ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION ON WOMEN'S PARTICIPATION IN GLC MANAGEMENT AND OWNERSHIP IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR

24 FEBRUARY 2025 

KOTA KINABALU (TUESDAY): The Institute for Development Studies (Sabah), (IDS) will be organising a Round Table Discussion on Women's Participation in GLC Management and Ownership in the Private Sector, which will be held on Friday, 28 February 2025, at Hotel No. 5, Kota Kinabalu. This programme aims to discuss issues, challenges, and strategies to empower women in corporate management and business ownership, in line with the state’s inclusive development goals.

In a statement today IDS Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Ts. Dr. Ramzah Dambul emphasised that gender balance in leadership is key to achieving a more sustainable and inclusive economic development. “Women play a vital role in various economic sectors. However, statistics show that only 28% of board members and CEOs of government-linked companies (GLCs) in Sabah are women, compared to 69.3% of owners of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) registered with the Ministry of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship (MIDE) Sabah,” he said.

To ensure a more structured approach to women’s equity ownership in the state’s economy, he proposed the establishment of a women entrepreneurs’ database to prevent overlapping business registrations across different agencies.

He also highlighted that increasing women’s involvement in decision-making not only enhances an organisation’s competitiveness but also leads to more holistic policy solutions. “Women bring unique leadership perspectives, drive innovation, and enrich the decision-making process in both the public and private sectors,” he added.This round table discussion will explore key issues and challenges related to women’s empowerment, formulate strategic action plans, and propose policies to enhance women’s participation in corporate management and business ownership.

This programme is part of IDS’s ongoing efforts to empower women in economic and leadership sectors, in line with Sabah’s vision for a more inclusive and competitive development.

For further information, please contact the Programme Coordinator, Mr. Mohd. Rizal Muslihin, via email at rizal.muslihin@ids.org.my or call 088-450500.