In a significant step towards empowering women and promoting gender equality in the workforce, Volvo Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Volvo Trucks) has introduced its global Volvo Iron Women initiative to Malaysia. The programme, which aims to develop skilled heavy-duty truck drivers, was launched in collaboration with the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry.
At the inaugural Volvo Iron Women graduation ceremony, five women celebrated their certification as fully qualified heavy-duty truck drivers, marking the programme’s successful debut in Southeast Asia.
“Volvo Iron Women has seen global success, and we’re excited about the opportunities it will unlock in Malaysia as a pioneer of the programme in this region,” said Johan Selvén, Vice President of Volvo Trucks International. He added that this initiative would significantly contribute to the nation’s social and economic development by creating skilled employment opportunities for women.
Anthony O’Connell, Managing Director of Volvo Malaysia, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of the initiative in advancing women’s participation in the logistics industry. “The Volvo Iron Women programme is a testament to our commitment to empowering women. We are deeply encouraged by the support from the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry in partnering with us for the long term,” O’Connell stated.
Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Dato’ Seri Hajah Nancy Shukri, who officiated the event, praised the collaboration between Volvo Trucks and her ministry. “This initiative is a shining example of an impactful public-private partnership that addresses gender disparities in the workforce,” she said. She also congratulated the first batch of graduates and recognised their families for their support during the rigorous training programme.
The Ministry has pledged its ongoing assistance to the Volvo Iron Women programme, offering resources to help graduates navigate the traditionally male-dominated industry. This includes counselling and training on gender bias harassment, along with a dedicated hotline for women drivers in need of support. The Ministry also plans to identify and recommend viable candidates for future cohorts.
The first group of graduates will be employed by Taipanco Sdn Bhd, one of the few logistics companies that recognises the value of women in the heavy-duty trucking industry. Dato’ Nazari Akhbar, Executive Director of Taipanco, expressed his excitement at welcoming the new drivers to his company. “We see great potential in empowering women to address the industry’s growing demand for skilled truck drivers,” he remarked.
The Volvo Iron Women programme in Malaysia covers comprehensive training, from securing a Class E license for heavy vehicles to gaining a Goods Driving License (GDL). Graduates complete a detailed three-module course that includes practical training in defensive driving, trailer coupling, and fatigue management. This hands-on approach ensures that all participants are fully equipped to succeed in their new roles.
Volvo Malaysia’s investment in the Iron Women initiative is part of a broader strategy to contribute to the country’s economic growth while empowering women to reinvest in their families and communities.
By 2025, Volvo Malaysia aims to train and certify around 100 women as heavy-duty truck drivers, with intake now open for the 2025 cohorts. Depending on experience, training can last from three days to eight weeks. The programme, which began globally in 2016, has already graduated over 820 women worldwide, and Malaysia’s logistics industry has embraced the initiative with enthusiasm, as the demand for skilled drivers continues to rise.
The Volvo Iron Women programme is expected to have a long-lasting impact on Malaysia’s haulage and logistics sector, empowering women to break barriers and lead the way in a traditionally male-dominated field.
