New investED for Returning Women to support women in Malaysia seeking to rejoin the workforce

The programme will be delivered in two phases: Refresh, which will focus on building confidence and enhancing soft skills; and Reskill, which will equip participants with updated technical skills and industry knowledge relevant to today’s capital market.

Malaysia’s Securities Commission (SC) has introduced investED for Returning Women, a re-entry programme designed for women looking to restart their careers in the capital market.

Launched on 10 November 2025, the initiative offers tailored training, essential skills, and networking opportunities to help women make a confident comeback and thrive in the industry.

The programme, which is designed to support women re-entering the workforce after a career break, particularly into the capital market sector, is delivered in two phases: 

• REFRESH (professional & personal readiness)
  • REFRESH is designed to boost confidence, reintroduce participants to modern workplace culture, and strengthen soft skills. Through career clinics, personalised coaching, and networking sessions, the programme equips women with the tools and connections needed for successful job placement.
  • Mohammad Faiz Azmi, Chairman, SC, shared that participants selected for the REFRESH phase will come from backgrounds spanning banking, finance, and the corporate sectors.
• RESKILL (technical & market competence)
  • RESKILL focuses on equipping participants with up-to-date technical expertise and industry insights essential for today’s capital market. The programme combines structured training, real-world industry exposure, and ongoing support during the first six months of employment to ensure a smooth and successful transition back into the workforce.

These phases aim to provide women with a comprehensive pathway that will allow them to successfully return to the workforce. Participants who complete both phases will receive RM2,000 in incentive and a certificate.

"investED for Returning Women is therefore not just a capacity building programme - it recognises untapped potential and seeks to retain much-needed professional and leadership qualities."

The Chairman added that the programme aligns with the company's efforts to enhance diversity and inclusion in the capital market workforce, in which women will be able to represent a substantial part of the talent pool. 

"With the capital market’s growing sophistication and facing a talent shortage, this programme aims to tap into the experience and expertise of returning professionals to strengthen the market’s depth and resilience," he added.

Similar to the approach taken for SC’s investED Leadership Programme, investED for Returning Women will combine classroom learning, mentorship, and industry placements.

The SC will also facilitate potential employment by connecting participants with partner companies. In addition, participants will also receive guidance from seasoned professionals in leading firms.

"Returning to the workforce reflects the confidence to restart, curiosity to relearn, and commitment to rebuild your professional career. It is not easy returning back to work but with some help and positive guidance, we hope to help you on your way," he added. 

"Through this programme, you will gain not only new skills but also a community of peers, mentors, and leaders who believe in your potential. Please make the most of them as having a friend in a mentor, will help you overcome any difficulties."

The programme is supported by the 30% Club Malaysia, LeadWomen, Securities Industry Development Corporation (SIDC), PricewaterhouseCoopers Malaysia, and Talent Corporation.