Gender Disparity in STEM Poses Risk to Innovation & Economic Progress in Singapore

• Lack of gender diversity in STEM may impact Singapore’s innovation and growth trajectory
• Stressful work environments and limited work-life integration discourages young talent from STEM careers
• Just 30% of women believe career growth is equal, compared to 41% of men

A recent analysis suggests that in Singapore, underrepresentation of women in STEM fields may pose a significant risk to future innovation capacity and sustained business growth. A widening perception gap persist in STEM, only 30 percent of women surveyed believe they have access to equal career advancement opportunities, in contrast to 41 percent of their male counterparts.

Insights reveal that survey of 1,000 Singaporeans aged 18 to 34 indicate that negative perceptions, such as high-stress environment, inadequate work-life integration, and excessive competition, remain the primary obstacles discouraging young talent for entering STEM careers.

The latest study reveals a critical gap in perceptions, although two in five women want men to actively support fair pay and promotions, many male counterparts do not see these as areas where their actions could make a meaningful difference.

As the need for STEM talent intensifies, recent research by United Women Singapore and Abbott reveals that entrenched misconceptions and institutional hurdles continue to hinder young women from pursuing science and technology careers.

As Singapore’s digital economy expands with tech roles growing by 25 percent over the past five years, emerging research signals that unresolved gender imbalances in STEM could hinder long-term innovation and economic competitiveness.