Salutations
1. Mr. Anuar Fariz Fadzil Chief Executive Officer,
Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC)
2. Mr. Rizal Dato’ Nainy
Chief Executive Officer, SMECorp Malaysia
3. Datuk Ahmad Zaki Zahid
Chief Strategy Officer, Digital Nasional Berhad
4. Ms. Yushida Husin
Chief Executive Officer, CGC Digital
Strategic Partners,
Members of the Media,
Distinguished Guests.
A very good morning, Salam Perpaduan, and Salam Malaysia MADANI.
1. I am truly honored to be here with all of you today for the launch of the EmpowerHER Digital 2025 programme. For me, digitalization is not just about technology, but about how we open up more opportunities for everyone—especially women.
2. I would like to extend my appreciation to the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), with the support of SME Corp Malaysia, for their collective efforts in making this initiative a success. EmpowerHER Digital 2025 is one of the government’s key steps in bridging the digital divide and empowering women in the digital economy.
3. I would also like to congratulate all the women participants of this programme. I understand that stepping out of one’s comfort zone and venturing into the digital world is not easy. But today, you have taken a bold step to embrace digital technology and build a more sustainable and competitive future.
Digital Economy: Opportunities for All
Ladies and Gentlemen,
4. We are all aware that the world today is evolving rapidly, driven by digital technology. Advances in e-commerce, artificial intelligence (AI), fintech, and the gig economy have created new avenues for more inclusive economic growth. But the question is, does everyone have equal access to these opportunities?
5. I do not want anyone to be left behind, especially women. This is the main reason why EmpowerHER Digital was established—to ensure that more women, particularly from the B40 group, gain digital skills, market access, and mentorship that can help them build businesses and achieve greater financial stability.
6. The reality is that nearly 220,000 women entrepreneurs have ventured into e-commerce through various platforms, yet only 12.63% receive training after their initial participation. This shows that many women still need continuous guidance to not only register on digital platforms but also to compete and succeed.
7. Data also indicates that nearly 57,000 women traders operating online have not been able to generate any sales, while a significant portion earn less than RM1,000. This means that there are still barriers to fully leveraging digital economic opportunities, and this is where we must step in to help them move forward.
8. I am confident that when more women are given opportunities in the digital economy, the impact will not only be on individuals but also contribute to community development and have a positive effect on the national economy.
9. And I do not want this programme to stop here. We will expand EmpowerHER Digital to more states so that more women, whether in urban or rural areas, can benefit from it.
The Government’s Role in Empowering Digital Women
Ladies and Gentlemen,
10. The government, through the Ministry of Digital and MDEC, is committed to ensuring that the nation’s digital transformation is inclusive. This means that every segment of society—including rural women, single mothers, and underprivileged groups—must be given equal opportunities to thrive in the digital economy.
11. The reality, based on the DE Dagang programme report from 2022, is that 95% of women entrepreneurs operate individually rather than as a formal business entity or company. This indicates that most women are still in the early stages of digitalization and require more extensive support in areas such as financing, digital marketing, and strategic training.
12. Therefore, it is our responsibility to ensure that no one is left behind in the digital transformation wave. EmpowerHER Digital is not just a training programme; it is a national movement to build women’s confidence in the digital world and help them achieve success on their own terms.
13. I would also like to express my appreciation to all industry partners who have demonstrated their commitment to supporting B40 women. The participation of Shopee, TikTok, CGC Digital, and Pixlr in this programme proves that collaboration between the public and private sectors is key to building and strengthening a more inclusive digital ecosystem.
Closing
14. Before I conclude my speech, I would like to call upon all parties to continue supporting and empowering women in the digital world. I am confident that through collective efforts, we can shape a more inclusive, progressive, and prosperous Malaysia in this digital era.
15. With that, I am pleased to officially launch the EmpowerHER Digital 2025 programme. May this programme serve as a catalyst for greater success in our efforts to empower women in the digital economy. Thank you.
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