Datuk Zunaidah Idris

Datuk Zunaidah Idris is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in investment, leadership, business strategy, and talent development. She currently lectures in subjects aligned with her extensive expertise, offering deep insights into capital market management, equity investments, and executive leadership.

Datuk Zunaidah is one of the three Co-Founders of the Women Leadership Foundation (WLF). Driven by her passion and compassion, she has been entrusted by her fellow Founders to lead the Leadership Pillar and spearhead the SMART Mentoring Programme, initiatives aimed at nurturing Malaysia’s next generation of women leaders.

Previously, Datuk Zunaidah served as Chairman of IMPAC, an agency under the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities, where she played a pivotal role in developing and nurturing talent for the industry. During her tenure, she introduced the Governance and Audit Committee to enhance institutional accountability.

Her corporate journey includes her role as Senior Vice President at Hong Leong Investment Bank, where she specialised in equity investment and was a recognised market expert in GLC and GLIC portfolios. Her domain strengths lie in leadership, finance, and investment, particularly within capital markets.

In recognition of her professional achievements and leadership, she was appointed Industry Advisor to the Asia Pacific University of Innovation & Technology (APU) for the School of Finance & Banking until 2021. She also currently serves as an Adjunct Professor at Universiti TeknologiMalaysia (UTM).

Datuk Zunaidah is a skilled negotiator and a strategic communicator, known for her collaborative leadership style. She has successfully engaged with international partners such as Frost & Sullivan, Hays Research Group, Qurra (Australia), multiple foreign brokers, and technology-focused enterprises.

Her notable contributions also include being elected as a Council Member of the Malaysian Gas Association (2018–2021) and serving as a current Advisory Panel Member of MyWIE (Malaysian Women in Energy).

A passionate advocate for women’s empowerment, Datuk Zunaidah champions the elevation of women in decision-making roles, especially in investment and equity sectors. She is an avid reader, experienced traveller, travelogue producer, content creator, and a creative individual with a keen eye for photography. Constantly seeking personal growth, she is self-motivated and believes in lifelong learning.

She is especially passionate about nurturing emerging talent and working with aspiring young leaders and entrepreneurs. Her philanthropic efforts extend to supporting youth in discovering and developing their skills and strengths, particularly through guidance and mentorship for startups and young entrepreneurs.

Key Roles & Accreditations:

1. Certified Trainer (HRDC) – Specialising in Leadership. 2. Chair, Sarawak Women of Tomorrow (SWOT) Initiative – A flagship WLF programme focused on identifying, training, and grooming future women leaders in Sarawak.