Despite women comprising 40% of Malaysia’s tech workforce, they remain significantly underrepresented in leadership roles and high-growth fields like Web3, blockchain and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Recognising the need to bridge this gap, MY E.G. Services Berhad (MYEG), in collaboration with Women in Tech Malaysia, hosted a panel discussion titled “How to Break into and Excel in the Web3 and Tech Industry in Malaysia” in conjunction with International Women’s Day 2025, offering insights and strategies to empower women in these fields.

The event, held at the MYEG Tower, brought together industry professionals, tech enthusiasts, and students to discuss challenges, opportunities, and actionable steps to support women in breaking into and excelling in the male-dominated tech industry. Through this initiative, MYEG reaffirms its commitment to fostering diversity, inclusivity, and equitable access to opportunities in Malaysia’s tech industry. By providing mentorship, guidance, and networking, MYEG aims to empower more women to pursue careers in Web3, blockchain, and AI, which are fields driving the future.

The panel featured distinguished industry experts who shared insights from different sectors and diverse points of view, shedding light on both opportunities and barriers that women face in the tech industry.

 Be Brave to Pivot and Reach Out to Resources

Thalia Bondoc, Director of Marketing at ORA Group and Head of Community at Women in Tech Malaysia, urged women to break free from societal expectations and claim their place in tech. She highlighted that many women are often steered toward traditional career paths, yet the opportunities in technology are vast and accessible.

“The key is to be fearless in pivoting when needed and to reach out to the right resources,” she said. She also shared that despite not having a background in tech before entering the tech industry, by leveraging resources and organisations like Women in Tech Malaysia, which offers mentorship, workshops, networking opportunities, and investor connections, she was able to successfully navigate and thrive in the field, urging others to do the same.

Additionally, Thalia noted that both the government and the private sector play a crucial role in supporting these initiatives by providing the necessary platforms, venues, and resources to make them possible.

Creativity, Collaboration, and Resilience to Thrive in Tech

Dr. Geetha Nadarajan, Senior Lecturer at Sunway Business School, Sunway University, and Vice President (Partnerships) of Women in Artificial Intelligence Malaysia, emphasised that succeeding in tech requires more than just technical knowledge as it demands problem-solving skills, creativity, collaboration, and resilience.

“Tech is all about trial and error. You need the patience to fail, learn, and try again. The most successful people in this industry aren’t just the smartest but they’re the ones who keep going,” she said.

Dr. Geetha also highlighted the unique perspectives women bring to tech and innovation but acknowledged that many hesitate to enter the field. She emphasised that humility and collaboration are strengths, not weaknesses, and that women’s natural problem-solving abilities and teamwork skills are invaluable in the industry. Encouraging more women to embrace these qualities, she urged them to step into leadership roles and support one another in breaking barriers.

The Importance of Mentorship in Closing the Gender Gap

Dr. Chen Zhiyuan, Head of School of Computer Science and Associate Professor at the University of Nottingham Malaysia, highlighted the increasing presence of women in computer science, a significant shift from previous years.

“When I first started lecturing in 2012, I would barely see any women in my classes. But now, there’s a remarkable shift as female participation is increasing, and it’s changing the landscape of tech,” she said.

She cited a UNESCO report showing that women make up only 22% of AI professionals globally but noted that Malaysia is ahead, with women comprising 40% of the tech workforce. She stressed the undeniable role of mentorship in career success, stating that “87% of students with mentors are more likely to pursue higher education, and in the workplace, mentorship improves job satisfaction and career advancement.” She encouraged students to seek mentorship early, emphasising that Nottingham University Malaysia has established mentorship programmes to support aspiring tech professionals.

 Building Confidence and Seizing Opportunities in Tech

Irsyad Saidin, Lead of Blockchain Research and Business Development at MYEG, reassured attendees that breaking into tech isn’t as daunting as it seems, urging women to recognise their leadership potential. “The first university in the world was founded by a woman. Leadership isn’t about gender, it’s about confidence, skills, and the courage to take up space,” he said.

From a recruiter’s perspective, he emphasised that passion outweighs credentials. “What I care about is whether you have the drive, the skill, and the ability to deliver results,” he stated. He encouraged women to get involved in tech communities, contribute to open-source projects, and actively build their expertise. With women making up only 15.6% of MYEG’s blockchain and Web3 team, he also emphasised the urgent need for greater female representation. “This industry is growing, and if you’re waiting for the perfect moment to start, don’t. The opportunity is now,” he urged.

A Meaningful Celebration of Women in Tech

The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where attendees had the opportunity to interact with the panelists, followed by a networking session that facilitated further discussions and connections.

MYEG remains committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse tech industry by hosting initiatives that support and empower women. Through ongoing partnerships and events like this, MYEG aims to bridge the gender gap and ensure that women have equal access to opportunities in the tech sector.

 About MY E.G. Services Berhad (MYEG)

MYEG is Malaysia’s premier digital services company. Having commenced operations in 2000 as the flagship e-government services provider, MYEG continues to play a leading role in driving technological change in the region, bringing a diverse and complete range of innovations spanning the online delivery of major government services to a variety of commercial offerings in the areas of immigration, automotive and financial services, among others. Committed to staying firmly at the forefront of the global digital revolution, MYEG has embraced the potential of blockchain technology to enhance all aspects of life and is actively pioneering its adoption across the region through its Layer 1 platform Zetrix. Besides its home market, MYEG’s presence spans other key regional markets such as China, Philippines and Hong Kong.

 For more information, visit www.myeg.com.my

 For media inquiries, please contact:

Lim Siew May

Senior Manager, Corporate Communications

MY E.G. Services Berhad

Email address: sm.lim@myeg.com.my 

Phone number: +60 16 338 0125