the space, opportunity and support to participate fully, they do far more than fill roles. They lead, build and transform.
Honouring women, then, is not about gestures or a single day on the calendar. It is about recognising their contributions consistently and strengthening the systems that allow them to thrive. In doing so, we strengthen our institutions, our economies and ultimately, our nation.
Prof Datuk Dr Elizabeth Lee is the chief executive officer at Sunway Education Group. A veteran in the field of private higher education, Prof Lee is also an advocate for women in leadership. She has been recognised both locally and internationally for her contributions to the field of education. The views expressed here are the writer’s own.
