Program Overview

The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) has introduced the investED for Returning Women, a comprehensive training and re-entry initiative designed for women aiming to reestablish their careers in the capital market after a hiatus.

Target Audience and Interest Levels

Since its announcement in October, the program has garnered impressive interest, with over 600 applications received. This reflects a significant demand among women, particularly those aged between their mid-30s to late 40s, many of whom come from sectors such as oil and gas, banking, finance, and insurance. A majority cited family responsibilities and caregiving as reasons for their career breaks.

Program Structure

investED for Returning Women consists of two key phases aimed at equipping participants with essential skills and confidence:

• REFRESH: This phase focuses on personal and professional readiness, encompassing skill-building in workplace culture and networking opportunities through career clinics and mentorship.
• RESKILL: This component provides participants with updated technical skills, industry knowledge, and support, ensuring that they are well-prepared for contemporary challenges in the capital market.

Participants who complete both phases will receive a MYR 2,000 (approximately $480) incentive and a certificate of completion.

Strategic Goals and Partnerships

According to SC Chairman Dato’ Mohammad Faiz Azmi, the initiative aligns with the SC’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the capital market workforce, where women already comprise a notable percentage of the talent pool. As of October 1, 2025, over 34% of board positions at the top 100 companies listed on Bursa Malaysia are occupied by women.

He stated, “With the capital market’s growing sophistication and facing a talent shortage, this program aims to tap into the experience and expertise of returning professionals to strengthen the market’s depth and resilience.”

The program employs an approach similar to SC’s investED Leadership Program, integrating classroom instruction with mentorship and industry placements. Additionally, the SC will facilitate employment opportunities by connecting participants with partner firms.

Support and Collaboration

The program is supported by various organizations, including:

• 30 Percent Club Malaysia
• LeadWomen Sdn Bhd
• Securities Industry Development Corporation (SIDC)
• PricewaterhouseCoopers Malaysia Holdings Sdn Bhd (PwC)
• Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad

These partners actively contribute to the design of training modules and offer workplace placements, ensuring a well-rounded experience for participants.