women in tech

(Photo by CARLOS COSTA / AFP)

Australia seeks to empower women in tech

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Technology has emerged as a significant force for driving growth and productivity in the Asia Pacific in the past decade. Women represent nearly half the labor force in the region, yet they only hold a small percentage of jobs in tech.

The tech industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors globally.  This is seen in the growth of the digital economy across the region, from e-Commerce to fintech and digital media to logistics.

However, despite these changes created by digital technologies, an undeniable gender gap remains that needs to be addressed. 

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Representation of women as founders, employees and investors is low in Southeast Asia, but they are participating more in tech than most of their global counterparts. 

According to a study by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), women now make up 32% of the region’s tech sector. In comparison, the global average is 28%.

Women in the technology sector in the Asia Pacific are still a minority, but they are becoming more visible due to social media and networking events. Thailand has the highest percentage of women in tech at 42 %, followed by Singapore.

Attracting global women in tech

In Australia, the government recently unveiled its ambitious plan to empower Asian female talent to shore up its entrepreneurial talent bench for the future. 

The Global Business and Talent Attraction (Taskforce) partnered with global diversity, equity and inclusion consultancy The Dream Collective to attract global female talent, founders and entrepreneurs from Asia to Australia. 

The Dream Collective will actively promote the Taskforce among its influential networks in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Taiwan to identify valuable career prospects and consider the unique work-life balance in Australia.

This programme will offer eligible individuals and companies a streamlined pathway to permanent residency with Australia’s Global Talent Visa. 

The Australian Government is committed to attracting the world’s best and brightest. In recent years, Australia has attracted more than 6,000 talented individuals through its Global Talent Stream (GTS) visa program each year. 

More than 30% of talent are in the Digitech sector, including experts in quantum computing, blockchain and long-range Wi-Fi. Meanwhile, 20% of visa recipients are pioneers in resources and clean energy, 

Opportunities in future-facing industries

Australia is looking for female tech talent in industries such as clean energy and renewables, cybersecurity, digital games as well as financial services and fintech. 

“Bold and ambitious women with the creative energy and technical expertise need to be given the opportunity to fill critical positions in our future-facing industries,” said Peter Verwer, AO, The Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Global Business and Talent.

“Our emerging technologies and sciences are powering real world, breakthrough solutions. Innovators in Australia can access some of the world’s best laboratories, research facilities, professional networks and government support. The Global Talent visa makes it easier and faster to plan your next chapter, and build a global career,” he added.

 



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Rebecca goes by Becs and has a penchant for gaming, dogs, and durians. She writes on everything from business, education, and brands to tech and travel. She likes unicorns, the ones worth billions and the ones who she believes can fly.

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