DIVERSITY and inclusiveness correlate with the sustainability of a nation and its progress, says state executive councillor for Women & Family Development, Gender Inclusiveness & Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Chong Eng.
She cited gender equality as one of the goals listed in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) when she launched the Women in Zcience (WIZ) at the Tech Dome Penang today.
“I believe that we should give emphasis on having a balanced gender ratio in all sectors,” Chong Eng said in her speech.
“We would like to encourage more girls to take up studies related to science as we want to produce more women scientists as well as expertise related to the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) subjects.
“Similarly, I also hope that more women will come forward and venture into politics as they can help initiate more policies that would bring about benefits to women.
“This will help to reduce the existing gender gap in various fields, especially in politics.”
Chong Eng also said the state government has implemented a gender inclusive policy for its agencies and departments with a ratio of 40:40:20, which is 40% women, 40% men and 20% both women and men.
“This ratio is to ensure that a particular gender will not dominate the administration, thus creating a balanced workforce whilst giving an equal opportunity for both genders.
“I hope that this policy can be emulated by the Federal Government in order for us to have a better future,’’ she added.
Meanwhile, Tech Dome Penang chief executive officer Dr Khong Yoon Loong urged parents to be accountable for providing devices needed by their children to take part in e-learning.
“The state government’s effort in ensuring that students are not left behind in online learning through the ‘E-Learning Computer Program’ is really commendable.
“However, I feel that parents should understand the importance of equipping their kids with the necessary devices for e-learning and find ways to do so.
“In this internet age, I feel that devices such as laptops, tablets and personal computers are something very essential,’’ said Khong.
Apart from that, Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah Anwar, through a message screened at the event, said the key element to encourage students into exploring fields related to STEM is by stirring their interests.
“We need more scientists and experts in the field of science to face the challenges that the future might offer, it could be a pandemic or any kind of setbacks.
“When we have a solid foundation in science, we would be able to contribute for the well-being of our society and world at large,’’ said Nurul.
Some 900 participants from 20 schools in Penang participated in the WIZ which was organised by the Tech Dome Penang for the third time.
According to Khong, due to the new norm, only 40 students took part in the workshop at Tech Dome Penang while the rest joined in through the online platform.
“This is our first event post movement control order (MCO), and we have now resumed our businesses with shorter operation hours, from 12pm to 8pm. We only take in 150 visitors at any one time,’’ added Khong.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis