Not Just a Seat at the Table: How Malaysian Women Can Influence from the Top

Quick question: Have you ever felt like you were there in a meeting but not really heard? If you’re a woman in Malaysia’s corporate world, chances are you have.

It’s not enough anymore just to have a seat at the table. The real game is about owning your space, speaking up with confidence, and driving decisions that matter. So why does it still feel so hard for many Malaysian women leaders to make that leap from being present to being truly influential?

Here’s the Reality Check: Are We Missing Something?


Did you know women make up nearly half of Malaysia’s workforce, but only about one in four top leadership roles? Surprising, right? Especially when studies show Malaysian women leaders perform just as well as men in driving strategy and managing teams.


So if capability isn’t the problem, what is? Let’s unpack this.

What’s Holding Women Back and How To Break Through

Here’s the thing: Many women get appointed to leadership roles, but don’t always get the power to lead. Sound familiar?

What if the shift starts with how you show up and claim your voice?

  • Speak Up Boldly: When was the last time you spoke your mind in a meeting? Don’t wait to be asked. Lead the conversation.
  • Build Your Tribe: Who’s got your back? Leaders thrive with allies and mentors. Make those connections count.
  • Lead Authentically: Forget “leading like a man.” Your empathy, vision, and agility? That’s leadership gold.

Meet Christy Ng: A True Malaysian Women Leadership Icon

Christy Ng, a name now synonymous with premium women’s footwear and handbag in Malaysia, didn’t come from privilege. She started her journey with just RM500, selling handmade shoes online from parent’s living room.

Facing stereotypes as a young woman in business, she was often underestimated. But she leaned into her resilience, innovation, and leadership clarity managed to build a digital-first brand that disrupted traditional retail.

Today, Christy Ng’s shoes are sold across Southeast Asia, and she collaborates with major brands like Nescafe Gold, Uniqlo, DHL, and Krispy Kreme. Her story is a powerful reminder: Malaysian women don’t just belong in business. They can lead it.

So, What Can YOU Do?


Whether you’re a woman leader yourself or a manager looking to support female talent, ask yourself:

  • How am I creating space for women to speak and lead?
  • What biases might be holding talented women back?
  • How can I help build confidence and strategic influence in my team?

The future of Malaysian leadership? It’s diverse, bold, and unapologetically female.

Ready to Lead Smarter and Bolder as Women Leaders?

At EliteSkill Training, we help Malaysian women leaders like you build confidence, influence, and impact because your voice deserves to be heard loud and clear!

Let’s unlock your leadership potential together with us!

📞 WhatsApp: 014-591 7867
📧 Email: aidamohd@eliteskilltraining.com
🌐 Discover our programs: www.eliteskilltraining.com

EliteSkill: Where Women Don’t Just Lead, They Thrive.

Share This :