SALUTATIONS
1. Yang Berbahagia Datuk Azman Ismail Chief Executive Officer, Digital Nasional Berhad
2. Mr. Goh Seow Eng
Chief Executive Officer, Maxis Berhad
3. Yang Berbahagia Datuk Ahmad Zaki Zahid
Chief Strategy Officer, Digital Nasional Berhad
4. Mr. Azizul Abdul Rahman
Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Maxis Berhad
5. Ms. Norazlin Hassan
Head of Corporate Communications, MDEC
Members of the media,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Distinguished guests,
Good morning, Salam Sejahtera, and Salam Malaysia Madani.
1. I am very pleased and honoured to be here today to officiate the EmpowerHER Digital programme. I would like to extend my appreciation to DNB, MDEC, and Maxis Berhad for inviting me to this meaningful initiative, which aims to ensure that the concept of Digital Malaysia is inclusive and comprehensive, so that the opportunities created by digitalisation can be enjoyed by all segments of society.
2. This programme is an initiative by the Ministry of Digital to further drive and uplift the economic standing of women through digitalisation. It is part of a broader movement by the Government of Malaysia to ensure that women, especially from the B40 community, are equipped with the skills, tools, and confidence to succeed in the digital world.
3. Indeed, digital technology is transforming the way we live, relax, work, and do business. Today, businesses can operate from anywhere with just a smartphone and internet connection. However, many women face barriers in accessing the digital economy, whether due to lack of skills, resources, or simply not knowing where or how to start.
4. Today, we are here to change that, to ensure that no one is left behind as we move toward a more digital Malaysia.
Ladies and gentlemen,
5. Women make up nearly half of Malaysia’s 36 million population. However, women’s participation in the workforce contributes only around 14% to the national GDP, highlighting a potential that remains untapped. Traditional gender roles, cultural norms, and the lack of affordable childcare services often make it difficult for women to balance work and family responsibilities. Workplace discrimination also continues to hinder women's participation in the labour force.
6. These barriers have long existed and will take time and effort to overcome. However, it is vital that we work together to address these challenges, to ensure that everyone, regardless of gender, can access opportunities and improve their lives.
7. As Malaysian society moves toward a more inclusive, fair, and open future, digital technology offers a powerful way to accelerate this journey and empower women toward economic and social freedom.
8. EmpowerHER Digital equips women with the skills they need to succeed, whether it’s learning how to market products online, create engaging content, or manage finances effectively. It proves that the digital world is not just for corporate employees or tech experts, it is for everyone, including hardworking women running home-based businesses, selling handmade crafts, or aspiring to start something new to improve their lives.
9. Women can leverage emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) to boost their businesses and productivity. For example, AI can automate routine tasks, assist in developing marketing strategies through data analytics, and improve customer experience with chatbots.
10. In line with this, I encourage participants here and women entrepreneurs out there to seize the opportunities offered through the MDEC Business Digitalisation Initiative as part of embracing digitalisation to enhance your businesses.
11. A portal — MDEC.my/bdi — is now active, where you can explore strategic partners ready to support you, including by offering microfinancing options.
Ladies and gentlemen,
12. One of the most important aspects of today’s programme is that it’s not just about upskilling. This programme harnesses your energy and talents to support one another. It’s about collaboration and a shared spirit of success. The journey to build something — a business, a career, or a new skill — is not one made alone, but together.
13. This programme brings together trainers, experts, and successful women who have already walked this path. Their journeys are proof that success is possible with the right mindset, perseverance, and willingness to learn. I hope their stories will inspire and remind you that your own journey is just beginning.
14. I am deeply moved to see all of you graceful and resilient women from diverse backgrounds here to support one another and make a meaningful difference in your own lives. Let us continue this collective effort in pursuit of greater and more meaningful success.
15. Before I conclude, I wish to express my appreciation for the outstanding collaboration that has brought EmpowerHER Digital to this stage. The Ministry of Digital, together with Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) and MDEC, with the support of Maxis Berhad, have come together with a shared goal: to build an inclusive digital economy. My sincere thanks to everyone involved.
16. Continued progress will require ongoing collaboration between government, businesses, and communities to ensure that more women have quality access to the opportunities they rightfully deserve.
17. Let us continue working together to ensure that digital opportunities remain accessible to all. With collective effort, I believe we can drive meaningful change and build a digital society where everyone has a chance to thrive and succeed.
Thank you.
- END -
