The Women Entrepreneurs Committee of the Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC WEC) organised HER POWER · Employment & Women’s Rights Empowerment Day 2026 on 27 September under the theme “Empower Women, Change the Future.”
The programme brought together business representatives, women leaders, professionals, women’s rights advocates and members of the community to highlight employment opportunities, career development and awareness of women’s rights.
MCCC WEC President Jamie Tiew Yen Houng said women’s empowerment should not only focus on women who have already achieved success, but also on creating opportunities for those facing challenges to rebuild their lives and shape their futures.
She noted that women continue to face challenges involving employment, family responsibilities, marriage, workplace issues and personal safety. In response, the programme focused on two practical areas: creating employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, and strengthening women’s awareness of their rights.
“When a woman has economic independence, she has more choices. When a mother has a stable income, she is better positioned to create a better future for her children.”
Connecting Women with Employment Opportunities
The first part of HER POWER Day focused on employment and career opportunities.
Participating companies shared employment information, career opportunities and potential pathways for women seeking to enter or re-enter the workforce.
The participating companies included Agency Perkerjaan Kainan Sdn Bhd, Benten Global Sdn Bhd, Melife Global (M) Sdn Bhd and IQI Holdings Sdn Bhd.
By bringing businesses and women seeking employment together, the initiative aimed to connect women with practical opportunities to strengthen their financial independence and develop their careers.
Employment and entrepreneurship were positioned as important aspects of empowerment, particularly for women who may have experienced interruptions or challenges in their working lives.
Building Awareness of Women’s Rights
The second part of the programme featured a Women’s Rights Awareness Forum, providing practical knowledge on issues affecting women in their daily lives.
Topics included marriage, workplace rights, harassment, domestic violence, and the protection of women and their children.
The forum featured Dato’ Sri Chong Eng, Miss Ho Yock Lin, President of All Women’s Action Society (AWAM), lawyer Victoria Tey Zi Xin, and Ps. Pauline Leong, Founder and Chairman of Pertubuhan Kebajikan Wanita Dan Keluarga Abundant ARK Selangor. Dato’ Sri Jess served as moderator.
The focus on rights awareness complemented the programme’s employment component by highlighting that economic independence and knowledge of legal rights can both contribute to women’s ability to make informed decisions about their lives.
Empowerment Begins With the Ability to Choose
MCCC WEC Organising Chairperson Grace Lum said women’s advancement should go beyond simply discussing gender equality and should focus on whether women have the genuine ability to make choices about their own lives.
“Whether a woman can work is a matter of choice. Whether she can have her own income is a matter of choice. And when she faces unfair treatment, knowing her legal rights is also a form of choice.”
She identified two fundamental elements of women’s empowerment: having the ability to support oneself and having the knowledge to protect oneself.
“When a woman has both choices and confidence, she can take greater ownership of her own life.”
Lum also expressed her appreciation to MCCC WEC President Jamie Tiew, committee members and the organising team for bringing the programme from planning to implementation.
She thanked Ps. Pauline Leong and the ARK team for providing the venue and support, as well as the participating corporate representatives, moderator, panellists, partners, media and attendees.
Connecting Business Resources with Community Needs
MCCC WEC said it will continue developing initiatives focused on entrepreneurship, leadership, employment, education, family support and women’s personal development.
The committee aims to connect business resources with community needs while creating practical opportunities for more women.
The organisation framed these efforts as part of a broader approach to women’s empowerment, where employment opportunities, economic independence, rights awareness and personal development can work together.
“An empowered woman can influence a family. A stronger family can strengthen a community. And when women come together, their collective strength can contribute to positive change.”
The initiative concluded with a simple message that reflects its focus on practical, community-level empowerment:
“We may not be able to help the whole world, but we can start by helping those around us.”
