2025

14 Apr

UCSI’s Women Empowerment conference puts spotlight on gender barriers

From left: former Miti secretary-general Tan Sri Dr Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria, UCSI Faculty of Social Sciences and Liberal Arts Prof Dr Chan Nee Nee, UCSI vice-chancellor and president Prof Emerita Datuk Ts Ir Dr Siti Hamisah Tapsir, UCSI pro-chancellor Tunku Zain Al-'Abidin Tuanku Muhriz, DTE Consult founder Tengku Dr Naufal Tengku Mansor, TalentCorp Malaysia senior vice-president Mahuran Saro Sariki and UCSI Faculty of Social Sciences and Liberal Arts dean Prof Dr Rogayah Razak.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia could take up to 100 years to close gender gaps if meaningful actions are not taken now, said former Miti secretary-general Tan Sri Dr Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria at UCSI University.

Citing data from the World Economic Forum, she emphasised that while Malaysia had made commendable progress, much more needs to be done to bridge the gap and overcome barriers.

“Malaysia is ranked the lowest among nine Asean countries for political power and representation - particularly in Parliament,” said the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs director.

“Only 13.5% of our elected representatives are women.”

Speaking at UCSI’s Women Empowerment Conference: She Shines - a Celebration of Women’s Voices today, Dr Rebecca stressed the importance of giving more visibility to women who often go unheard.

“There are structural and cultural barriers that must be addressed if we are to give wings to the ambition and drive of our women and girls,” she said.

“This includes enacting laws that strengthen a better and more balanced ecosystem.”

She added that universities are well-positioned to support policymakers through objective, data-based evaluation of public policies and programmes.

A play titled Women of Nusantara: Their Seen and Unseen Worlds was also staged at the conference.

The brainchild of Wilkes University Fulbright programme advisor Prof Dr Gina Zanolini Morrison, the play explored the spiritual beliefs and practices of working women in the Malay Archipelago.

Based on her three years of fieldwork in the region, the play’s delivery showcased a dynamic two-way academic exchange between Eastern and Western perspectives.

“The people of this region have taught me so much and I want to share my research findings differently,” said Prof Morrison.

“I would also like to acknowledge UCSI vice-chancellor Prof Emerita Datuk Dr Siti Hamisah Tapsir for her unwavering support over the past 17 years.

“She encouraged me to embark on this research and she gave me the space to transform it into art. “That’s what women who empower other women do.”

The event was officiated by UCSI pro-chancellor Tunku Zain Al-'Abidin Tuanku Muhriz, who paid tribute to Malaysian women like Malaysia’s two-time first lady Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, squash legend Datuk Nicol David and former Bank Negara governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz.

“These remarkable women and countless others across our nation are not just participants but drivers of change, catalysts for progress and role models for future generations of Malaysian women and girls,” he said.

“Let us move beyond outdated perceptions and recognise women as equal leaders in shaping a just, equitable and prosperous future.”

The conference also welcomed panel speakers including DTE Consult founder Tengku Dr Naufal Tengku Mansor and TalentCorp Malaysia senior vice-president Mahuran Saro Sariki.

Classified in the world’s top 1% in the QS World University Rankings 2025 by virtue of its top 265 ranking, UCSI is one of Asia’s foremost private universities.