Graduation Keynote at the investED for Returning Women Programme Graduation

Speaker: Dato’ Mohammad Faiz Azmi, Chairman, Securities Commission Malaysia

Location: Securities Commission Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur
Delivered: 2 April 2026

Yang Berbahagia Datin Paduka Azalina Adham, SC Managing Director,

Yang Berusaha Puan Nurul Ain Abdul Latif, Executive Chair, PwC Malaysia,

Yang Berusaha Puan Anne Abraham, Founder, LeadWomen,

Yang Berusaha Puan Hajah Mahuran Saro Dato' Haji Sariki, Senior Vice President, TalentCorp,

Yang Mulia Tengku Zarina Tengku Chik, Chief Executive Officer, Securities Industry Development Corporation,

SC colleagues,

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh and good morning.

During conversations with local industry captains, the topic of the limited talent pool often comes up as a major obstacle to growth and business resilience. This shrinks even further as experienced and capable women step away from their careers due to family responsibilities and other personal matters.
The investED for Returning Women Programme was therefore established, in part, to ensure that this valuable talent pool is not permanently lost. The aim is to provide opportunities for women to reconnect, refresh their skills and adjust to new workplace demands. In doing so, we take another step towards building a workforce that is inclusive, adaptable and able to meet industry needs.
Needless to say, this initiative also aligns with key priorities of the MADANI Economy framework, namely inclusive growth, shared prosperity and the development of human capital.
For the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC), we remain committed to deepening inclusivity and participation in our capital market. In 2012, a target of 30% women on boards was recommended for large public-listed companies (PLCs). This was later extended to include all listed companies. The Top 100 PLCs collectively reached this target in 2023 and this year we are on track to achieve the 30% target for all PLCs.
As of January 2026, the percentage of women on boards for all PLCs stood at 29.3%. This is an important outcome in terms of female representation.
Today, we have reached another significant chapter. One that bodes well for the diversity and future of our workforce. Since its launch last year, which is made possible with the support of the Ministry of Finance and other partners, the investED for Returning Women Programme has received strong interest. It reflects an intrinsic desire to continue contributing to the corporate world, and in particular, the capital market.
After more than 800 applications and three cohorts, 128 female participants have successfully completed this programme. Having successfully graduated, all of you have signalled that you are ready to re-enter the workforce. That deserves a round of applause.
I understand that graduates’ CVs will be shared with employer partners in the programme. This is your opportunity to shine and rejoin the workforce based on your merits and capabilities.
To the prospective employers and their HR departments, I would urge you to utilise this window of opportunity and tap into this ready pool of experienced professionals for the betterment of your organisations. Please do utilise the networking session later to meet and engage with prospective hires.
In fact, I am happy to hear that about 12% of graduates have already secured jobs and will start or have started working again. Well done and this is a good validation of the value that this programme brings.
Thank you to our industry and employer partners who have supported their placements. I would also like to acknowledge the specific contributions of industry partners who have supported this programme.
TalentCorp’s involvement helps ensure that this programme aligns with national efforts to encourage greater participation of skilled professionals in our workforce.
We would like to acknowledge LeadWomen for their role in delivering leadership development and career readiness sessions. These have proved invaluable to participants as they prepare to re-enter the professional world.
We would also like to thank the Securities Industry Development Corporation (SIDC) for delivering the Capital Market Essentials Programme (CMEP) and its certification.
In addition, PwC has contributed industry insights and practical training, enabling participants to better understand current workplace expectations, professional practices and emerging trends.
Together, all these partnerships reflect the importance of cross-sector collaboration in developing and empowering talent. They also demonstrate the critical role that industry plays in developing and sustaining Malaysia’s capital market talent ecosystem.
To all graduates from the three cohorts, I once again extend my warmest congratulations. Your desire to return to the workforce reflects determination, resilience, courage and a strong sense of purpose. I hope that the knowledge and experience gained throughout this journey will give you the confidence for your next steps professionally, and hopefully open up more doors and inspire others to follow a similar path.
With that, thank you for listening and my appreciation to everyone involved in making this initiative a success.

Thank you.