KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 17 — Access to quality care services can help more women remain in or return to the workforce, while creating business opportunities in a care industry, said Wanita Berdaya Selangor (WBS) chief executive officer Siti Faridah Abdul Samad.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Selangor International Care Expo (SICE) here today, Faridah said the care economy should be recognised as a main contributor to social and economic development, rather than being viewed as just a family obligation.
“We want to connect those who require care services with providers who can deliver quality, safe and appropriate solutions.
“At the same time, we seek to create opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors, service providers and technology players to better understand the actual needs of communities and explore opportunities to develop sustainable products, services and business models,” she said at the ceremony, held in conjunction with the Selangor International Business Summit (SIBS), at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
Faridah said SICE goes beyond being an exhibition, providing a platform to bridge social needs and economic opportunities.
Held from Thursday to today, the expo aims to connect community care needs with business, investment and innovation opportunities through exhibitions, experiential showcases, business matching and digital care solutions.
Faridah said the platform gathers government agencies, service providers, investors, entrepreneurs and technology players to explore ways to improve access to care services and develop sustainable business models.
She also called for greater recognition, training, better income and clearer career progression for care workers, especially women who make significant contributions to families and communities.
However, she said industry growth should not come at the expense of care recipients’ safety or workers’ well-being.
“We cannot focus solely on market growth or profit-making opportunities without considering service quality, the safety of care recipients and welfare of care workers.
“A sustainable economy must balance three key priorities: human needs, workforce well-being, and business viability,” Siti Faridah said.
