KUALA LUMPUR (April 6): DiGi.Com Bhd's unit Digi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd has introduced a six-month fully paid maternity leave policy for its employees, beginning from Jan 1, to empower more women and female leaders in the organisation.

The policy, the first in Malaysia, will create a major impact on women working in the company here, said DiGi, which is part of Norwegian telecommunications group Telenor ASA, in a statement today.

"We are extremely proud to institute the new global six-month standard maternity leave here in Malaysia," said DiGi chief executive officer Albern Murty.

Currently, 45% of DiGi's employees are women, with strong female representation in its leadership, including at senior management and board levels. Its board now comprises 43% female representation, which exceeds the Malaysian government's target of 30% women participation in boards of public listed companies.

And DiGi intends to stay ahead on this, and on all other aspects of diversity and inclusion, pledged DiGi.

DiGi's goal is to attract and retain the best talent of both genders and it is confident that the revised maternity leave policy will make it an attractive place and also one that women could build careers, said Murty.

"Women can (also) continue to fill the ranks of our leadership and play a key role in supporting their families," he said.

Studies have shown that diversity, when it comes to gender, has direct impact on organisational innovation and performance, said DiGi.

"Diversity is the aim of many organisations, but it is in inclusivity that the real difference is made. We are committed to continue building an organisation that better reflects the world we live in ... and do this by ensuring a workplace that is friendly and conducive for all Digizens, giving them equal opportunity to contribute, and the freedom to do their best at Digi and for their families," said Albern.