GENDER ISSUES 16
FEATURES
Parity While the enrolment of female and men
in Stem students at university-level have become
more equal over the years, significantly
roles still
fewer women are pursuing Stem subjects
at higher levels, making up only 35 per
cent, a United Nations Educational,
eluding Scientific and Cultural Organisation
report found.
women Stem is an acronym used to refer to
science, technology, engineering and
mathematics – which are fields that are
increasingly important for work and carry
better economic prospects.
This proportion is even smaller when it
Stem jobs are becoming comes to women in higher education
in information and communication
increasingly important technologies (ICT) – just 3 per cent
and are viewed as jobs globally. This is a problem because it is
of the future. ANG YIYING estimated that as of this year, 98 per cent
of Stem-related jobs require ICT skills.
takes a look at the barriers
that may prevent women With fewer women in these fields, it
means fewer of them are able to capitalise
from entering the field. on opportunities offered by Stem.
Women scientists in the early 20th century in
America (L to R) Miss Nellie Brown, Miss Lucia
McCollock, Miss Mary K. Bryan, and Miss Florence
Hedges. They worked on making cultures of
parasites and other experiments, in an industry
where few women took on such work.
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SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR 24
FEATURES
Consumerism:
its evolution
and effects
ANG YIYING looks at the
historical, financial and
psychological reasons
why people buy stuff
they do not need
When you buy the latest
smartphone, or the latest
graphic print T-shirt, you are
practising consumerism.
While consumerism has more
than one meaning, it is more
commonly used to refer to
the act of buying goods. The
Merriam-Webster dictionary
defines it as “the theory that
an increasing consumption
of goods is economically
desirable” and “a preoccupation
with and an inclination toward
the buying of consumer goods”.
TECHNOLOGY 34
FEATURES
Will Artificial
Intelligence
eat my lunch?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is tipped to be
the next big thing that will revolutionise
SERENE LUO answers industries everywhere.
this and other questions It will be part of the Fourth Industrial
you may have had about Revolution, where emerging
technologies such as 5G wireless
artificial intelligence. networks, nanotechnology, vehicles that
drive themselves and more will join AI in
changing what everyone’s lives look like.
But one of the fears and pain points
is that AI will eat one’s lunch – that is,
compete with humans and take away
jobs. Though that could be somewhat of
an exaggeration, the truth actually lies
somewhere in between.
