SG Women in Tech marks 5th anniversary with new Relaunch programme

1. SG Women in Tech (SGWIT), an initiative by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), turns five this year and to commemorate this milestone, SGWIT and NTUC LearningHub (NTUC LHUB) have announced Relaunch programme – a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering women to re-enter the tech workforce. This new initiative represents SGWIT's continued commitment to fostering diversity and empowering women in technology, setting the stage for greater progress in the years to come.

2. Under Relaunch, SGWIT and NTUC LHUB will work in tandem to guide women through their journey back into the tech sector, equipping them with the necessary skills for today's dynamic industry and to meet the strong demand for tech talent. IMDA’s recent report on Singapore’s Digital Economy highlighted that in spite of a more cautious hiring outlook in the tech sector globally and in Singapore, the demand for tech talent remains strong. Tech jobs grew over 20% in the last five years to over 208,000 in 2023. Overall tech employment also makes up over 5% of total employment in Singapore. These roles offer competitive salaries and career opportunities, with resident tech workers earning a median monthly salary of 1.5 times the overall resident workforce median monthly salary.

3. With Relaunch, more women will contribute their unique perspectives and talent to drive creativity and innovation, and also create a more diverse and inclusive workforce. With 23 companies committing their resources to support this initiative, this collaborative effort brings together Singapore's tech ecosystem to provide comprehensive support through four key pillars:

a. Tech Upskilling
Offering courses in cutting-edge fields such as Coding, AI, Fintech, and Product Management, supported by industry leaders including ANT International, Accenture, Quantic School of Business and Technology and Rakuten.M/p>  

b. Career Coaching
Providing integrated support such as personalised resumes and social profile optimisation, backed by LinkedIn, PwC, and Workforce Singapore.

c. Mentoring
A sub-component of Career Coaching, featuring guidance from experienced professionals, with support from vLookUp.ai, foodpanda, and Temus.

d. Jobs Board
Connecting women with employment opportunities, where participating companies like Tata Consultancy Services, The Digital and Intelligent Service, and JPMorganChase commit to providing dedicated resources to ease the transition back into the workforce.

This holistic approach, building upon SGWIT's existing efforts, aims to inspire women to rediscover their passion for technology and seize the opportunities available in the digital economy.

4. Since its inception in 2019, SGWIT has spearheaded several impactful initiatives that have significantly advanced women's representation in Singapore's tech sector. Key initiatives include:

a. The annual Singapore 100 Women in Tech (SG100WIT) list – Celebrates and recognises over 300 inspiring women and girls who have made significant contributions to the tech industry

b. SGWIT Corporate Pledge – Over 70 organisations have committed to create a conducive workplace environment with a strong support system to attract, retain, and develop more women, thus fostering greater opportunities for women in tech

c. Girls in Tech – Reaching over 115,000 students from various primary, secondary and tertiary schools through our partners’ and Girls in Tech’s events, with a majority of students gaining a better understanding about the tech sector and more inclined to pursue a career in tech

d. MentorConnect – A cross-company mentorship programme that has developed over 270 women professionals in tech

Through these initiatives and others, SGWIT has reached over 120,000 individuals, significantly raising awareness and promoting women's participation in tech.

5. Dr Ong Chen Hui, Chairman of SGWIT said, "Over the past five years, SG Women in Tech has been at the forefront of transforming Singapore’s tech landscape into a more accessible and inclusive space for girls and women. As we reflect on our journey, we are proud to have not only opened doors, but also built bridges that enable women to enter and excel in the world of technology. Our initiatives have touched thousands, from students to mid-career professionals, by providing them with the tools, mentorship, and opportunities to thrive in this dynamic sector. With the launch of our Relaunch programme, we aim to create meaningful job opportunities, preparing, support women’s return to the workforce and create a fulfilling professional experience. It is also encouraging to note that from the recent study by IMDA and Boston Consulting Group, job satisfaction levels among women currently working in the tech sector are extremely high at 83%, on par with their male counterparts in tech and higher than the average for women in other industries. These initiatives and outcomes are a testament to our commitment to inclusivity and our belief in the valuable contributions that women make to the tech industry."

6. Mr Jeremy Ong, Chief Executive Officer of NTUC LHUB, said, "NTUC LearningHub is deeply honoured to be the anchor partner for the Relaunch Initiative with SG Women in Tech, standing together to support women on their journey to re-enter the tech workforce. This collaboration marks a significant step in enabling women to overcome barriers and return to the workforce, by equipping them with in-demand tech skills, as well as essential soft skills. We are committed to empowering women with the knowledge, confidence, and competencies needed to thrive in today’s digital economy. Together, we will create pathways for women to make meaningful strides in today’s rapidly evolving digital economy, while contributing to a more inclusive workforce."

7. For more information on the Relaunch initiative, please visit https://www.sgwomenintech.sg/relaunch/.

Resources:

• Annex A – Relaunch Resource Partners (194.47KB)
• Annex B – Relaunch Programme by SG Women in Tech and NTUC Learninghub (205.02KB)