SINGAPORE – Misconceptions about STEM careers continue to hold back young women in Singapore, according to a new study by United Women Singapore (UWS). The findings come at a time when the nation’s technology sector is expanding rapidly, yet gaps in gender representation and workplace support persist.
Over the past five years, Singapore’s tech sector has grown by 25%, according to the Infocomm Media Development Authority’s Singapore Digital Economy Report 2024. During this period, female participation in STEM roles increased from 29% in 2014 to 35% in 2024. While this signals progress, the research highlights the need for deeper and more sustained efforts to close the gender gap.
The survey, conducted among 1,000 Singaporeans aged 18–34, found that 61% of women and 51% of men believe societal expectations and gender stereotypes contribute to existing imbalances in the STEM workforce. Furthermore, less than a third of women (30%) believe equal opportunities exist in STEM compared to 41% of men—highlighting a significant disparity in perception.
“These findings highlight a significant disconnect that risks Singapore’s ability to build the workforce needed for our future economy,” said Tan Ching Ne, President of United Women Singapore. “We know there is high demand for these roles already, and when half our talent pool faces barriers to STEM careers, we limit our nation’s innovation potential.”
While 63% of all respondents agreed on the importance of equal gender representation in STEM industries, only 23% of women felt they received adequate support to succeed—compared to 52% of men. The report calls for greater visibility of female mentors and leaders, as well as more upstream interventions to inspire and guide young women at earlier stages of their academic and career journeys.
Another critical insight from the study is the role of male allies in shaping more inclusive workplaces. However, many men underestimate the extent to which their support can drive change. For example, while 40% of women want men to advocate for equal pay and promotion opportunities, far fewer men identified this as an impactful way to help.
Minister of State Ms Sun Xueling commented:
“When workplaces do not have diversity in their workforce, it risks perpetuating stereotypes and worsens the ability to include persons from different backgrounds who have the potential to contribute.
Meritocracy is a key pillar of Singapore’s progress, while ensuring continuous social mobility in our society. We must not lose sight of that. But in the practice of meritocracy, we must make space for those who have succeeded to help those who are still trying, and for those who are stronger and in a better position to help those who start off with less. This extends across race, culture and gender.”
Interestingly, nearly 30% of respondents from both genders believed the presence of the opposite gender in their field could potentially limit their own opportunities—an indication of deeper complexities around workplace perceptions and competition.
The research, supported by global healthcare leader Abbott, aligns with its ongoing commitment to building STEM opportunities and innovation talent pipelines in Singapore. Abbott’s programmes—such as GoSTEMCHAMPS—are designed to inspire young people to pursue science and technology careers.
Dr Kenneth Lee, Regional Medical Director for Abbott, said:
“Abbott’s goal is to create opportunities in STEM through programmes and internships, in the immediate and longer term. We know that to drive innovation it is vital to access the best talent and encourage participation in rewarding careers that can make a difference in the world. Our GoSTEMCHAMPS programmes in Singapore are structured to inspire the next generation to consider STEM careers, which can drive Singapore’s next phase of growth.”
Key recommendations from the study include:
- Promoting female leadership in STEM through greater public visibility and mentorship.
- Implementing inclusive training for hiring, promotion, and performance management.
- Encouraging upstream mentoring opportunities that demonstrate achievable work-life balance in STEM careers.
“Mentorship drives change, as shown by the growing demand for UWS’s STEMentorship programme,” added Ms Tan. “Building a pool of mentors to support young women at different stages of their academic and career journeys is as crucial as developing female STEM leaders. UWS stresses that shifting mindsets requires collective action from government, industry, and community organisations.”
