BUKIT MERTAJAM, PENANG, 23 January 2026 — Pertubuhan Pembangunan Kendiri Wanita dan Gadis (WOMEN:girls), in collaboration with L’Oréal Malaysia, successfully kickstarted the fifth edition of its flagship empowerment programme, Beauty For A Better Life (BFBL) 2026, with the programme’s first-ever outstation pilot held in Bukit Mertajam, Penang.
The hairdressing course ran from 5 to 23 January 2026 and was organised in collaboration with L’Oréal Malaysia. The programme was hosted at HairCo Academy by HairCo Salon, marking an important milestone in bringing skills-based training beyond the Klang Valley and into the northern region of Malaysia. The intensive course trained 16 women participants, all of whom successfully graduated as certified junior hairstylists—reflecting the programme’s strong focus on employability, professional development and long-term economic empowerment.
Throughout the programme, participants received hands-on instruction in technical hairstyling, salon practices and workplace readiness. The learning experience was further enriched by guest educators including WOMEN:girls Executive Director Ms Izza Izelan and a returning BFBL educator Ms Adda Sai, who shared their technical expertise and industry insights. The programme culminated in a graduation ceremony attended by representatives from L’Oréal Malaysia headquarters, educators, partners and successful graduates. The event celebrated the achievements of all 16 graduates, as well as the effort and dedication by the educators. Another highlight of the ceremony was also the recognition of two outstanding students for their exceptional performance and hard work throughout the hairdressing course.
Now in its fifth year, Beauty For A Better Life continues to be a cornerstone of WOMEN:girls’ mission to uplift women through vocational training and providing economic opportunities in the booming beauty industry across the country. With the successful implementation of its Penang pilot, WOMEN:girls and L’Oreal Malaysia aims to explore further expansion of the programme to make vocational education accessible to various communities beyond the capital and across Malaysia in the years ahead.
For more information on the Beauty for a Better Life program, you may contact the Program Officer, Marissa De Rozario at marissa@womengirls.org
