Darlene Tan
Head, Cloud Expo Asia
Stuart Crowley
Content Marketing and Editorial Manager, Cloud Expo Asia
In a region where 80% of jobs are set to require digital literacy skills by 2030, Asia — much like other regions — continues to grapple with gender disparity in STEM.
Gender disparity and related sociocultural barriers within STEM need to evolve as rapidly as the technology landscape to achieve a successfully developed future.
Asia’s pioneering women in tech
Tech Week Singapore showcases inspirational women in tech. Notable speakers included Aurore Duhamel, a digital innovator who built the world’s first Blockchain Alliance for Aviation; Shamane Tan, an award-winning cybersecurity influencer and best-selling author; Jeanne Lim, a pioneer in autonomous AI beings.
In 2022, the event also featured the team from ‘She Loves Data,’ who covered the critical topic of diversity and data inclusivity through CV clinics and empowering talks. Outside of the event, Asia has been a fertile ground for women in tech who have changed the world.
Recent statistics show that only 4 of 18 countries in Asia have at least an equal proportion of women
in research roles or higher education enrolment: the Philippines, Thailand, Kazakhstan and Malaysia.
The imperative for gender parity in STEM
Much work remains. Recent statistics show that only 4 of 18 countries in Asia have at least an equal proportion of women in research roles or higher education enrolment: the Philippines, Thailand, Kazakhstan and Malaysia.
This also extends to the workforce, with less than a quarter of women in STEM across all of Asia. During the Covid-19 pandemic, more women (53%) than men (31%) had their hours reduced, and up to 56% of women in South Asia lost their jobs.
As for Singapore, one of Asia’s most technologically advanced countries, women outnumber men in mathematical science courses. However, women only make up a third of those working in STEM jobs.
Providing a platform for women in STEM
Addressing these disparities requires a multi-layered approach. One crucial part of that approach is establishing sources of support, community and advocacy opportunities.
Tech Week Singapore aims to be part of the solution by providing a platform for women to share their invaluable knowledge, help everyone gain a broader understanding of user needs, shift misogynistic narratives and empower girls and women in STEM. More women having their voices heard and presence seen at events like Tech Week Singapore would make the message clear that women belong in tech — their contributions matter, and their voices are essential.
Visit singaporetechnologyweek.com to find out how you can contribute as a speaker, exhibitor or attendee.