Malaysia is close to achieving its goal of 30 percent participation of women in senior management positions in listed companies, Bursa Malaysia Bhd said.

In a statement yesterday, its CEO Datuk Seri Tajuddin Atan said at present, there were approximately 26 percent women in senior management positions, including CEOs in local listed companies.

"We are close to achieving our national target of 30 percent women in decision-making positions. There is no reason why we should not be able to increase the number of women on the boards of directors in listed companies.

"The diversity, together with the appropriate experience, expertise and skills, will enhance the overall effectiveness of the companies," he said.

Tajuddin said as an initiative to empower women in listed companies, Bursa Malaysia hosted a conference, 'Empowering Women Series', here Wednesday.

He said the inaugural two-day conference aimed to encourage more women to hold positions on the board of directors of a company. -- Bernama