The European Union Delegation to Malaysia marked the Human Rights Day celebrations on 10 December 2024 with the launch of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Handbook, a powerful resource authored by The HeartBased Group (THBG). The first-of-its-kind handbook aims to serve as guidance in turning the values of inclusion and equity into actionable practices, ensuring diverse and inclusive workplaces where everyone can thrive.

The book launch, hosted by the European Union Delegation to Malaysia at EQ Kuala Lumpur, started with an introduction by THBG of its “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Handbook for the Malaysian Workplace” (“DEI Handbook”) by Ms Tracy May, THBG co-founder and co-author of the handbook.

This was followed by a keynote speech by EU Ambassador to Malaysia H.E Rafael Daerr, who highlighted the EU's motto, "United in Diversity," showing how unity in diversity strengthens both Europe and Malaysia. Ambassador Daerr noted how the rich diversity in Malaysia has been an asset in the workforce and should be embraced due to its tangible economic and social benefits. He underscored that fostering inclusivity in the workplace would lead to the creation of a more equitable society for all.

United States Ambassador to Malaysia H.E Edgard Kagan also delivered key remarks on supporting DEI in the workforce while Acting British High Commissioner David Wallace underscored creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for employees in Malaysia in his speech.

Meanwhile, Country Director, Centre for International Private Enterprise, Asia Regional Office in the Philippines Mr Ryan Patrick G. Evangelista spoke about building resilient workplaces through inclusive business while Representative of Malaysia to ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) Mr Edmund Bon shared his thoughts on how DEI could transform workplaces in Malaysia in 2025.
The launch, which was attended by some 80 participants from diplomatic missions, civil society organisations and the corporate sector, also included insightful sharing sessions by inclusivity advocates from various backgrounds. Mr S. Prakash, a visually impaired tutor who is also the translator of THBG’s DEI Handbook from English to Bahasa Malaysia, shared his insights regarding the treatment of people and employees living with disabilities in Malaysia. This was followed by the sharing of experiences regarding the treatment of employees living with HIV/AIDS in Malaysia by Mr Bakhtiar Talhah, the Honorary Secretary of Malaysian AIDS Foundation and the chief executive officer (CEO) of HUMANIZE Malaysia. Political and Human Rights Advisor of the British High Commission to Malaysia Dr Lyana Khairuddin also took the stage to share her experiences regarding the treatment of international employee diversity in Malaysia.

A panel discussion addressing issues involving women and the aging workforce in Malaysia, featured CEO of the Malaysian Ombudsman for Financial Services (OFS) Ms. Marina Baharuddin, researcher and consultant Ms. Janarthani Arumugam and co-founder of THBG and co-author of THBG’s DEI Handbook Mr Gene M. Tan, moderated by Ms. Christina Teng of the Golden Era wrapped up the event on a high note with participants engaging in an informal networking session afterwards.

All in all, the event encapsulated the Human Rights Day 2024 theme “Your Rights, Your Future, Right Now and Always”, reflecting the EU’s unwavering commitment to continue to promote and protect human rights for everyone.