PETALING JAYA: The increasing number of women entrepreneurs is expected to boost their participation rate in the labour market, said Women, Family and Community Development Minister, Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim.
She said this was in line with the 11th Malaysia Plan which aimed to increase the labour participation rate from 53.6 per cent last year to 59 per cent by 2020.
“I hope that the ‘Empowering the Women’s Economy: Regulators and e-Commerce’ programme organised by the Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia Bhd (CGC) and Malay Traders and Entrepreneurs Association of Malaysia (Perdasama), will be able to provide a more in-depth understanding of the latest developments in the entrepreneurship industry,” she said.
The text of her speech was read, on her behalf, by Department of Women Development Director-General Datuk Yatimah Sarjiman.
Rohani said the e-commerce industry was the best platform for women to demonstrate their capability in building a career.
“Determination and interest in entrepreneurship via the e-commerce platform would be the catalyst for women to succeed, both locally and globally.
“E-commerce is more flexible in terms of time and space, it saves time and energy, emphasises creative and innovative thinking, and is low-risk,” she said.
Meanwhile, at a press conference later, Yatimah emphasised the importance of having a complete statistical data on Malaysian women’s involvement and achievement in penetrating the global market.
“Having a complete data is important as it helps us to establish the key performance index (KPI) and the action plan.
“The ministry will continue to support women entrepreneurs and will increase our collaborative efforts for the benefit of women’s development, the growth of the family and country’s economy,” she said.
CGC President/Chief Executive Officer Datuk Mohd Zamree Mohd Ishak said since its establishment in 1972, the corporation had issued credit guarantees, loans and funds totaling more than RM63 billion to more than 330,000 small and medium entreprises (SMEs) in Malaysia.
“From that amount, 25 per cent were distributed to women SMEs and this is expected to increase to 30 per cent by end-2018.
“As of end-Aug 2017, CGC had approved 240 applications amounting to RM23.5 million for BizWanita (financing for women entrepreneurs,” he added. — Bernama