Malaysia progressing in Empowering women; more assistance needed for women in Tech says, Yuki Aizawa

Nations that want to prosper economically need to develop women in tech-related fields as well. Female involvement in the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) is crucial.

Malaysia is regarded as a progressive nation in empowering women's rights, according to Yuki Aizawa, country director of the global non-profit organization Women in Tech. She added that Malaysia lacks in providing the necessary support to ensure that women can excel in STEAM and other fields in a safe and equal environment.

Women have become the most untapped resource. Due to ESG (environment, social, and governance) standards and the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDG), many companies in Malaysia have started to support women in leadership and these companies have no choice but to come in with sustainability reports and transparency that includes hiring and retention, gender pay gaps and salary scales. These forced elements will cause cultural shifts and provide women with greater opportunities to speak up and discuss related issues.

The SMEs of Malaysia make up 98.5 percent, but there is still a big gap that needs to be filled with a mandatory support system. Support women for their career journey includes the legal framework, policies, and engagement with the stakeholders.

Yuki said that the Women in Tech's Malaysian chapter is continuously trying to connect and support women through networking events and community initiatives.

Women made up to 33 percent of the workforce in 2022, but just 25 percent of leadership roles at the 20 major global technology companies, according to the STEAM/ Global Gender Gap Index 2022.