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Inclusivity Summit to enhance DEI in corporate Malaysia

Updated: Jan 14



On July 13, 2024, the inaugural Inclusivity Summit brought together a diverse group of corporate leaders, policymakers, and advocates to discuss how Malaysia can build a more inclusive society. Hosted by Architects of Diversity with venue sponsor PwC Malaysia, the event explored the progress and challenges of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across workplaces and public policy.


A Call for Change

Neila Maryam, General Manager of Architects of Diversity, opened the summit by addressing the stark reality of discrimination in Malaysia. From identity-based biases in schools to workplace inequality, the data is troubling. “When we invest in DEI, we’re investing in a future where everyone can contribute and benefit,” she said, urging businesses to integrate inclusivity into their core values.


Taariq Murad, Tax Partner; Public Sector Leader; and Inclusion & Diversity Leader at PwC Malaysia, followed with insights into how companies can make meaningful changes. He emphasised the importance of setting measurable goals to track DEI progress. Taariq emphasised DEI is a work in progress, but accountability and leadership are critical to making it stick.


A Legacy of Diversity

YB Steven Sim, Minister of Human Resources in his keynote speech provided historical context, tracing Malaysia’s multicultural roots back to the Malacca Sultanate. He highlighted government initiatives aimed at bridging gaps in labour laws, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak, where outdated ordinances have left workers vulnerable. The minister also addressed gig workers and mental health, areas where new policies aim to provide better protections and support.


YB Sim emphasised that DEI isn’t about scaring away investments; rather, it's about creating workplaces where talent can thrive, responding to critics who argue that inclusion efforts increase business costs.


Panel discussions covered topics like women in leadership, disability access, and racial equity. A recurring theme was the need for structural change and cultural shifts. For example, Mellissa Ng, Director & Head of Stakeholder & Investor Relations at Bintang Capital Partners pointed out that women often face systemic barriers, such as being pigeonholed into lower-wage roles.


Breakout sessions on disability access revealed gaps in how workplaces accommodate both visible and invisible disabilities. Grace Gan, Manager of Enabling Academy at Yayasan Gamuda, emphasised that universal design benefits everyone, but it’s only a starting point. Progress requires involving persons with disabilities in every step of decision-making.


Discussions on racial equity tackled biases head-on. Natasha Joibi, Communications Specialist and Shashivarmaan Thevaraj, Programme Executive at Yayasan Tunku Abdul Rahman, spoke about how implicit prejudices affect hiring and promotions. Among other points highlighted, the panel agreed that equity isn’t just about fixing policies; it’s about having honest conversations and creating safe spaces for those affected.


Moving Forward

The summit ended with a reminder that change doesn’t happen overnight. Jason Wee, Executive Director of AOD Malaysia, reflected on the challenges ahead. “This work is hard, but the conversations we’re having today can lead to meaningful action tomorrow,” he said.

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Persatuan Pendidikan Diversiti
E-3A-02, Menara Suezcap 2
KL Gateway Mall
59200 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
contact[at]aodmalaysia.org
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