KOTA KINABALU: A three-day leadership programme aimed at empowering women professionals in Sabah will take place from March 31 to April 2, 2026, at Zara’s Boutique Hotel, Harbour City, here.
Organised by Primal X Sdn Bhd, the Women at Work (W@W) Leadership Masterclass 2.0 is designed to address a persistent challenge in workplaces — the confidence gap among women despite their capability and experience.
Founder of Primal X Sdn Bhd and lead trainer Marianne Kiob said many women possess the necessary skills but often lack the structured support to recognise and project their strengths.
“The issue is not a lack of ability, but a lack of clarity and confidence. When women understand their strengths through the right tools and guidance, they begin to lead more effectively,” she said.
The programme, held in conjunction with International Women’s Day, focuses on building workplace confidence through practical and structured training.
It combines leadership development, emotional intelligence (EQ), and the Leonard Personality Inventory (LPI), a globally recognised personality assessment framework that helps participants better understand their communication styles and behavioural patterns.
Also supporting the initiative is Zara’s Boutique Hotel founder Datuk Eliza Goh, whose establishment has long been associated with women’s empowerment through employment and skills development.
She said creating supportive environments is key to helping women grow professionally and personally.
“Empowerment goes beyond opportunity. It is about building confidence, independence, and a strong support system where women uplift one another,” she said.
The masterclass features six core modules delivered by accredited practitioners, including leadership and EQ development, personality profiling, managing self-doubt and external criticism, and improving professional presence through communication and body language.
Participants will also attend a colour confidence workshop on professional image and receive a complimentary corporate portrait photoshoot to strengthen their professional branding.
The programme is fully claimable under the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRDC), making it accessible for organisations seeking to invest in the development of their female workforce.
Limited to 20 participants, the masterclass aims to provide a focused and supportive environment for meaningful professional growth.
Organisers said the initiative is not only about individual development but also about strengthening organisational leadership pipelines and fostering more inclusive workplace cultures.
They added that investing in women’s leadership development contributes to stronger teams, improved communication, and more resilient organisations across Sabah.
The Women at Work Leadership Masterclass 2.0 reflects a broader effort to equip women with the confidence and skills needed to take on leadership roles, ultimately contributing to stronger communities and sustainable development in the state.-pr/BNN
