SINGAPORE, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Singapore continues to see a higher proportion of men in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)-related occupations, Minister of State for Education and Manpower Gan Siow Huang said on Wednesday, urging industries to promote gender equality.
Speaking at the Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association's Women's Forum 2025, Gan noted that while the share of women in STEM jobs has risen from 29 percent in 2014 to 35 percent in 2024, "women continue to lag behind men" in several aspects.
Women often shoulder a larger share of caregiving responsibilities at home, which can impact their work experience, career progression, and wage, she said.
To encourage more women to pursue careers in STEM fields, including the semiconductor industry, Gan proposed three strategies: fostering early interest among students, creating workplaces that support caregivers, and strengthening mentorship opportunities.
As an example, she highlighted government efforts to encourage fathers to take on more caregiving duties. Starting April 1, the current two weeks of voluntary government-paid paternity leave will become mandatory, increasing to four weeks for eligible working fathers. Additionally, a new shared parental leave scheme will provide parents with six extra weeks of paid leave, supplementing existing maternity and paternity leave provisions.
Gan also addressed workplace discrimination, which she said can "inhibit women's entry into and progression in their careers, especially in male-dominated industries like the semiconductor sector." She noted that the Workplace Fairness Act, passed in January, reinforces protections against discrimination based on sex, caregiving responsibilities, and pregnancy. ■
