Women hold 34pc of top board seats

KUALA LUMPUR: Women account for more than 34.4 per cent of board seats among Malaysia's top 100 publicly listed companies, but the next challenge is ensuring their representation translates into greater influence over corporate strategy and decision-making.

The 30% Club Malaysia said corporate leaders must move beyond meeting diversity targets to building boardrooms where women's perspectives help shape business priorities, strengthen governance and drive sustainable growth.

Its chair and PwC Malaysia executive chair, Nurul A'in Abdul Latif, said aspiring women directors needed greater access to professional networks, sponsorship and boardroom exposure to prepare them for leadership roles.

"Through mentorship and meaningful connections, the Board Mentoring Scheme (BMS) helps develop a sustainable pipeline of board-ready women who can contribute effectively in governance and leadership roles."

She said achieving gender-balanced leadership required male allies to sponsor talent and create more inclusive pathways to leadership.

She was speaking at the organisation's annual Board Mentoring Celebration on Tuesday, themed "Beyond the Numbers: From Representation to Real Influence".

The event marked the completion of the programme's 11th cohort, comprising 15 women, and welcomed 24 participants to its 12th cohort.

Established with PwC Malaysia in 2017, the nine-month BMS pairs aspiring women leaders with experienced board directors to boost their governance knowledge and professional networks.

The scheme has supported more than 179 senior women leaders across 11 cohorts, with 47 per cent securing board positions in public-listed companies, small and medium enterprises, and industry associations.

30% Club Malaysia steering committee member and PwC Malaysia partner Pauline Ho said board diversity should be measured by whether women's views influenced organisational decisions, rather than representation alone.