• First year targets 1,000 women and 1,000 companies, supported by an RM15 million co-investment model.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Oct. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Malaysia has taken a bold step toward closing the gender gap in the workforce with the launch of the Wanita MyWira Accelerator, a national initiative designed to equip at least 100,000 women with high-growth, future-ready skills and opportunities beyond 2030.

The programme is spearheaded by the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) through its strategic think-tank agency, Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp), in partnership with the World Economic Forum (the Forum). This milestone also marks Malaysia’s entry into the Forum’s Global Gender Parity Accelerator Network, making it the first ASEAN nation to join the global platform dedicated to advancing women’s economic participation.

The first year will train 1,000 women under TalentCorp’s MyMahir-certified pathways, targeting an 80% job placement rate within six months of completion. Supported by an RM15 million co-investment model, this phase brings together 1,000 companies committed to adopting flexible work practices, offering returnship opportunities for women who have taken career breaks, and hiring trained women graduates.

Over the longer term, the initiative aims to empower more than 100,000 women beyond 2030, contributing to Malaysia’s goal of increasing female labour force participation and building an inclusive, future-ready workforce.

Speaking at the launch, YB Steven Sim Chee Keong, Minister of Human Resources (KESUMA), said the initiative reflects the nation’s commitment to both ambition and inclusion. He noted that KESUMA, through TalentCorp, is equipping Malaysian women for future-ready and high-growth sectors such as artificial intelligence and renewable energy, ensuring their talents align with the needs of tomorrow’s economy.

Recent data showed the gender pay gap has narrowed significantly, with the median difference dropping from RM211 in 2023 to just RM18 as of March 2025; while nearly half of Malaysia’s public listed companies have boards with more than 30 per cent women directors as of 1st October 2025.

YB Steven added that KESUMA has introduced several policies to support working families, including the right to Flexible Work Arrangements (FWA), tax deductions of up to RM500,000 for employers who adopt FWA, and a 50 per cent tax deduction for paid caregiving leave. Budget 2026 also expanded childcare tax relief to cover children aged six to twelve.

“Through the Wanita MyWira Accelerator, the Government aims to further remove barriers to women’s participation in workforce by offering training for flexible job opportunities, promoting family and caregiving friendly workplaces, and boosting women’s workforce participation, especially in rural areas,” he said.

YB Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, said the initiative reflects Malaysia’s belief that when women succeed, the nation succeeds.

“Through Wanita MyWira, in collaboration with KESUMA and TalentCorp, we are creating real pathways for women to access decent work and participate fully in Malaysia’s economy. This effort strengthens our national ecosystem for women’s empowerment, in line with the National Policy for Women 2025-2030 and the MADANI vision of compassion and shared prosperity,” she said.

Malaysia’s female labour force participation rate stands at 56.2%, below the national target of 60% by 2030, and slightly higher than the ASEAN average of 55%^[1]. The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2025 ranked Malaysia 108^th out of 146 countries, showing improvement from the previous year but highlighting the need for stronger action to close gender gaps in economic participation.

The Wanita MyWira Accelerator directly addresses these barriers through targeted training, employer partnerships, and childcare-friendly practices designed to make workforce participation more accessible for women.

“According to current projections, it may take 179 years to close the gender gap in East Asia, while at the same time the region needs more talent and skills for high-growth sectors. Malaysia’s Wanita MyWira Accelerator offers a different path forward,” said Saadia Zahidi, Managing Director at the World Economic Forum.

“By focusing on women’s access to opportunities in AI, digital, and green sectors—where growth and demand are strongest—this initiative tackles both workforce transformation and gender equity simultaneously. Empowering women to thrive in these fast-growing sectors will boost Malaysia’s resilience and growth in the years ahead and lay the foundations for a more equitable future. The initiative also offers a potential case study and best practice for the region,” she added.

Malaysia joins the Forum’s Global Accelerator Network established in over 35 countries. The accelerators are national public-private collaboration platforms that help governments and businesses to solve world’s biggest challenges. Participating nations have included Japan, Chile, Colombia, Egypt, and Mexico, which have introduced reforms such as gender pay-gap reporting, expanded parental leave, and returnship programmes.

The strategic direction of the Accelerator will be guided by Co-Chairs YB Steven Sim Chee Keong and YB Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri on behalf of the public sector; and by Yang Amat Mulia Tunku Ali Redhauddin Ibni Tuanku Muhriz, Tunku Besar Seri Menanti and Chairman and Founding Trustee of Teach For Malaysia; Ms Aireen Omar, Group CEO of BigPay; Dr. Jasmine Begum, Director of Legal, Government and Corporate Affairs (ASEAN and New Markets) at Microsoft Corporation; Ms Nurul A’in Abdul Latif, Executive Chair of PwC Malaysia; and Ms Anne Abraham, Founder and Chairperson of LeadWomen, representing the private sector.

The implementation of the initiative will be led by TalentCorp, with support from the respective ministries and the Forum.

For more information on Wanita MyWira Accelerator, e-mail: women@talentcorp.com.my.

HONG KONG, Oct. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Modon, an international holding company headquartered in Abu Dhabi, has commissioned Knightsbridge Partners to serve as the exclusive Asia-Pacific region master agent for its Muheira Phase 2 project, coordinating sales and marketing activities throughout the region.

