Women's digital success must go beyond online sales, says Johari

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, emphasized that women's success in the digital economy should go beyond online sales to include becoming suppliers, manufacturers, and exporters. He stressed that greater participation from women was crucial for expanding the economy and growing their businesses to supply products needed by other industries.

Johari pointed out that if the economy, currently valued at RM2 trillion, aims to reach RM3 trillion or RM4 trillion in the next decade, women's involvement is essential. He spoke at the opening of the Voices of Her 2026 Forum at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur. The minister highlighted that women expanding beyond online sales would bolster their position in economic value chains and create a wider multiplier effect, as other businesses would utilize their products.

When women progress to become suppliers, vendors, manufacturers, exporters, or business partners through merging small companies, they have advanced significantly, becoming integral parts of the economic value chain. Johari noted that the government had provided substantial support to assist women in starting businesses, leveraging digital platforms, and marketing their products.

His ministry and its agencies would aid businesses of all sizes in adopting automation and artificial intelligence (AI), such as for product redesign, to enhance competitiveness, expedite production, and augment product value. He also mentioned that the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) could aid businesses in reaching overseas markets by introducing their products abroad and connecting potential buyers with local manufacturers online.

Johari pledged to offer all possible assistance to help Malaysian businesses adopt these technologies, ensuring that Malaysian-made products become more competitive, are produced faster, and carry higher added value.