Course Overview
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) In Malaysia : This course provides participants with a practical and context-specific understanding of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within the Malaysian workplace. It explores how DEI principles align with Malaysia’s multicultural, multiracial, and multireligious environment, while also addressing relevant legal and regulatory frameworks such as the Federal Constitution, Employment Act 1955, and anti-discrimination guidelines.
Participants will gain insight into recognising unconscious bias, fostering inclusive behaviours, and promoting equitable practices in recruitment, performance management, and workplace interactions. The programme also examines real-life workplace scenarios in Malaysia, including issues related to gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, and generational diversity.
Through interactive discussions and case studies, participants will develop practical strategies to create a respectful, inclusive, and high-performing work environment. The course emphasises the role of leaders and employees in embedding DEI into organisational culture, enhancing employee engagement, and supporting sustainable business outcomes.
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Understand key DEI concepts within the Malaysian socio-cultural and legal context
- Identify and mitigate unconscious bias in workplace decisions
- Promote inclusive communication and behaviour across diverse teams
- Apply equitable practices in HR and operational processes
- Contribute to a workplace culture that respects diversity and prevents discrimination
Course Content
Module 1: The Global & Local DEI Framework
- International Benchmarks:
- UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 5, 8, 10).
- ILO Convention No. 111: Discrimination in Employment.
- Social Compliance: RBA, BSCI, SA 8000
- The Malaysian Blueprint:
- Federal Constitution (Article 8): The right to equality and non-discrimination.
- Shared Prosperity Vision 2030: National goals for narrowing income and opportunity gaps.
- The Business Case: Understanding how DEI influences ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) ratings for investors.
Module 2: Legal Compliance & Risk Mitigation
- Employment (Amendment) Act 2022:
- Deep dive into Section 60L: Investigation of discrimination complaints.
- New protections against forced labor and pregnancy discrimination.
- Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2022:
- Statutory duties of employers to prevent and address harassment.
- Establishing the Tribunal for Anti-Sexual Harassment.
- Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Act 2008:
- Reasonable accommodations and workplace accessibility standards.
- Bursa Malaysia Requirements: Diversity disclosure for PLCs (Gender and Age).
Module 3: Cultural Intelligence (CQ) & Unconscious Bias
- The Malaysian Context:
- Navigating ethnic and religious sensitivities (Prayer times, Halal needs, festive leave).
- Addressing the “Language Requirement” controversy in job ads (Mandarin/English vs. BM).
- Identifying Bias Lab:
- Affinity Bias: The “Cable” (social connection) system vs. Meritocracy.
- Maternal Wall: Addressing bias against working mothers and return-to-work programs.
- Microaggressions: Recognizing subtle exclusionary behaviours in a multi-racial office.
Module 4: Operationalizing DEI (The Toolkit)
- Inclusive Recruitment:
- Standardizing interviews to remove “gut feeling” bias.
- 30% Club Malaysia: Strategies for gender-balanced leadership.
- Equity in Compensation:
- Conducting a Pay Equity Audit to ensure “Equal Pay for Equal Work.”
- Grievance Handling:
- Designing an internal Whistleblowing Policy that protects employees.
- DEI Metrics: Measuring “Inclusion” through sentiment surveys and turnover data.
Action Planning & Wrap-Up
- The 90-Day Roadmap: Participants draft one policy change for their organization.
- Assessment: Short quiz on legal compliance.
- Closing: Q&A and Certificate Presentation.
