THE Penang government, through the Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC) in collaboration with Penang Institute, is currently developing the Penang Social Development Framework, an important strategic guide that will chart the state’s long-term direction for social development.
Penang Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim said that social development, by its nature, covers a wide range of issues, with almost every aspect of community life falling under its scope.
“However, this is precisely why the framework is so important. It helps to refine, focus, and set priorities by identifying the real issues and gaps faced by our communities.
“The framework will enable the state government to formulate more responsive policies, strengthen community engagement, ensure the continuous inclusion of target groups and vulnerable communities, and improve access to necessary support systems.
“It is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026,” Lim (PH–Sungai Pinang) said during her winding-up speech at the Penang State Legislative Assembly in Light Street recently.
Beyond the framework, Lim said the state government is also reinforcing its commitment to gender inclusion through the Gender Inclusion Policy (DKG), which is now in its second phase of implementation.
“This phase aims to institutionalise gender-inclusive practices across all levels of government.
“In essence, the DKG is our commitment to ensure that every policy, programme and public service considers the needs of both women and men in a fair and equitable manner,” Lim said.
She added that a key component of this effort is the implementation of Gender Responsive and Participatory Budgeting (GRPB), a method designed to ensure fair allocation of the state budget.
“Through engagement sessions with local communities, the state can better understand their actual needs and channel resources effectively.
“In a significant milestone, former Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif announced at the NEKSUS GRPB National Conference and Applied Workshop 2025 in Kepala Batas recently that DBKL will adapt Penang’s GRPB model into their new Community-Inclusive and Participatory Budgeting approach.
“This is a clear recognition of the effectiveness of Penang’s GRPB model,” Lim added.
To ensure continuity and proper coordination, Lim added that the state government will establish a Gender Inclusion Policy Steering Committee to monitor, align and evaluate the impact of the DKG.
“This initiative will accelerate the adoption of gender-inclusive practices across all state departments and agencies.
“The state is also considering the use of GRPB methodologies to enhance existing guidelines, particularly through engagement with relevant agencies.
“This will help refine strategies to better support women working night shifts by ensuring policies are more responsive to their real needs,” said Lim.
Lim noted that PWDC has developed a wide ecosystem of programmes aimed at strengthening women’s leadership, skills, financial literacy and community influence.
“One of the key initiatives is the Penang Women Entrepreneurs Mentoring Programme (PenMentor).
“Since its launch in 2020, the programme has supported 435 micro-women entrepreneurs, helping them increase their average income by up to 30%.
“In 2025, a total of 92 women entrepreneurs participated in the intensive programme, covering digital marketing, business strategy and product branding under the guidance of industry mentors.
“The success of PenMentor shows that when we support women in growing their businesses, we are not merely providing assistance but we are opening doors for them to be self-sustaining and to uplift the future of their families,” Lim explained.
Moving forward, she said the state government aims to expand PenMentor to more rural areas, improve market access for village-based entrepreneurs, and strengthen digital skills training to ensure women remain competitive in today’s digital economy.
Lim also mentioned that the state government, through PWDC, the Penang Geographic Information System Centre (PeGIS), and the Penang Social Welfare Department (JKM), has developed Taska@Penang, an interactive platform displaying comprehensive information on registered childcare centres in the state.
“This initiative helps parents make informed decisions, enhances transparency, and encourages more operators to register legally.
“It also supports women’s participation in the workforce by ensuring access to safe and reliable childcare.
“The state is also evaluating the expansion of this platform to registered care centres and kindergartens.
“With a more organised care ecosystem and easier access to support services, we not only help families function better but also build safer home environments where women, children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities (OKU) are shielded from exploitation or violence,” Lim concluded.
Story by Riadz Akmal