A Soft Landing Back to Work
Returning to work after a career break can feel daunting, especially for mothers who’ve spent years pouring their energy into caring for others. Skills may feel rusty, confidence might have taken a hit, and opportunities can seem out of reach. But at makchic, we believe in rewriting that narrative.
This September, we’re opening our doors once again to four passionate, curious, and courageous women through the makchic Returnship Programme 2025—a three-month opportunity that offers real-life experience, flexible working hours, and the chance to step back into the workforce in a way that works for you.
Why It Matters
Despite women making up nearly half of Malaysia’s population, female labour-force participation has stubbornly hovered around 51%—a significant gap when compared to 78% for men. This disparity isn’t just a matter of numbers. It translates to lost income, untapped skills, and a GDP shortfall of up to 12%.
The Malaysian government has recognised this and set a 60% participation target, actively encouraging career-comeback initiatives. makchic’s Returnship Programme is proud to be part of that movement, offering a platform where women can reconnect with their professional selves, while staying true to their commitments.
What’s On Offer In Our Returnship Programme
Running from 1st September to 1st December 2025, this part-time, flexible programme is designed to fit around your life, not the other way around. We’re looking for four returners to join us in the following departments: Editorial, Social Media, Operations and Special Projects/Publishing (Children’s Books).
Depending on your assigned department, our 2025 returners can expect to experience or learn more about, among others: editorial planning, researching and writing articles and social media content, designing and producing engaging video and static content, pitching and carrying out digital marketing campaigns for clients, and assisting with the coordination of makchic‘s special projects (including involvement in our book publishing and marketing process).
Key benefits include:
- A monthly allowance of RM500 (including travel), plus meals during in-person check-ins;
- Real-world work experience (with mentoring under key personnel), CV references, and the chance to run your own projects (TikTok or YouTube included—aligned with makchic’s ethos);
- Access to family-focused networks, Key Opinion Leaders, informative workshops, media events – and more.
Whether you’ve been out of the workforce for months or years, this returnship is a space to learn, contribute, and reignite your potential.
Who Should Apply?
We’re looking for applicants who:
- Have been unemployed or on a career break for over six months;
- Are fluent in English (and Bahasa Melayu);
- Own a laptop or tablet with internet access;
- Can commit to at least 10 hours a week between 1st September and 1st December 2025; and
- Are able to travel with Klang Valley for in-person meetings and events, when needed.
- Application deadline: 28th July 2025
- Application Form: Apply here.
A Programme with Purpose and Heart
Here at makchic, we strive to reimagine what the ‘dream job’ looks like for mothers and women. As a team of women (and mothers ourselves), we understand the weight of caregiving, the invisible load so many women carry, and the deep desire to have a voice, a purpose, and a place in the world of work. It is this same spirit that has anchored makchic over the past 10 years and continues to carry us through to this day.
Recently, makchic‘s unique ethos and efforts to champion a kinder, more inclusive work culture has earned us a Special Mention at TalentCorp’s LAWA 2024. A celebration of organisations that are reimagining the workplace to support diverse communities (particularly women, caregivers, and underrepresented groups), this honour reaffirms our commitment to create a more flexible and family-centred future of work through our Returnship Programme – and beyond.
We want to do more than just talk about flexibility, care, and support; we want to live it. Our returnship is not just a placement — it’s a pathway, a partnership, and, most importantly, a practice of everything we believe in.
– Laych Koh, makchic’s owner and publisher –
Today, we remain committed to meaningful, inclusive storytelling, uplifting the real women behind those stories, and (in the words of makchic‘s owner and publisher) “supporting one another through the beautiful chaos of parenting and purpose“.
Our Vision Ahead
This year’s cohort marks our fourth returnship cycle (after 2020, 2023, and 2024) – and we’re not stopping here. We’re committed to:
- Creating more pathways for women at different life stages;
- Supporting pivots into new industries and passions;
- Working with other companies to offer real training and meaningful opportunities; and
- Reimagining what fulfilling, flexible careers can look like—for women seeking purpose and connection beyond traditional timelines.
We believe that our country’s economy and wellbeing can only thrive when every woman, regardless of age, background or circumstance, is given the space to grow, contribute and shine.
What Our Returners Have Said
Over the past cohorts, our returners have shared stories of resilience, rediscovery and renewed confidence. Over 75% of our returners have gone on to secure full-time roles, freelance gigs, or even launch their own ventures. The skills gained at makchic, from digital content to operations, have helped them rebuild not just their CVs, but their sense of self.
“In just three months, I went from feeling uncertain to empowered, with a clearer sense of direction and purpose. This programme was a game-changer for me.“
— Hemala Devaraj (2023 cohort), now makchic‘s Head Writer.
“The makchic Returnship Programme gifted me with the confidence booster and kinship I needed, at a time when I had lost my sparkle. I’m thankful for the opportunity to learn, expand and be surrounded by strong, caring and multi-talented mamas who are beautifully thriving both at work and at home – showing me that we women can do anything we set our minds to.“
— Rachel Wong (2023 cohort), now thriving in full-time work.
“I learnt how a media company is run and picked up new content creation skills! This experience gave me a taste of what it’s like being a working mum—and helped build the confidence I needed to go back into the workforce.”
— Fadzeana Rais (2023 cohort), now successfully running her own business.
“They reminded me that pursuing dreams is possible no matter where you are in life. Just start somewhere.”
— Sarah Goh (2024 cohort), now makchic’s TikTok Coordinator.
Ready to Return?
If you’ve been waiting for a sign, this is it. We’re not looking for perfect CVs—we’re looking for heart, hunger and hope. So, apply today, and take that first step towards a new chapter.
Good luck, #makchicmumsquad – we can’t wait to meet you!
| makchic Returnship Programme 2025 – Important details to note: Programme Dates: 1st September to 1st December 2025 Applications Close: 28th July 2025 |
makchic’s Returnship Programme 2025 has been made possible through the kind support of our anonymous sponsors. If you are interested in sponsoring future initiatives supporting women returning to the workforce, please contact returnship@makchic.com.
By Irni Juliana (2024 cohort alumna and makchic contributor)
Irni is an accidental scribe whose writing reflects her delightful, haphazard prose. When she’s not reading novels or solving Sudoku puzzles, she’s juggling a myriad of roles: giggle jester, snuggle bug, and seeker of toys that don’t exist. Ever the all-rounder, she’s constantly searching for magic in the mundane.
