Malaysia launches new initiative to bring experienced female talent back into the workforce

Malaysia’s Securities Commission (SC) has launched a new programme, investED for Returning Women, to help women restart their careers in the country’s job market.

The initiative, launched on Monday, provides tailored training, essential workplace skills, and industry connections to help women make a confident return to the workforce after a career break.

It is designed as a comprehensive pathway back into employment, and is structured across two phases – REFRESH and RESKILL, each addressing distinct readiness needs for returning professionals.

The first phase, REFRESH, focuses on the returning women’s professional and personal preparedness. It helps them acclimatise to today’s workplace culture, strengthen soft skills, and rebuild the confidence often lost during a career pause. Through personalised coaching, career clinics, and networking sessions, women receive the guidance and industry access needed for smooth job placement.

SC Chairman Mohammad Faiz Azmi noted that participants entering the REFRESH phase will come from diverse backgrounds across banking, finance and corporate sectors.

And the second phase, RESKILL, sharpens technical expertise and provides hands-on exposure to current capital market practices. It provides structured training, industry-led sessions, and continued on-the-job support over the first six months of employment are designed to ensure participants transition effectively into their new roles.

Women who complete both phases will receive a RM2,000 incentive and an official certificate. Chairman Azmi emphasised that the programme goes beyond skill-building. “investED for Returning Women is not just a capacity-building programme. It recognises untapped potential and seeks to retain much-needed professional and leadership qualities,” he commented.

He added that the initiative strengthens the SC’s broader push for greater diversity and inclusion within Malaysia’s capital market workforce, where returning women can form a substantial and high-calibre talent pool. Azmi noted, “With the capital market’s growing sophistication and facing a talent shortage, this programme aims to tap into the experience and expertise of returning professionals to strengthen the market’s depth and resilience.”

Modelled after the SC’s investED Leadership Programme, the new initiative combines classroom learning, mentorship, and industry placements. The participants will also be connected with partner companies for potential employment opportunities and receive guidance from seasoned leaders across prominent firms.

Azmi encouraged women to embrace the journey with confidence saying, “Returning to the workforce reflects the confidence to restart, curiosity to relearn, and commitment to rebuild your professional career… With some help and positive guidance, we hope to help you on your way.”

He added that the programme offers not just skills, but a supportive community of peers and mentors, a network designed to help women navigate challenges as they find their footing again.

The programme is backed by the 30% Club Malaysia, LeadWomen, Securities Industry Development Corporation (SIDC), PwC Malaysia, and Talent Corporation.