Written Answer · 2024-11-11 · Parliament 14
Enrolment and Graduation Rates of Female vis-a-vis Male Students in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Courses
An MP asked about female enrolment and graduation rates in AI and machine learning programmes at Singapore's IHLs over the past five years, comparison with male students, and measures to lift female participation. The government replied that women make up about a quarter of enrolment, with graduation rates above 90%, and outlined multiple programmes and partnerships to push women's participation in AI/STEM. The core debate: low female participation and how to effectively raise it.
Key Points
- • Women make up a quarter of AI course enrolment
- • Female graduation rate above 90%
- • Multiple programmes push female participation
Supports lifting women's participation in AI education.
Focuses on the low female participation share.
Push women's STEM education.
"female students comprised about a quarter of enrolment in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning programmes"
Participants (2)
Original Text (English)
SPRS Hansard · Fetched: 2026-05-02
19 Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Education over the past five years (a) what are the enrolment and graduation rates of female students in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning courses across Singapore's universities and polytechnics; (b) how do these figures compare to that of the male counterparts; and (c) what targeted measures are being implemented to increase female participation and retention in AI-related academic programmes.
Mr Chan Chun Sing : Over the past five years, female students comprised about a quarter of enrolment in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning programmes at the polytechnics and autonomous universities (AUs). Similar to male students, more than 90% of these female students graduate from their programmes.
The polytechnics and AUs will continue to raise awareness and interest in AI-related careers and courses through avenues, such as Open Houses and programmes for female students. For example, the Nanyang Technological University's Promotion of Women in Engineering, Research and Science (POWERS) programme equips female students with professional and personal skillsets to embark on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers. The polytechnics partner with the Infocomm Media Development Authority, through the SG Women in Tech (SGWIT) initiative, to grow female students' interest in technology careers, through talks, workshops, hackathons and mentorship opportunities.