In conjunction with National Women’s Day 2026 celebrations, more than 200 leaders came together to discuss ways to strengthen women’s participation in high growth sectors and technology.
PETALING JAYA, 1 SEPTEMBER 2026 – As artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies create new opportunities, ensuring women have equal access to digital skills and leadership pathways will be critical to Malaysia's future competitiveness. To further conversations in this area, the Women Leadership Foundation (WLF) and CelcomDigi Berhad (CelcomDigi) co-hosted Future-Ready Women: Leading Malaysia Through Transformation in conjunction with National Women's Day 2026.
The strategic dialogue brought together representatives from government, industry and the corporate sector to discuss support necessary for growth in a changing economic landscape. The collaboration leverages WLF's experience in developing women leaders and CelcomDigi's expertise in technology and talent development, demonstrating how cross-sector partnerships can help create more inclusive pathways for women to excel.
In her keynote address, YB Dato' Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, highlighted the role of policy in creating a supportive environment for women to thrive. Her remark is further supported by Malaysia's female labour force participation rate reaching 56.6% in the fourth quarter of 2025. The data from Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) reflects continued progress of women's economic participation.
"We must therefore ensure that women can participate in the digital economy with confidence. This means providing opportunities to learn at different stages of life and recognising that not everyone begins from the same starting point. It also means connecting training to meaningful pathways into employment, entrepreneurship and career progression."
During the event, guests visited the CelcomDigi AI Experience Centre (AiX), gaining first-hand exposure to how AI and 5G are shaping the future of work. Other highlights included a Power Session by YABhg. Tun Tengku Maimun binti Tuan Mat, former Chief Justice of Malaysia and the country’s first female Chief Justice, who shared great insights from her leadership journey, while reflecting on leading and driving change at the highest levels of national institutions.
The event also featured a panel that discussed lessons for navigating technological disruption, digital transformation, AI acceleration and evolving workforce expectations. The members also explored topics related to mindsets needed for the future and how women can build them effectively.
This year’s programme also coincided with WLF’s anniversary, marking five years of sustained work to advance women into leadership and decision-making roles across Malaysia and the region. Emylia Anwar, Chief Executive Officer of the Women Leadership Foundation said, “For us at WLF, being future-ready is not simply about understanding new technologies. It is about preparing women to make decisions, lead organisations, shape policy and create opportunities in a world that is changing at extraordinary speed. Our partnership with CelcomDigi creates a powerful bridge between leadership development and technology, bringing these conversations into the same room and, importantly, turning them into connections and opportunities.”
CelcomDigi, a leading telco-tech in Malaysia has long championed diversity and creating opportunities for women to grow in leadership positions, particularly in technology related areas. Women currently make up 49% of the company’s approximately 2,850 strong workforce, with women accounting for 42% of leadership roles overall and 15% of leadership across Technology and Innovation functions.
Albern Murty, Chief Executive Officer, said, “Technology may be transforming how we work, but people remain the driving force behind progress. As AI and digitalisation reshape industries, it is important that women are equipped with the skills and support needed to succeed. Through our partnership with WLF, we are bringing together complementary strengths to help cultivate a stronger pipeline of talent and contribute to a more inclusive and competitive Malaysia.”
