SHAHRIZAT: BE KNOWLEDGE-DRIVEN

Women leaders must be aware of issues, such as IR4.0, to empower others, says Wanita Umno chief

IT is important for women leaders to fully grasp what is happening in the world to stay relevant in the age of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR4.0), Wanita Umno chief Tan Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said yesterday.

Shahrizat, who is Women in Politics Kuala Lumpur 2017 (WIPKL 2017) confersaid ence chairman, those who were unaware of changes around them would be left out and unable to empower others to contribute to the country’s development.

She said it was important for women leaders to understand the world’s political scenario in order to relate to the people.

“This is especially true in politics. Women leaders need to have a full grasp of the situation, not only in Malaysia, but also

around the world. If they are not aware and ‘in touch’, they will be left out and risk becoming irrelevant.

“As we are seeing development, such as in the ever-evolving digital world, Malaysian women, especially those in politics, must know issues such as the IR4.0. This shows how crucial it is for women to lead with knowledge. That is why this conference will revolve around women and IR4.0.”

Themed “Women and Industrial Revolution 4.0: Leadership and Substantive Equality”, the twoday WIPKL 2017 will be held at the Putra World Trade Centre starting today in conjunction with Umno’s 71st Annual General Assembly.

Shahrizat said speakers from 18 countries and 27 political parties, including from the United States, Uganda, Palestine, Mauritius and Kyrgyzstan, were expected to participate.

It was reported that about 1,000 delegates were expected to participate in WIPKL 2017. The speakers will include Ugandan Government Chief Whip Ruth Nankabirwa; Singapore Second Minister of Manpower Josephine Teo and United Nations Women Asia Pacific Regional Director Dr Miwa Kato.

The conference will address the importance of substantive equality and women leadership in a world that is impacted by IR4.0. It will also provide an opportunity for delegates to build new ties and encourage discussion on women issues and politics.

It is organised by Wanita Umno and will be opened by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

PIC BY AZIAH AZMEE Wanita Umno chief Tan Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil with (from left) High Commissioner of Mauritius to Malaysia Issop Petel, WIPKL 2017 Organising Committee chairman Datuk Nor Hayati Onn, Mauritius Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Local Government and...