Shah Alam 5th September 2024 – Women play a crucial role in Malaysia’s social and economic development. To enhance the skills of women in the heavy-duty truck driving sector, Volvo Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Volvo Trucks) has launched the Volvo Iron Women initiative in Malaysia. In collaboration with the Ministry of Women, Family, and Community Development as a strategic partner, Volvo Trucks recently celebrated the graduation of the first five women certified as heavy-duty truck drivers.

"Volvo Iron Women has achieved significant success globally, and we are thrilled to bring this program to Malaysia, a pioneering country for the initiative in Southeast Asia," said Johan Selvén, Vice President of Volvo Trucks International, at the ceremony.Anthony O’Connell, Managing Director of Volvo Malaysia Sdn Bhd, emphasized the program’s importance, stating, "The Volvo Iron Women initiative demonstrates our commitment to training women for careers as heavy-duty truck drivers. The support from the Ministry has been instrumental in advancing the program, and we are inspired by our graduates, who are now ready to provide for their families and make valuable contributions to the industry."

Minister of Women, Family, and Community Development, Dato’ Seri Hajah Nancy Shukri, who officiated the graduation, praised the initiative as a powerful example of public-private partnership. "Through the Iron Women initiative, we are addressing workforce gender disparities. Congratulations to the graduates and their families, whose support made this achievement possible," she said.

The Minister also recognized Taipanco Sdn Bhd for employing the first cohort of graduates, acknowledging the company's recognition of women truck drivers as valuable assets. The Ministry will continue to support the graduates by equipping them with skills to navigate the male-dominated industry and confidently address any gender bias or harassment. This includes endorsing the Volvo Iron Women program for counselling and providing a hotline for women drivers needing advice or assistance. Additionally, the Ministry will help identify and recommend suitable candidates for the program, ensuring a sustainable transition for women into sectors traditionally dominated by men.

The program incorporates a three-module course covering compliance, fatigue management, and defensive driving, among others. Following graduation, the women will be employed by Taipanco Sdn Bhd and mentored by experienced drivers. Investing in women has a multiplier effect on economic growth, as women tend to reinvest their income in their families and communities. Volvo Iron Women aims to train approximately 100 women by the end of 2025, with training programs ranging from three days to eight weeks, depending on prior experience.

Since its inception in 2016, the Volvo Iron Women program has produced over 820 graduates worldwide. Its introduction in Malaysia comes at a crucial time as the logistics industry faces an increasing demand for skilled heavy-duty truck drivers.

For more information about the Volvo Iron Women program, contact Geetha Menon at geetha.menon.c@volvo.com

Dato’ Nazari Akhbar, Executive Director of Taipanco Sdn Bhd, highlighted the initiative's significance: "In over two decades in the logistics industry, we recognize the great potential of empowering women to meet the growing demand for skilled truck drivers." The Volvo Iron Women program is comprehensive, starting with lessons and exams to obtain a Class E license, followed by obtaining a Goods Driving License (GDL). The focus in Malaysia is on jointed vehicles, and all costs are covered by the employing company. The first cohort includes five women, aged 27 to 40, with varied experience, including three mothers, one of whom is a single mother of five.