KUCHING: Program Kepimpinan Perantisan Wanita (Perantis) aims to involve 5,000 participants this year, with applications open from Feb 17 to March 16.
Women, Family, and Community Development Minister, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, stated that the initiative has also raised its target to include 100 women leaders nationwide, each receiving up to RM50,000 for their programmes.
“This year, we are not only continuing the Perantis programme but expanding it significantly.
“Perantis is more than just a programme — it is a movement for women to support, empower, and uplift one another.
“When we rise together, we break barriers and create lasting change,” she said at a press conference on the upcoming Women Entrepreneurs Conference (WEC) 2025 at the Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) building here today (Feb 10).
She encouraged women across the country, especially those from Sarawak and Sabah, to apply for the programme.
Nancy said the initiative — launched with a RM5 million allocation by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on International Women’s Day last year — provides mentorship, resources, and a platform for women to succeed.
“This programme addresses the gender gap in leadership, as women excel in education but remain underrepresented in economic and political leadership,” she added.
Earlier, she said that out of more than 350 applications received last year, 25 programmes were approved, benefiting 1,247 participants with a total budget of RM1.2 million.
She also emphasised that a rigorous selection process, led by a panel of 14 experts, ensures only the most effective and innovative proposals are chosen.
