LocationsA transformative multisector collaboration that accelerates inclusive employment for PWDs, women, and youth, strengthens investor empowerment, and broadens financial literacy and inclusion for underserved communities.
UNDP and Bursa Malaysia Partner to Advance Inclusive Employment and Sustainable Market Development
February 25, 2026
From left to right: Dato' Mohamad Fad'l, Chief Executive Officer of Bursa Malaysia; Dato' Feizal Mustapha, Chairman of the Regulatory and Conflicts Committee, Bursa Malaysia; and Edward Vrkić, UNDP Resident Representative to Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam
UNDP Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei Darussalam
Overview
Malaysia is pushing towards a more inclusive and future-ready economy, particularly in the field of sustainability and employment for Persons with Disabilities (PWD).
As the momentum for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles gains traction within the capital market, there is a growing consensus that fostering sustainability also necessitates the expansion of meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Inclusive employment is increasingly seen as both a social responsibility and an economic necessity. Globally, 1.3 billion people, about 16% of the population live with disabilities, yet they face lower workforce participation and persistent wage gaps.
In Malaysia, approximately 805,000 persons with disabilities are registered with the Social Welfare Department (JKM), yet their participation in the labour market remains limited—highlighting significant untapped talent and missed economic opportunity.
A Collaborative Effort to Advance Inclusive and Sustainable Markets
To address the existing gap, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Bursa Malaysia Berhad formalised a strategic partnership to strengthen Malaysia’s capital markets as engines of inclusive and sustainable development, centred on three pillars:
1. Promoting inclusive employment.
2. Empowering investors and market ecosystems.
3. Expanding financial literacy and inclusion for underserved communities.
As the national exchange with 1,100+ PLCs, Bursa Malaysia provides the platform for system‑wide adoption, aligning corporate practice, investor behaviour, and market infrastructure with UNDP’s “leave no one behind” mandate.
More than 30 senior leaders from public‑listed companies participated in the first roundtable to shape the MINE Playbook.
Photo by Nurin Hairil/UNDP Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei Darussalam
Developing Malaysia’s First MINE Playbook for Inclusive Employment
Under this partnership, both organisations work closely to shape Malaysia's first Inclusive Employment (MINE) Playbook, leveraging Bursa Malaysia's influence in the market alongside the UNDP’s expert knowledge in promoting inclusion for individuals with disabilities.
The initiative will develop structured guidance and practical tools to help companies recruit, retain, and support PWD talent, while strengthening broader efforts in inclusive practices across the workplace. The MINE Playbook will provide actionable recommendations for businesses seeking to create more accessible and equitable workplaces. It will be shaped through consultations with corporate leaders, policymakers, and PWD representatives to ensure it reflects lived experiences, industry realities, and measurable market impact.
During the roundtable, Human Rights Commission of Malaysia’s Commissioner (SUHAKAM) Bathmavathi Krishnan (centre) emphasised the importance of including PWD voices in decisions that directly affect their communities.
Photo by Nurin Hairil/UNDP Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei Darussalam
A Step Toward a More Inclusive Malaysia
This partnership represents an important milestone in Malaysia’s commitment to building a more inclusive nation. It reflects a shared vision that this commitment guides our efforts to support PWDs by ensuring that they are provided with equitable opportunities, the right enabling conditions, and a platform to realise their full potential.
Join Us
To learn more about this strategic partnership or to explore opportunities to participate, please contact: Khairunnisa Aris, Partnership & Strategic Engagements Lead at khairunnisa.aris@undp.org or partnerships.my@undp.org
