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As Malaysia’s urban areas continue to expand, they face numerous obstacles in terms of urban planning and management. Under the smart city concept, advanced technologies are employed to tackle issues such as traffic congestion, pollution, and housing shortages, and generally create a more sustainable urban environment. In line with Malaysia’s proactive efforts to promote smart city initiatives, the country has already implemented smart city frameworks in Iskandar Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur. One example is the Iskandar Malaysia Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), a system that is projected to commence operations by 2025. This modern public transportation system is envisioned to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce reliance on private vehicles, and improve the overall mobility experience for residents and visitors alike. Another smart city initiative is the Iskandar Malaysia Urban Observatory (IMUO). As a data collection and analysis platform, the IMUO gathers various information concerning the city’s infrastructure, environment, and socio-economic aspects to derive insights that will be used for decision-making by urban planners and government bodies. The Smart City Iskandar Malaysia framework highlights the key aspects that define a smart city, encompassing the likes of an open data culture in government, a technology-proficient population, a reliable Internet infrastructure, people-centric mobility systems, and a low-carbon environment. While the scope of a smart city under this definition might seem overwhelming, at the core lies data as the essential element. City and regional governments have access to vast amounts of data, collected from various sources. While its collection and storage may present challenges, governments must recognise the potential data holds to enhance the lives of their citizens significantly. Properly utilising this data is the key to unlocking its true value and driving meaningful improvements in areas such as public services, infrastructure, and community development. With the right tools and strategies in place, governments can tap into the wealth of data available to make informed decisions and shape policies that align with the needs and aspirations of their communities. This data-driven approach allows for a more connected and empowered society, where decisions are based on evidence and insights derived from comprehensive data analysis. Jakarta, in neighbouring Indonesia, provides an example of how data is indispensable for smart cities. The city’s government developed the JAKI app as a ‘one-stop digital platform’ for multiple government services. Through the development and integration of a SAS analytics platform with the app, millions of data points were standardised and integrated into JAKI. This new system now plays a crucial role in preventing fraud by utilising a streamlined database that enables public servants to verify eligibility for social programs quickly. This ensures that resources are allocated to those who truly need them. Another significant application of analytics in the context of JAKI is the former’s capacity to build models that predict and mitigate flooding. The city government can respond to flooding incidents more swiftly, minimising the damage caused to lives, properties, and businesses. As the significance of artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics within the smart city ecosystem increases, so too does the threat posed by cyber criminals. Governments have massive amounts of data, including classified government information and personally identifiable information (PII). Generative adversarial networks (GANs), which create synthetic data to mask real data being fed into AI models to counter such threats, are already being deployed by advanced analytics platforms. The emergence of LLMs is another development which holds great potential for smart city technologies. The ability of these models to generate conversational language can enhance the user accessibility of applications such as JAKI. At the same time, its ability to analyse massive amounts of text in a short period of time can help derive insights from data faster. To take smart city attributes to new heights, embracing the capabilities of data-driven technologies is essential. The success of JAKI and the emphasis placed by local policymakers on initiatives like the IMUO underline the significance of collecting, analysing, and utilising data to shape and enhance urban environments. While historical data enables predictive analytics and empowers governments to tackle challenges proactively, real-time data and decision-making are crucial for responding to emergencies. Therefore, having access to real-time data plays a vital role in automating smart city technologies and facilitating real-time decision-making by AI systems. Advanced data analytics tools are indispensable to fully exploit the immense value of the government’s extensive data, which originates from various sources and encompasses diverse types. Without a complete view of their data, the impact of decision-makers, automated systems, and smart city solutions cannot reach its full potential.