Phase 1 of Muheira, an exclusive residential development located within walking distance of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), sold out on the day of launch in May. Knightsbridge Partners’ mandate for Phase 2 will include managing the Asia-Pacific regional agency network, overseeing brand compliance, supervising the marketing budget, and executing events in select markets. Knightsbridge Partners will also coordinate with a selected network of sub-agents, ensuring that all efforts align with Modon’s launch strategy and standards.

Located close to ADGM – Abu Dhabi’s international financial centre – Muheira represents one of the emirate’s key residential offerings, blending luxury living with strong long-term investment potential. As Abu Dhabi continues to see robust growth in non-oil trade, foreign investment, and financial services, Muheira Phase 2 is expected to generate significant interest both regionally and internationally.

About Modon:

Modon is an international holding company, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX). We are at the forefront of urban innovation, creating iconic designs and experiences that continually surpass expectations. Our primary business sectors include real estate, hospitality, asset management, investments, events, and tourism. Our goal is to deliver long-term, sustainable value, laying the foundations for intelligent, connected living.

About Knightsbridge Partners

Knightsbridge Partners (HK) Limited is an international B2B real estate platform strategically backed by Black Spade Capital, the family office of Lawrence Ho. Operating across Asia-Pacific, Knightsbridge Partners connects global developers with trusted local agencies, delivering market expansion, distribution expertise, and long-term investor engagement for landmark projects worldwide.

Media Contact:
Lois HO
Product Development Director
Knightsbridge Partners
Email: lois@knightsbridge-partners.com
Contact Number: +852 6706 1376
Website: https://knightsbridge-partners.com/

• Season 12 unveils expanded 17-round calendar across 11 iconic cities, with pre-season testing in Valencia
• Formula E Season 12 pre-season testing to run from 27 to 31 October at Circuit Ricardo Tormo, Valencia
• The Formula E Women’s Test returns on Friday, 31 October, featuring double track time compared to last year’s historic test
• Hankook’s iON Race tire optimized for GEN3 Evo cars, delivering proven safety and performance in the world-renowned racing circuit

VALENCIA, Spain, Oct. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As the world’s premier electric racing series prepares to return for its most ambitious season yet, Hankook Tire & Technology (hereafter Hankook), a leading global tire company under Hankook & Company Group, is set to showcase its technology during the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship (hereafter Formula E) Season 12 pre-season testing, taking place from 27 to 31 October in Valencia, Spain.

Now in its fourth and final season as Formula E’s exclusive tire supplier and official technology partner, Hankook will once again equip all teams with the championship-proven GEN3 Evo iON Race tire. Built to deliver consistent grip, efficiency and durability, the tire has powered Formula E since Season 9 without a single tire-related incident — underscoring Hankook’s proven reliability at the highest level of competition.

For drivers and engineers alike, the Valencia Pre-Season Testing represents a critical opportunity to refine setups and coordination before the season opener. Twenty drivers from 10 teams will run intensive sessions with the GEN3 Evo car and Hankook’s proven iON Race tire, generating valuable data on vehicle dynamics and tire performance.

Driver feedback highlighted the tire’s exceptional capabilities, with Maximilian Günther (DS PENSKE) noting, “Following my victory at the Season 10 Tokyo E-Prix, I was able to secure another triumph at the Season 11 Jeddah E-Prix. The GEN3 Evo iON Race Tire consistently demonstrated exceptional performance, delivering remarkable grip and precise handling, even under the most demanding driving conditions. This high level of performance enabled us to maintain stability and competitiveness throughout the entire race. As we will be using the same tire this season, I am eager to build on this momentum and strive for yet another victory.”

Formula E will once again deliver an expanded Women’s Test at the Pre-Season Testing in Valencia. Up to 20 female drivers from all 10 teams will have the opportunity to double their track time by driving the current GEN3 Evo race car – the same model used by official Formula E drivers. Running alongside, the FIA Girls on Track program, presented by Hankook, will welcome around 100 local young women, aged 12-18, for workshops and team interaction, inspiring the next generation of talent.

Since its debut as exclusive tire supplier in Season 9, Hankook has played a pivotal role in advancing Formula E’s standards of performance, sustainability, and safety. Formula E Season 12 promises an electrifying 17-round global championship spanning 11 iconic cities, launching with the São Paulo opener on 6 December and culminating with the prestigious London finale next August.

About Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd.

With unparalleled pursuit of innovation and technological excellence at its core, Hankook Tire & Technology continues to actively invest in the expansion of its essential capabilities to deliver consumers the utmost satisfaction on the road. Currently operating in over 160 countries, Hankook has eight manufacturing facilities and five R&D centers around the world, with over 20,000 highly dedicated professionals. Hankook Tire produces exceptional quality, high-performance radial tires for passenger cars, 4x4s, SUVs, light trucks, campers, trucks, buses and motorsport vehicles.

Hankook Tire & Technology actively participates in global sustainability initiatives and is committed to making the world a better place to live. In recognition of the commitment, Hankook Tire was first recognized by the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices World (DJSI World) in 2011 and more recently has been on the list for the past six years starting from 2016. In addition, the company received the highest rating from EcoVadis Business Sustainability Rating for three years in a row.