Securities Commission unveils return-to-work scheme for women in capital market

THE Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) has launched a tailored re-entry programme aimed at helping women professionals rejoin the capital market sector after an extended career break.

Applications opened today for ‘investED for Returning Women’, a newly introduced scheme designed for women under the age of 50 who have been out of the workforce for up to a decade and previously held roles in the capital market or with listed companies.

“This programme is part of our continued commitment to inclusivity and economic empowerment,” the SC said in a statement, highlighting its alignment with the Government’s Budget 2025 agenda, which prioritises gender diversity and inclusive economic growth.

The initiative builds on the earlier success of the ‘investED Leadership Programme’, launched in 2023 in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Higher Education, to cultivate future leaders in Malaysia’s capital market.

Supported by several key partners — including the 30% Club Malaysia, LeadWomen Sdn Bhd, the Securities Industry Development Corporation (SIDC), PricewaterhouseCoopers Malaysia (PwC), and Talent Corporation Malaysia — the programme aims to remove barriers faced by women returning to the workforce.

The first intake will comprise 100 participants, primarily women from middle management backgrounds. Over a two-month period beginning in November, participants will undertake a structured training programme to refresh their technical capabilities and professional confidence.

The course will feature one-on-one mentoring, career clinics, industry insights and structured networking sessions with capital market professionals.

Participants who complete the programme will receive a RM2,000 incentive and a formal certificate of completion.

Applications are open from 8 to 31 October 2025. All applicants will be assessed through a formal selection process, and submissions must be made via the investED website. - October 8. 2025