Professionalizing Care Work in Malaysia

Malaysia’s aging population is expected to surpass 6 million by 2040, and the growing exit of women from the workforce due to caregiving responsibilities highlights the critical need for comprehensive care services by both the government and civil society. The Asia Foundation, through the Australia-Malaysia Reform Partnership (AMRP), is addressing these challenges by fostering collaborations and driving national efforts to professionalize the sector. 

Convening the First National Dialogue for Reform: 

In 2023, we organized the first Care Economy Dialogue in Malaysia, convening key government, academia, and private sector partners to discuss necessary reform. 

Since then, we have worked with local and international stakeholders to advance Malaysia’s care economy agenda through relevant knowledge work, regional dialogues, academic visits, and policy consultations. At the national level, we contribute to the Ministry of Women, Family, and Community Development (KPWKM)’s ongoing design of the National Care Industry Roadmap, a significant development ahead of Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship in 2025.  

Building on Progress: 

On August 25, the National Women’s Council Organization (NCWO) of Malaysia, with our support as a strategic partner, hosted the Malaysia Care Economy Forum 2.0 in conjunction with National Women’s Day. Building on the 2023 Malaysia Care Economy Forum, this year’s event titled “Caregiving in a Caring Society” brought together thought leaders and experts across diverse sectors to share insights and recommendations for professionalizing care work, creating career paths for care workers, and improving access to care services.

In recognition of National Women’s Day and the disproportionate amount of care work women perform, the Queen, Raja Zarith Sofiah, delivered a royal address on “Caregiving in a Caring Society with No One Left Behind.” Government officials and distinguished guests including the Prime Minister’s wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, the Women, Family and Community Development Minister, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, and NCWO President Tan Sri Dr Sharifah Hapsah Syed Hasan. 

Looking Ahead:  

As Malaysia prepares for the care challenges posed by an aging population, we are committed to driving meaningful change. By partnering with diverse groups across the public and private sector, we aim to build a sustainable care ecosystem that ensures no caregivers or care recipients are left behind.  

Learn more about our work in transforming the care economy in Malaysia and across Asia and the Pacific.