KUALA LUMPUR: The Human Resources Minister, V Sivakumar, has stated that employers are responsible for increasing female labor force participation in Malaysia. He mentioned that the government has implemented several initiatives to promote female employment, particularly through amendments to the Employment Act 1955. These amendments include the introduction of flexible working hours, which are beneficial for married women and those with children, as it encourages their entry into the workforce. Sivakumar believes that this move will not only foster greater female participation but also decrease the country’s reliance on foreign labor. These remarks were made during the Life at Work Awards 2023 event on October 18.
Sivakumar’s comments were made in response to inquiries on the government’s efforts to address female participation in the labor force and the declining fertility rate in Malaysia. According to the Statistics Department, the country’s fertility rate in 2022 dropped to a 50-year low of 1.6 children per woman aged 15 to 49.
In addition to focusing on female employment, Sivakumar emphasized the importance of employers adapting their workplace practices to meet the changing needs of the country’s multi-generational workforce. He highlighted that TalentCorp, an organization advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace, initially aimed to support the return of more women to work. However, over time, TalentCorp expanded its initiatives to promote the well-being of all employees.
The Life at Work Awards 2023 event, hosted by TalentCorp Malaysia, recognized employers who have excelled in implementing DEI and work-life practices. A total of 30 awards were presented across eight categories, honoring outstanding achievements in employee development, diversity hiring, sustainability practices, and leadership excellence.
Thomas Mathew, CEO of TalentCorp Malaysia, mentioned the organization’s commitment to increasing female workforce participation through various initiatives, such as childcare centers and workshops on flexible work arrangements. He also stated that additional initiatives, including Women Networking and Mentoring Programs, will be introduced in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and the Madani economy target to increase the country’s female workforce.
The Life at Work Awards 2023 event included categories such as Promising Young HR, Sustainability and DEI, and Outstanding Practices for Women Workforce. Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud also attended the event.
