KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia Bhd, Digi.com Bhd, Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) and Top Glove Corp Bhd have been included in the 2022 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index (GEI).

       In a statement, Bloomberg said the GEI recognised publicly listed companies that bring transparency to gender-related practices and policies, increasing the breadth of environmental, social and governance (ESG) data available to investors.

       This year, the GEI comprised 418 companies across 45 countries and regions with a record number of companies disclosing their data using the GEI Framework, up from 380 companies in 2021, an increase of 20% year-over-year.

       This comes despite expanded areas of information requested to support more robust ESG data being provided to investors.

       Firms on the 2022 index have a combined market capitalisation of US$16 trillion (RM67.2 trillion), up from US$14 trillion (RM59 trillion) last year.

       Bloomberg chairman Peter T. Grauersaid: “The changing nature of work due to the pandemic has highlighted the importance of addressing gender equality issues in a rapidly-evolving global workforce.

       “The Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index recognises companies that are maintaining a strong focus on providing an inclusive work environment that supports the evolving needs of employees and retains the competitive strengths gained through gender diversity, which is increasingly critical in this challenging business environment.”