SC empowers women through investED for Returning Women

The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) officially launches investED for Returning Women, a training and re-entry programme designed to support women seeking to rejoin the capital market after a career break.

The programme will provide returning women with the essential knowledge, skills and opportunities to thrive in the capital market.

First announced in October this year, investED for Returning Women has received over 600 applications, reflecting strong interest and demand among women seeking structured pathways back into professional employment.

Applicants’ ages range from mid 30s to late 40s, with many coming from the oil & gas, banking, finance and insurance sectors. Most applicants cited family responsibilities and caregiving as the primary reasons for the career break. investED for Returning Women is designed to support women re-entering the workforce after a career break, particularly into the capital market sector. It is delivered in two phases:

1. REFRESH (professional & personal readiness) Focuses on building confidence, reintroducing workplace culture, and enhancing soft skills through career clinics, personalised guidance, and networking to prepare participants for job placement.

2. RESKILL (technical & market competence) Equips participants with updated technical skills and industry knowledge relevant to today’s capital market, supported by structured training, industry exposure, and follow-up support during the first six months of employment.

These phases provide a comprehensive pathway for women to successfully return to the workforce. Participants who complete both phases will receive RM2,000 in incentive and a certificate.

SC Chairman Dato’ Mohammad Faiz Azmi said the programme aligns with the SC’s efforts to enhance diversity and inclusion in the capital market workforce, where women represent a substantial part of the talent pool.

“Among the top 100 listed companies on Bursa Malaysia, over 34% of board positions are held by women as at 1 Oct 2025. 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,” he said.

Similar to the approach taken for SC’s investED Leadership Programme, investED for Returning Women combines classroom learning, mentorship, and industry placements.

The SC will also facilitate potential employment by connecting participants with partner companies. Participants will also receive guidance from seasoned professionals in leading firms.

The programme is supported by the 30% Club Malaysia, LeadWomen Sdn Bhd, Securities Industry Development Corporation (SIDC), PricewaterhouseCoopers Malaysia Holdings Sdn Bhd (PwC) and Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad. These partners play an active role in designing training modules and offering workplace placements.