5.3.4 : Women’s application in underrepresented subjects
Program Chit Chat Kelestarian mengupas kuasa wanita sebagai peneraju dan pemikir penyelesaian inovasi
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) actively encourages applications by women in underrepresented subjects, specifically positioning them as leaders in innovation and problem-solving, through dedicated, high-level outreach and collaboration aligned with national strategic goals.
- Targeted Theme for Underrepresented Subjects: The "Program Chit Chat Kelestarian" (Sustainability Chit Chat Program) directly focused on “Kuasa Wanita: Peneraju dan Pemikir Penyelesaian Inovasi” (The Power of Women: Leaders and Thinkers of Innovation Solutions). By centering its theme on women's capacity in innovation and problem-solving, the program encourages female participation in fields where these skills are critical, such as STEM, engineering, and sustainability—fields traditionally characterized by underrepresentation.
- High-Level Cross-Sectoral Collaboration: The program was a joint effort between the UTM Centre for Campus Sustainability (UTMCS), the UTM Professors' Council, and UTM School of Professional and Continuing Education (UTMSPACE). The panel featured high-ranking leaders, including the UTM Vice-Chancellor, the Registrar, a UTM University Board Member (LPU), and the Director of the Department of Control and Mechatronics Engineering. The inclusion of a female Engineering Director explicitly promotes female role models and expertise in a STEM discipline.
- Alignment with National Policy and SDGs: The program is explicitly aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 5, Gender Equality. Furthermore, discussions addressed national policy issues, such as implementing Flexible Working Hours (WBF) and Work From Home (BDR) for married female civil servants to enable them to maintain professional contributions without neglecting family responsibilities. This engagement serves as direct, high-impact outreach that positions UTM as a thought leader in facilitating women's sustained professional participation and application in all sectors.
By strategically hosting and collaborating on a high-profile event that frames women as essential innovators and problem-solvers, UTM executes an effective outreach campaign to encourage female enrollment and retention in subjects and career paths where they are currently underrepresented.
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