Gender equality in the global workforce is a multifaceted issue with varying levels of progress across different countries and industries. However, according to PwC’s research on workplace inclusion, women with the highest levels of inclusion are more likely to advance in their careers. The study highlights the importance of workplace inclusion in promoting gender equity and women’s progression, particularly in light of the slow progress in gender representation in leadership positions worldwide. The research reveals a gender disparity in promotion and pay raise requests, but also shows that women in inclusive environments are more likely to seek advancement opportunities. Here are some key strategies for creating a thriving workplace through gender equality and inclusion. To cultivate gender equality and inclusivity in the workplace, it’s imperative to strive for balanced representation of both women and men on company boards. Designating a specific board seat for an individual committed to championing talent retention and fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is essential. Leadership must initiate and drive change from the highest level, embedding equity principles throughout board structure and activities. This approach emphasises the importance of diverse perspectives and inclusive practices in shaping company culture and decision-making processes. Companies need to consider not only the appointment of women onto boards but also their integration to reap the full benefits of gender diversity. Men play a vital role as allies in promoting gender equity and fostering a more inclusive society. By amplifying women’s voices, challenging stereotypes, and educating themselves about gender disparities, they can actively contribute to reshaping societal norms. Men can also provide mentorship and sponsorship to women, promoting equal representation in leadership and reflecting on their own biases and privileges. To achieve gender equality in the workplace, it is crucial to start with the recruitment process. This involves creating accurate and inclusive job descriptions, sourcing a diverse candidate pipeline, and conducting fair interviews. It is necessary to eliminate internal biases throughout  the hiring process, with a particular focus on executive positions. According to McKinsey, men currently hold approximately 60 per cent of manager positions, while women hold 40 per cent, a representation of the gender disparity in early promotions. With men outnumbering women, there are fewer women to promote to senior managers, causing a decreasing number of women at every subsequent level. Organisations must ensure that all employees receive equitable compensation for their contributions, irrespective of their gender. The gender pay gap refers to the difference in average earnings between men and women in the workforce. Despite efforts to narrow the gap, women still earn 16 per cent less than men on average. The gender pay gap varies significantly across industries, locations, ethnicities, age groups, motherhood statuses, and education levels. Some groups experience a much wider gap than others. Enforcing flexible work policies, including remote work alternatives and adaptable schedules, promotes work-life balance for every employee. During the International Women’s Day Celebration 2024, the Malaysian Prime Minister had said the government is looking into a more flexible pay scheme for the civil service to enable women employees to better care for their families. This is a move that the Congress of Union of Employees in the Public and Civil  Services Malaysia (CUEPACS) sees as a significant step towards gender equality and work-life balance in the public sector as it would assist women employees to balance work and childcare duties at home. Fostering gender equality and inclusion is essential for building a thriving workplace. We can achieve this by ensuring equal representation on company boards, equipping senior male leaders to champion DEI, focusing on diversity during recruitment, ensuring equal pay and  benefits, and implementing flexible work policies. These efforts not only advance gender equity but also contribute to increased productivity, innovation, and financial returns. By embracing gender equality and inclusion, organisations can nurture a more resilient workforce and drive positive change for all employees.

In today’s economy, women are playing an increasingly pivotal role, challenging traditional norms and breaking barriers in industries once dominated by men. Over time, we have witnessed a significant shift, with more women championing roles that were previously considered exclusive to men. One notable trend is the growing presence of women in the p-hailing industry, defying stereotypes and reshaping the landscape of transportation services. As more women join the ranks of delivery partners and restaurant owners, they drive economic growth and foster greater inclusivity and diversity within the workforce. For this year’s International Women’s Day, it is important to recognise the invaluable contributions of female delivery partners and restaurant owners in the food delivery industry. Their resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment are pivotal in shaping our platform and serving communities nationwide. The gig economy has witnessed exponential growth in recent years, with p-hailing jobs becoming an essential source of income for millions nationwide. Amidst the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the gig economy emerged as a lifeline for individuals seeking financial stability and independence. In Malaysia, the gig economy has become a significant driver of economic growth, with over 100,000 new individuals participating and earning income via gig economy platforms as of the third quarter of 2023, compared with 266,222 individuals in 2022. This sector has provided income opportunities for a huge number of Malaysians, highlighting its substantial impact on employment and livelihoods. At foodpanda, we understand the importance of fostering an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive and succeed. Over the years, there has been a significant increase in women joining the gig economy as delivery partners. These women play a crucial role in facilitating the delivery of essential goods and services, enriching the lives of Malaysians across the country. Gig work has always been a great way for individuals to earn a supplementary income due to its flexible working hours, many female riders now view it as a viable springboard to other industries or entrepreneurship opportunities. However, to fully harness the potential of the gig economy, it is essential to prioritise upskilling and professional development initiatives. This reminds me of Puan Rahayu, a 41-year-old mother of three, who transitioned from a school bus driver to becoming Bukit Jelutong’s first female foodpanda rider during the pandemic. Inspired by local riders, she found flexibility in the job, working for a couple of hours and having the flexibility to ensure she had time to balance between her work and family. She is truly happy, especially knowing how customers value her delivery when she even got an RM100 tip from a customer, which is considered high for a foodpanda rider. Puan Rahayu is definitely not alone, we have similar stories from many wonderful women delivery partners out there. We prioritise the empowerment of our riders at foodpanda through a range of upskilling programs and benefits. For example, we recently partnered with Manipal International University (MIU) to provide our delivery partners with the opportunity to pursue tertiary education. This initiative enables and allows our riders to enhance their skills and qualifications, opening doors to new career prospects and advancement. Furthermore, we recognise the importance of language proficiency in enhancing job delivery capabilities and employability. In addition, Panda Purpose, a program designed to improve the English literacy skills of our delivery partners. By investing in their professional development, we aim to enhance the value of our workforce and ensure the highest level of service for our customers. By offering training and mentorship programs, we empower our female riders and vendors to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Whether it’s navigating through bustling streets or managing their businesses, we provide them with the tools and resources they need to thrive in a competitive market. But our efforts extend beyond empowerment, they are about creating a more inclusive society where women are valued and respected for their contributions. By celebrating the achievements of female riders and vendors, we inspire future generations of women to pursue their dreams and break barriers. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to empowering female riders and vendors in the gig economy. By providing them with the support, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed, we can create a more inclusive and equitable future for all. Together, let us champion diversity, inclusion, and empowerment in the food delivery industry and beyond.