Kuala Lumpur, 13 February 2026 — Bursa Malaysia Berhad (“Bursa Malaysia” or the “Exchange”) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) today formalised a strategic partnership aimed at improving workforce participation among Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and advancing inclusive, sustainable development in Malaysia for vulnerable groups.

Under the MoU, Bursa Malaysia and UNDP will collaborate across three strategic areas: to promote inclusive employment, investor empowerment and strengthen market ecosystems, as well as expand financial literacy for underserved communities. In 2026, the partnership will focus on strengthening inclusive employment for PWDs, as a core diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) priority. This reflects a shared commitment to addressing barriers and the necessity of a coordinated approach across corporate practice, policy design and workforce development.

The partnership will spearhead the development of Malaysia’s Inclusive Employment (MINE) Playbook that aims to equip companies with practical strategies, evidence‐based recommendations and actionable frameworks to build inclusive workplaces. Designed as a foundational reference for corporates, particularly Public Listed Companies (PLCs), the Playbook seeks to support long-term, system-wide adoption of inclusive employment practices as part of DEI and sustainability roadmap.

The partnership was signed on behalf of Bursa Malaysia by Dato’ Fad’l Mohamed, Chief Executive Officer of Bursa Malaysia, and on behalf of UNDP by Edward Vrkić, UNDP Resident Representative to Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam.

Dato’ Fad’l Mohamed, Chief Executive Officer of Bursa Malaysia said: “As Bursa Malaysia marks its 50th year, we are focused on strengthening what capital markets can deliver for Malaysia—stronger growth through wider participation. This partnership with UNDP reflects our commitment to build a capital market that does more than connect capital to companies; it also connects opportunity to people.”

“Through this partnership, the development of the MINE Playbook is a landmark step in building markets that drive social impact and expand economic participation. It will provide organisations with a practical, adoptable framework to embed inclusive employment in a structured and sustainable way,” he said.

“We recognise the MINE Playbook is the starting line. Its success depends on a whole-of-nation effort— PLCs and corporates; government ministries and agencies; and civil society organisations and PWD advocacy groups—working together to redesign roles; align policy and incentives; and anchor lived experience and capability building,” he
added.

Edward Vrkić, UNDP Resident Representative to Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam, said expanding inclusive access to employment is not only a social imperative, but also a driver of productivity and growth.

“Evidence consistently shows that when persons with disabilities are excluded from economic participation, the consequences extend beyond individuals and families. It contributes to higher poverty rates, greater vulnerability, and significant lost economic potential. By fostering more inclusive workplaces, Malaysian businesses are not only advancing equity — they are strengthening productivity, resilience and a long-term growth,” he said.

Vrkić added that UNDP is also committed to leveraging its global experience and partnerships to support the successful implementation of the partnership, saying: “We look forward to working closely with Bursa Malaysia together with the private sector leaders to implement this commitment into measurable impact.”

Following the MoU exchange, a CEO Roundtable convened over 30 senior leaders from PLCs and corporates, government ministries and agencies, civil society organisations and PWD advocacy groups. The session focused on sharing proven approaches to PWD recruitment, retention and career development, hearing directly from lived‐experience advocates, and gathering insights that will shape the development of the MINE Playbook.

About Bursa Malaysia

Bursa Malaysia is an Exchange holding company incorporated in 1976 and listed in 2005. It has grown to be one of the largest bourses in ASEAN. Today, Bursa Malaysia operates and regulates a multi-asset exchange, offering a comprehensive range of investment, capital raising, and exchange-related facilities. Bursa Malaysia is committed to its mission of Creating Opportunities, Growing Value for the Malaysian capital market, economy, and
society. Learn more at BursaMalaysia.com.

About UNDP Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei Darussalam

Established in 1965, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) partners with Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam to advance sustainable, inclusive and resilient development. Part of a global network in 170 countries, UNDP works with governments, civil society and the private sector to deliver impact on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), strengthen governance and institutions, and promote climate action, innovation and social inclusion.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Aiezat Fadzell 
Head of Communications
UNDP Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam
+60126685747
aiezat.fadzell@undp.org