Equal opportunities for women
AS technologies evolve in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0), there is a greater need for equal gender representation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to empower diversity of thought and ensure the long-term effectiveness of technological advancements.
In empowering students to meet the needs of IR 4.0, INTI International University and Colleges (INTI) has also taken strides to ensure that students from all backgrounds receive equal opportunities in accessing its programmes and gaining employment opportunities through industry collaborations.
These INTI alumnae share their experiences in breaking the gender gaps in their own careers.
Annabelle Chai Loo Lyn, a Diploma in Information Technology graduate from INTI International College Penang, currently works as an analyst with renowned technology leader Dell.
After a year at Dell, Chai became the pioneer analyst for the organisation’s Global Email Operations in Penang, overseeing the group’s email campaigns, analytics, trends and outcomes.
“My job allows me to better understand our customers and their needs. Through data analysis, we produce more informed solutions for the organisation, which in turn helps to generate better products and services, and enables us to grow our business,” shared Chai.
Sharing similar experiences, Nur Syafiyah Nabilah Arman, a 24-year-old graduate of INTI International University’s Bachelor of Computer Science programme, currently works as an information systems audit associate in KPMG.
Nur Syafiyah is responsible for developing approaches that demonstrate effective IT compliance to sustain KPMG’s business values.
“I perform inspections on our clients’ IT system controls to ensure that they are effective and generate accurate data. This helps organisations manage their financial systems’ security risks, which directly impact their efficiency and quality,” she explained.
“The career preparation workshops I attend at INTI during my final semester helped me tremendously in achieving my potential.”
Florence Pereira, an IP Validation Engineer at Intel Technology Sdn Bhd, shares similar sentiments about studying at INTI.
The Diploma in Information and Communication Technology graduate recalled how she initially struggled in her first year at INTI because she was not familiar with the technicalities of the industry.
“My results improved because our lecturers leveraged discussions, videos and presentations to make our classes more engaging. I always left my classes wanting to find out more about what I was learning,” Pereira recalled.
Her determination paid off when she was offered a job as a graduate trainee at Intel even before graduating.
“Many multinational companies are on the lookout for women to join the engineering sector because they bring different ideas and solutions.
“Take that first step in your STEM dream and the rest will fall into place,” Pereira advised students.
INTI chief executive officer Tan Lin Nah said, “In addition to increasing diversity and inclusiveness in the workplace, addressing gender parity in STEM has positive economic implications, with Mckinsey estimating an increase of US$28 trillion (RM116 trillion) to the global annual GDP by the year 2025 through such efforts.
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“Given these promising statistics, INTI has created opportunities to encourage young women to explore their passion and gain equal advantages through industry-led training, competitions and practical learning.”