Hanani (centre) signs the Malaysian Sign Language for open to officiate the opening of Swinburne Sarawak Women in STEM Day 2026 as (from left) Ida Fatimawati, Jaul, Lau and Hapgood look on. – Photo by Chimon Upon

KUCHING (Feb 5): The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development remains committed to empowering women to take on leadership roles in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), with initiatives such as the Women Leadership Apprenticeship Programme (Perantis) playing a key role in building a strong pipeline of capable women leaders nationwide, said its minister Dato Sri Nancy Shukri.

She said Perantis goes beyond funding by providing structured mentorship, leadership training and professional development opportunities to women from diverse backgrounds, including those from rural and indigenous communities.

“With an allocation of RM5 million, Perantis is designed to empower thousands of women nationwide.

“Since its inception, the programme has reached women across urban centres, rural communities and indigenous populations, providing guidance from accomplished leaders and connecting participants with networks critical for success,” she said at the Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus’ (Swinburne Sarawak) Women in STEM Day 2026 at the university campus here.

Her speech was read by the ministry’s Department of Women’s Development director general Hanani Sapit.

According to Nancy, Perantis equips women with the confidence, skills and exposure needed to assume leadership roles not only in STEM, but also in entrepreneurship and community development, ultimately driving positive change across the country.

“In short, Perantis is cultivating a pipeline of capable, confident, and innovative women leaders who will drive positive change across our nation,” she said.

She commended Swinburne for its strong commitment to advancing women in STEM through high-impact research and mentorship initiatives.

“Researchers are advancing artificial intelligence for biodiversity conservation, applying machine learning to address environmental changes, and contributing to frontier fields such as space science, data analytics, and sustainable futures.

“Equally important, Swinburne invests in platforms that nurture the next generation through mentorship ecosystems, industry-linked projects, and initiatives that actively encourage girls and young women to see themselves as scientists, engineers and innovators. These are not abstract aspirations, but real pathways being built today for Malaysia’s future talent,” she said.

She also said that many of the most impactful initiatives are led by women working across disciplines, integrating technology with education, social innovation, community development, policy and the creative industries.

“At institutions such as Swinburne Sarawak, women are leading projects that integrate digital tools with social impact, applying data and design thinking to improve wellbeing, inclusion, and sustainable development.

“These multidisciplinary approaches reflect the real world, where complex challenges require collaboration across fields, and where women’s leadership is driving meaningful change beyond traditional boundaries. This is the future of innovation: inclusive, interconnected, and shaped by diverse expertise,” she said.

Nancy said her ministry is committed to working with industry leaders, academic institutions, and civil society to sure that every woman has the opportunity to reach her potential.

“Together, we are building a Malaysia where talent is recognised and nurtured, regardless of gender or background,” she said.

Also present were Swinburne Sarawak Board of Directors chairman Datuk Amar Jaul Samion, Swinburne University of Technology deputy vice-chancellor (Research) Prof Karen Hapgood, Swinburne Sarawak pro vice-chancellor and chief executive officer Prof Lau Hieng Ho, Swinburne Sarawak deputy pro vice-chancellor (Research) Prof Ida Fatimawati Adi Badiozaman, and event chairperson Dr Lee Sue Han.

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