This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on March 9, 2016.

KUALA LUMPUR: Property developer Eco World Development Group Bhd kicked off yesterday with a new women's network that features a series of structured learning events to empower and help all EcoWorld female employees realise their full potential on the professional front.

Dubbed “Professional Women’s Network (PWN)”, the initiative was launched by EcoWorld chairman Tan Sri Liew Kee Sin in conjunction with the International Women’s Day 2016.

During the launch, Liew attributed EcoWorld’s quick rise in the property development industry to 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 EcoWorld, 50% of management positions are held by women especially in the fields of sales, marketing, customer care, finance, talent management, audit and information technology,” he said.

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

EcoWorld divisional general manager of group talent management Angelin Low said PWN was conceptualised as a platform to acknowledge women’s achievements  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. PWN will enable EcoWorld women to lead a full life in all aspects,” she added.

EcoWorld’s inaugural PWN activity yesterday featured a day-long event comprising a panel discussion, a book sharing session, a workshop, a professional beauty consultation and a movie screening.