Nanyang Technological University computing student and IT security consultant Seraphina Chua has been vocal about the subtle prejudices she encounters as a woman in the technology sector. At 21 years old, Ms Chua has experienced instances of feeling overlooked or underestimated, a situation she suggests arises from entrenched gender biases. Speaking to The Straits Times, she said, "I often felt that I had to prove myself more than my male counterparts, even when I was equally qualified." Such biases present significant barriers for young women entering the expanding field of artificial intelligence (AI).
In Singapore, efforts are being made to increase female representation in AI and related fields as companies, educational institutions, and the Government work to counteract these biases. The pressing need for increased female participation in AI is underscored by the observation that the gender imbalance not only affects equitable job opportunities but also risks introducing biases into AI technologies themselves. Studies indicate that AI systems can amplify the biases of those who create them, raising concerns regarding the ethical implications of deploying these technologies without diverse input.
Data from the Ministry of Education highlights a persistent challenge: female students represent approximately 25 per cent of enrolment in AI and machine learning (ML) programmes at Singapore’s universities and polytechnics. This situation occurs against the backdrop of the Government's ambition to triple the number of AI practitioners in Singapore to 15,000, as outlined in an updated national AI strategy announced by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in late 2023. The drive for more practitioners is crucial for positioning Singapore as a leader in this significant technological sector.
Several experts, including Singapore Institute of Technology deputy president and provost John Thong, attribute the gender disparity in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) to a combination of early socialisation practices and the lack of female role models in high-tech leadership roles. Professor Thong elaborated that "girls are often steered towards people-oriented careers, while boys are encouraged to pursue Stem fields," which leads to lower numbers of women entering AI and ML studies.
While the statistics remain concerning, there has been a noted increase in interest among female students. The Singapore Management University reported that female enrolment in its computing-related courses has risen to approximately 35 per cent, significantly contrasting with enrolment in traditionally male-dominated disciplines. Meanwhile, the National University of Singapore has seen a rise of about 40 per cent in female students pursuing undergraduate and master’s programmes in AI and ML over the past academic year.
The proliferation of interest in AI was sparked by the introduction of ChatGPT in 2022, showcasing generative AI’s capability to perform tasks traditionally carried out by humans. Accenture’s managing director for Singapore, Eleana Liew, commented, “We see AI as the next ‘digital’ – a transformative force that can boost productivity across over 900 job types by automating mundane tasks and enabling people to focus on higher-value work.”
Notably, the 2024 Global Gender Gap Report from the World Economic Forum revealed that women comprise just 28.2 per cent of the STEM workforce, juxtaposed with 47.3 per cent in non-STEM fields. This under-representation denotes a significant challenge for the burgeoning AI sector in Singapore, as it inherently limits the pool of talent within the industry.
Evelyn Goh, a PhD student and founder of AI start-up Megrez, emphasised the necessity of rectifying the gender imbalance. She cautioned that, akin to medical research which predominantly involved male subjects, AI applications could similarly reflect a lack of female representation if not addressed. Goh stated, “Future products or applications from AI or machine learning may not be able to cater to women if the technology is not designed for the entire population from the beginning.”
The barriers to advancement for women in tech are compounded by societal norms that often position women as primary caregivers. Despite these challenges, there are initiatives at both a policy and organisational level aimed at fostering female participation. The SG Women In Tech initiative by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has reached over 115,000 young women, connecting them with role models in technology.
Universities like Nanyang Technological University are also taking steps to support women in STEM, implementing programmes designed to enhance the skills necessary for successful careers in these fields. Ms Chua noted the importance of community, stating that her experience leading the Girls in Tech initiative allowed her to create a network that advocates for female representation in tech.
In conclusion, while progress is being made to tackle gender disparities in AI and STEM in Singapore, the journey ahead remains demanding, requiring consistent effort from educational institutions, the government, and organisations—ensuring a balanced representation that could influence the future trajectory of AI development and its applications.
Source: Noah Wire Services