WOMEN'S WING he PAP Women’s Wing (WW) is urging its members to promote inclusivity in Singapore’s drive to become a Smart Nation. WW chairperson and Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, Ms Grace Fu, said that by ensuring technological Ƥ ǡ Dz in an inclusive way, and not have only a small group race ahead, leaving the others behind”. She made this point in her keynote address at the 6th Annual Conference of the PAP WW on August 25, 2018. She especially urged the WW advisers and Exco members to make a concerted ơ date with new mobile apps and devices. By encouraging seniors to embrace digital technology and social media, they can become more socially engaged with extended family members, friends and neighbours, she explained. In line with the theme of this year’s conference, "Smart Women for a Smart Nation”, Ms Fu also encouraged more women to take an interest in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics
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(Stem) industries. Then, a panel of women business leaders and professionals shared their experiences with the 400-strong audience at the event, which hosted a smart technology fair. Reinforcing Ms Fu’s message, Ms Ong Chin Yin, of ride-hailing company Grab, said women are in a good position to enhance inclusivity as they have empathy and can relate to other people better. Ms Janet Ang, vice-president of Learning Solutions and Business ǡ Ƥ ǡ the “growing concerns of job loss” with Ƥ Ǥ stressed the importance of “restlessly re-inventing yourself” and said that while Ƥ ǡ creates “new collar jobs.” Agreeing, Ms Feon Ang, of social media platform company LinkedIn, pointed out there is a skills gap in Singapore, with top talent in the three most in-demand skills ȅ Ƥ ǡ and cloud computing ȅ being lost to organisations overseas. She suggested getting more people to acquire these
Getting women involved in Smart Nation development They can ensure technological change benefits all groups in the community
Women have empathy and can relate better to other people, so they are in a good position to enhance inclusivity in Singapore’s Smart Nation drive.
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“We must develop the skills to do things machines can’t.” - Ms Feon Ang, vice-president of Talent and Learning Solutions for Asia-Pacific, LinkedIn.
“Empathy is key and as women, we are used to understanding and listening deeply to the needs of another person.” - Ms Ong Chin Yin, Head of People, Grab.
