by AUFA MARDHIAH
THE Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI) has introduced a new initiative called “Women in Trade and Industry” (WITI) to bolster the skills and capabilities of women in the industrial and export sectors.
The initiative is a result of MITI’s collaboration with the National Council of Women’s Organisations Malaysia (HAWA Malaysia).
MITI Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz (picture) emphasised that empowering women is crucial for achieving dynamic and inclusive economic growth.
“As a ministry focused on investment and industry, we want to see greater involvement from women. One way to achieve this is by maintaining direct engagement with the community.
“We believe that the collaboration between MITI and NGOs under HAWA will enable the ministry and its agencies to directly connect with the community, particularly women entrepreneurs who may have companies but lack the means to export or need financial assistance,” he told the media earlier today.
Regarding investment for the programme, Tengku Zafrul noted that companies need support to enhance their capacity and MITI can help find suitable investors to partner with women entrepreneurs.
In terms of key performance indicators, he said MITI will discuss further at the ministerial level and with the NGOs under HAWA.
“The important thing is that we want to see outcomes, and we will report on them soon. The work targets have been set, chaired by the secretary general and together with all involved NGOs to ensure the success of this programme,” he said.
Although the allocation has not yet been set, Tengku Zafrul noted that it will prioritise many programmes under MITI and to ensure the allocated amount benefits women.
He also highlighted the interest from private companies in joining the programme. Once the programme details are clarified, he believes these companies will support ensuring women’s involvement in industry and trade.
The WITI programme will be implemented nationwide with the assistance of MITI officers, who will provide training and support to women interested in trade and industry.
The initiative is open to various groups, including entrepreneurs, small and medium enterprise owners, youth and the bottom 40% income and middle 40% income groups.
The programme aligns with the Malaysian Madani Policy and the National Women Policy introduced in March 2023, ensuring that Malaysian women have the skills and capacity needed to thrive in the global economy.
Furthermore, the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 also stresses the importance of an inclusive and sustainable economy, including women — to ensure economic security and inclusivity, which includes empowering women.
Hence, the capacity building for women in the trade and industry sectors through the WITI programme is expected to help women reach their full potential and elevate the national economy.
The programme will also involve collaboration with loan agencies and grant providers to help women entrepreneurs secure the necessary financial resources.
Participants will gain exposure to company formation, financial management, business strategies and fostering a corporate culture, equipping them with the skills needed to succeed in trade and industry.
Nevertheless, he noted that one of the priorities for Malaysia in the ASEAN chairmanship is to ensure women entrepreneurs are not marginalised in ASEAN.
“This initiative aligns with our goals for next year as the ASEAN chair, ensuring women’s involvement in the ASEAN economy,” he said.
