Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews has announced a series of partnerships in the Asia-Pacific to support female leaders in business and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Building on her visit to Singapore last year when she announced an ASEAN Women in Innovation Leadership Dialogue, Minister Andrews today revealed the recipient of the hosting rights for the conference after a Women in STEM roundtable at the Australian High Commission in Singapore.

“Today I’m pleased to announce that the ASEAN Women in Innovation Leadership Dialogue will be hosted in 2020 as part of the World Economic Forum’s programme in Asia, including their annual ASEAN meeting – bringing together business leaders, policymakers, innovators and influencers to showcase the best female talent and boost the level of human capital in the region,” Minister Andrews said.

“The World Economic Forum is a pinnacle event, and we look forward to engaging across the region to showcase the importance and opportunity that STEM skills provide.”

To pave the way for this event, Minister Andrews will host a preliminary event in Australia later in 2019.

The Australian Government will also be partnering with Asialink Business to support a delegation of high-profile science and business leaders to attend the Dialogue to showcase and connect stellar female talent across the Asia-Pacific region. 

“Delivering renewed focus on the STEM skills pipeline across the region is essential to boosting productivity, growing the economy and creating new jobs,” Minister Andrews said.

“STEM organisations are lacking when it comes to female representation, with only 28 per cent of management positions and eight per cent of CEO and executive positions held by women.

“That’s why I’m also pleased to announce today that our national science agency CSIRO is supporting the 16th Gender Summit which will be hosted in Singapore in August.

“This conference builds the knowledge we need to achieve greater gender equity in our world-class science community. It also opens doors to partner with our closest neighbours on the new technologies that will grow our economies and change our lives in the future.”

These announcements build on the Coalition Government’s Advancing Women in STEM strategy, through improved education, supporting women in STEM careers and making women in STEM visible.

Media contact: Minister Andrews' office 02 6277 7070