A GENDER perspective is not only critical to ensuring respect for both men and women in our workforce but also vital to deliver an effective response, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said.
He said understanding gender perspectives helps identify people’s sources of strength, capacities and coping mechanisms, particularly during times of conflict and disruption.
“Times have changed significantly, so by embracing gender perspective at the highest level of corporate decision-making, we can unlock a myriad of advantages that propel not just businesses, but also the communities and society, as a whole, towards a brighter and more prosperous future.
“To our future aspiring women leaders, especially those determined to make it to the board of directors’ lists in publicly listed companies, it is important for the management to understand if the candidate has a good understanding of the importance of having gender perspectives.
“If you have attended programmes related to gender empowerment in the past, you need to understand that apart from issues like consumerism, men and women issues, there’s a bigger picture that deserves greater attention, which is gender perspectives.
“So, embrace gender perspectives and make our varied workforce a pride for the country,” Chow said in his speech during the ‘Women Board Opportunities’ programme, a networking session at JEN Hotel in George Town today.
The programme was jointly organised by the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA), Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC) and the state Social Development and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs office.
Attended by 38 board-ready women, who are from the c-suite management and 11 companies looking to fill up their board of directors lists with women, the programme was aimed at bringing together these individuals to share and discuss hiring opportunities for qualified women in the society.
Chow, who was the guest of honour, said women today have varied experiences and backgrounds that contribute to a more comprehensive decision-making process, fostering creativity, innovation and out-of-the-box thinking.
“Studies consistently show that companies with diverse boards are more likely to achieve higher financial returns, better problem-solving capabilities, and improved overall performance.
“Penang is a shining example of a region that has made commendable efforts to increase women’s representation.
“We recognise the immense value of diversity and inclusivity in driving economic growth and fostering social progress.
“The Penang government has actively implemented policies and initiatives to promote gender equality and empower women to take on leadership roles.
“Through the PWDC, Penang has achieved a string of firsts in policy implementations which serve to further the interests of our women folks.
“I have said this before, and I will say it again today.
“Women should continue with efforts to create a talent pool, so a balance in decision-makers within the state can be achieved. This is crucial for our Penang2030 vision, which prioritises the family unit and our women folks,” Chow said.
Also present during the event were state Social Development and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Chong Eng, Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim, MSIA president Datuk Seri Wong Siew Hai and PWDC chief executive officer Ong Bee Leng.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Alissala Thian