S'pore must empower women to pursue Stem careers: DPM

Despite moves to get more women into the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem) fields, there is still a gender gap in these sectors, said Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat.

- Ng Wei Kai

Despite moves to get more women into the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem) fields, there is still a gender gap in these sectors, said Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat.

And that is why Singapore must make a concerted effort to empower women to pursue careers in these fields, he said.

Mr Heng, in an address at the launch of the World Engineers Summit yesterday, also said a smaller proportion of women who graduate with Stem qualifications pursue a career in a related field, compared with men.

In March, a survey by Nanyang Technological University found that just 58 per cent of women who graduate with Stem degrees or diplomas go on to have related careers.

Singapore has been doing more to encourage women to join these fields, Mr Heng said. For instance, the Promotion of Women in Engineering, Research and Science (Powers) programme was launched to create a supportive environment for female industry leaders in Stem, among other efforts.