Kuala lumpur: The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) has launched investED for Returning Women, a specialised training and re-entry programme aimed at helping women professionals resume their careers in the capital market after a career break. Chairman Datuk Mohammad Faiz Azmi said the programme aligns with the SC’s aim of increasing women’s participation in boardrooms and the workforce, which contributes to Malaysia’s broader gender-inclusive agenda.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, by welcoming back highly capable, qualified and experienced women professionals, the initiative is set to broaden the talent pipeline and enrich its diversity. Greater gender diversity directly contributes to more balanced decision-making and better business outcomes, as highlighted by Mohammad Faiz in his welcoming remarks at the programme’s launch.

Mohammad Faiz noted that the programme had already received a positive response, with more than 600 applications submitted. The selected participants, who have backgrounds in the banking, finance, and corporate sectors, will be enrolled in the first phase called ‘Refresh’.

In a statement, the SC explained that ‘Refresh’ focuses on building confidence, reintroducing workplace culture, and enhancing soft skills through career clinics, personalised guidance, and networking. The second phase, ‘Reskill’, aims to equip participants with updated technical skills and industry knowledge relevant to today’s capital market, supported by training, exposure, and follow-up during the first six months of employment.

The SC further stated that these phases provide a comprehensive pathway for women to return successfully to the workforce. Participants who complete both phases will receive RM2,000 in incentive and a certificate. The investED for Returning Women programme will adopt a similar approach to the investED Leadership Programme, which combines classroom learning, mentorship, and industry placements.