DPM Outlines Four Key Criteria for Malaysian Women to Succeed

KUALA LUMPUR, July 17 (Bernama) -- Deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin has outlined four key criteria essential for Malaysian women to overcome barriers and excel in their chosen field. Muhyiddin said women must be well prepared to embrace new challenges, meet future demands and equip themselves with new skills and knowledge in business, communication and technology or other career fields in order to succeed. "First of all, you must build your capacity to compete and be one step ahead at all times," he said when launching the 10th Women Summit organised by the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry here Tuesday. The second is to nurture positive attitudes and being confident in one's ability to overcome hurdles and to explore new opportunities and break new ground in one's chosen field. The third criteria is possessing a unique talent or skills that could add value and benefits, said the minister. "And finally, there must be opportunities allowing women to excel," he said. Muhyiddin, who is also Education Minister, said apart from the four criteria education is a critical factor that will see more women entering professional fields traditionally dominated by men. The minister said as of June this year, nearly 63.2 per cent of dental officers in the country were made up of women, 49.6 per cent were accountants, 49.2 per cent lawyers and 46.2 percent were employed in the medical profession. "I believe Malaysia is among the few countries in the world that has a dominant representation of women as decision makers at the policy levels of the economic sector," he said. The goverment is targeting to have 55 per cent of women represented in the country's work force by 2015. (photoBERNAMA) MALAYSIA