Singapore has seen more women research scientists and
engineers (RSEs) holding PhDs, according to a survey by the Agency
for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star).
The latest National Survey of Research and Development,
conducted in 2015, showed there were 2,740 women PhD holders among
the (RSEs), compared with 1,729 in 2010. This is a more than 50 per
cent increase.
The figures were revealed yesterday by A*Star to mark
International Women's Day, which is celebrated on March 8 every
year. Figures for RSE men PhD holders in 2015 are not available.
But there were 7,168 men compared with 2,483 women, according to
the 2014 survey - a ratio of nearly three to one.
Similarly, nearly one in three of all RSEs in Singapore
is a woman, with the 2014 survey putting the proportion at 29 per
cent.
Singapore's ratio exceeds that of many developed
countries and research heavyweights.
In 2013, the
latest year for which Organisation for Economic Cooperation and
Development figures were available, similar ratios in France and
Germany were 25 per cent and 28 per cent respectively.
Research
scientist Sharon Nai, 39, who holds a PhD in mechanical engineering
and leads a team at A*Star researching on 3D additive
manufacturing, said she has seen more female interns seeking
attachments, something she welcomes.
"The ratio of
males to females should not be a hindrance, it is about having
passion for the job," she told The Straits Times.
This is what
has kept her in this industry since she joined A*Star's Singapore
Institute of Manufacturing Technology in 2002. "In this field of
research, I get to engage the related industries. Being able to
contribute is something I value," she added.
Research
scientist Tan Yen Nee, 35, agrees. One of the projects she is
working on at A*Star's Institute of Materials Research and
Engineering can accelerate the process of discovery for new
anti-cancer drugs.
"I am happy to
do research that can be translated into something beneficial for
our society," she said.
Dr Tan, who
holds a PhD in molecular engineering of the biological and chemical
systems and is an adjunct assistant professor at National
University of Singapore, said more female students have requested
internships or visits to the lab.
But Dr Tan, a
mother of two, said there are challenges specific to women
scientists like herself, like being more careful during pregnancy.
"I was a bit clumsier when I was pregnant and we do work with some
dangerous chemicals in the lab," she said, adding though that using
personal protective equipment is sufficient.
She believes
that role models in the science arena should step forward to mentor
and encourage younger women to pursue careers.
She said: "It
can be difficult, but as women, we can endure and embrace the
challenges."
You have to be
smarter than the guys.
MS TRACEY WOON, banker.
I had $2.85 in my
bank account shortly after I broke the scholarship bond. I told
myself that I could fail again, but I could not be
scared.
MS CHRISTEL QUEK, who is in the
social media business.
I hope that more
can see how technology can enable them to succeed.
MS NURUL JIHADAH HUSSAIN, who is in
the technology business.
If you want to get
married, choose a man who is a real partner and a co-parent. Not
just a wage earner.
DR KANWALJIT SOIN, surgeon.