Kuala lumpur: Women's participation in Malaysia's maritime industry is gaining momentum, with 909 female seafarers currently serving in the sector, said MISC Bhd president and group chief executive officer Zahid Osman. He stated that women account for 3.2 percent of Malaysia's 28,400 seafarers, compared to only one percent of the global seafaring workforce.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Zahid Osman highlighted the progress during the launch of the Chart Her Course Exhibition. He noted that MISC's maritime training academy, Akademi Laut Malaysia (ALAM), has for decades produced maritime professionals who have served worldwide. ALAM has been instrumental in opening doors for women in the industry, which were previously considered inaccessible.

In 2006, ALAM welcomed its first batch of female cadets. By 2021, one of these pioneers made history as Malaysia's first female master mariner or captain. Zahid pointed out that ALAM's female cadet participation currently stands at 11.5 percent, surpassing the global average for women in seafaring.

The Chart Her Course Exhibition, running from May 19 to 25 at the Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad, is an immersive showcase organized by MISC in conjunction with the International Day for Women in Maritime. It aims to increase the visibility of women's roles in the industry through interactive installations, including a command centre simulator and themed walkthroughs. The exhibition seeks to challenge perceptions that maritime careers are exclusive to men and highlight opportunities for women to pursue leadership roles in the sector.