ASIS International Malaysia Chapter at WISC 2025: Honored to Be Part of a Historic Moment for Women in Security

We were truly excited and honored to participate in the inaugural Women in Security Conference (WISC) 2025, held on the afternoon of 29th April 2025. With the powerful theme “Shaping the Future of Security: Women Leading the Way in ASEAN”, WISC 2025 was a groundbreaking platform that celebrated the vital role of women in the security industry and championed their leadership across ASEAN.

The conference was held back-to-back with the 2nd Family Business Sustainability & Entrepreneurship Conference (FBSEC) 2025, which took place earlier the same morning. Both impactful conferences were organized by BG Capital Holdings Sdn Bhd and Berani Guard Sdn Bhd, showcasing their continued commitment to strategic, inclusive leadership.

WISC 2025 opened with an inspiring sharing session by YBhg Dato’ Sasikala Devi Subramaniam, Former Deputy Chief of Police for Selangor and one of the recipients of the Top 30 Women in Security ASEAN Region 2024. She spoke candidly about her journey in the Royal Malaysia Police, the challenges she faced as a female officer, and how she rose through the ranks with perseverance, grit, and vision. Her story was a powerful reminder of the strength and leadership women bring to the field of security.

This was followed by Welcoming Remarks by the Organizing Chairperson, Puan Saliza Abdullah who welcomed everyone to both conferences and shared her vision for a inclusive society, particularly in businesses and the security industry. A Keynote Address and Officiating Speech by the Guest-of-Honor, YB Dato' Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri, Minister of Women, Family & Community Development followed, who officiated both FBSEC and WISC. She emphasized the importance of both conferences in strengthening women’s participation in strategic, high-impact sectors:

“Menteri Pembangunan Wanita, Keluarga dan Masyarakat Dato' Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri berkata Persidangan Kelestarian Perusahaan Keluarga dan Keusahawanan (FBSEC) 2025 buat kali kedua serta Persidangan Wanita Dalam Sekuriti (WISC) 2025 memainkan peranan penting dalam memperkukuh penglibatan wanita dalam bidang strategik dan berimpak tinggi.”

"The Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Dato' Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri, stated that the second Family Business Sustainability and Entrepreneurship Conference (FBSEC) 2025 and the inaugural Women in Security Conference (WISC) 2025 play a vital role in strengthening the involvement of women in strategic and high-impact fields."

She also highlighted the alignment between the conferences and Malaysia’s leadership role as ASEAN Chair in 2025:

“Tema kedua-dua persidangan ini sangat bertepatan dengan aspirasi Malaysia sebagai Pengerusi ASEAN 2025 yang membawa tema ‘Inklusiviti dan Kelestarian’. Ia mencerminkan tekad untuk memastikan tiada yang tercicir dalam kemajuan serantau.”

“The theme of both conferences aligns perfectly with Malaysia’s aspiration as ASEAN Chair in 2025 under the theme ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’. It reflects our determination to ensure no one is left behind in regional progress,” she said during the officiating ceremony.

ASIS International Malaysia Chapter is proud to have been represented in all three plenary dialogues at WISC by Siti, Mary, Ryan, and Chris. The sessions tackled critical topics including the evolving role of women in both physical and cybersecurity, and how men can be active allies in supporting gender equity in the field. Each dialogue featured a panel of seasoned experts and professionals, sparking vibrant discussions and thoughtful questions from an engaged audience.

We are deeply honored to have been invited and to collaborate in such a significant event that not only recognizes but empowers women in the security sector. We thank the organizers for this meaningful opportunity and look forward to more impactful collaborations in the future. Together, let’s continue shaping a more inclusive and resilient security landscape for Malaysia, ASEAN and beyond.