Women must be given opportunities to shoulder higher-level leadership responsibilities - minister

MALAYSIA is home to many talented and knowledgeable women who hold great potential to shoulder higher-level leadership responsibilities.

Barisan Nasional secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said space must be created and women given opportunities to showcase their individual talents and abilities.

“That is why I often emphasise that women’s leadership is not merely a matter of meeting quotas or specific percentages; rather, it must be rooted in merit, competence, and fair opportunity,” he said.

The Higher Education Minister said at present, 46 per cent of emerging leadership positions in public universities are held by women.

“However, at the highest levels of leadership, that figure remains around 26 per cent, and we wish to see more women advance even further,” he said.

Zambry earlier celebrated 44 participants from 20 public universities who completed the 'SheLeads 2026' program at the Higher Education Leadership Academy (AKEPT) in Bandar Enstek.

This program is one of MOHE’s initiatives to cultivate female leadership talent through training, the sharing of experiences, and mentorship from seasoned leaders.

“I also took the opportunity to remind everyone that the effort to empower women in leadership is not the sole responsibility of women.

“It requires the support of all parties—including men—because a great organisation is built upon the strengths and capabilities of every individual,” he said.

He stressed that the goal is not simply to see more women become leaders, but to aim for high-calibre, authoritative female leaders who are truly capable of driving change.

“Congratulations to all the graduates of SheLeads 2026. My thanks also go to AKEPT and everyone involved in initiating this program, and I hope to see it continue across all sectors,” he added. – November 3, 2026