KUALA LUMPUR (March 8): Property developer Eco World Development Group Bhd (Eco World) today launched its Professional Women’s Network (PWN), in conjunction with International Women’s Day 2016.

The initiative, launched by Tan Sri Liew Kee Sin, Chairman of Eco World, includes all Eco World female employees and features a series of structured learning events to empower and help women realise their full potential on the professional front.

Liew stated that Eco World’s quick rise in the property development industry would not have been possible without the dedication and talent of its female employees.

“The industry is often perceived to be male-dominated. However in recent times, more and more women have risen to positions of power. In Eco World, 50% of management positions are held by women especially in fields of sales, marketing, customer care, finance, talent management, audit and IT,” he said.

The group has approximately 1,000 employees, and 45% of the workforce are female.

Eco World’s PWN activity is a day-long event featuring a panel discussion on significant issues relating to women in the workforce. These include a book sharing session “Lean In”, a Health, Work & Life Integration Workshop, a professional beauty consultation and a movie screening.

According to Angelin Low, Divisional General Manager of Group Talent Management, PWN was conceptualised as a platform to acknowledge women’s achievement and create avenues for their climb to the top.

“We strongly believe that there can be a healthy balance of life and work. Career need not take a back seat when women start a family and vice versa. The Professional Women’s Network will enable Eco World women to lead a full life in all aspects,” she added.

At 12.30pm, shares of Eco World traded 0.8% up at RM1.30, with 392,300 shares changing hands, giving the company a market capitalisation of RM3.07 billion.