Bangkok, 21 September 2015 – Microsoft (Thailand) Limited recently organized the TechFemme Thailand 2015 event to encourage and inspire greater female participation in information technology (IT). The event itself provides a platform for women to share experiences and perspectives on IT careers in Thailand with female students who aspire career opportunities in IT, facilitate the formation of female student networks centered on a shared interest in IT careers, and promote long-term gender diversity in the industry.
Held at the Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University, TechFemme Thailand 2015 marked the initiative’s debut in Thailand and was organized alongside parallel events in five ASEAN nations – namely Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam. With over 1,500 students in attendance, the 2015 edition of TechFemme is a continuation of the program that was first organized in Australia and Singapore back in 2012 to considerable national acclaim in both countries.
Survey results indicate that women represent the biggest portion of IT consumers and occasionally surpass men in their enthusiasm for technological matters. However, data from 2014 showed that women account for just 29.1% of the IT industry workforce – a statistic that may potentially hint at the industry’s lack of perspective and understanding in consumers as well as technology products’ inability to fully satisfy customer needs. One other notable fact from the survey was how organizations with fewer women reported lower satisfaction and efficiency in their coordination.
“In many countries, women do not have the same opportunities as men when it comes to accessing computers, while some still believe that technology is an inherently masculine subject,” said Chutima Sribumrungsart, Human Resources Director, Microsoft (Thailand) Limited. “Some women even perceive IT careers as more suitable for men. The reality is that IT jobs still require women’s distinctive skills and proficiencies – especially in lending new perspectives and utilizing creativity.”
Given these circumstances, TechFemme Thailand 2015 was organized to open up new perspectives and provide young female IT enthusiasts with the inspiration to kick start their IT careers. The event featured a remarkable lineup of successful women in IT – including Siriporn Pajharawat, Director of Developer Experience & Platform Evangelism, Microsoft (Thailand) Limited, Sirinun Jiradilok, Vice President of Information Technology, Nok Airlines Plc., Oranuch Lerdsuwankij, Co-Founder and Editor of Thumbsup.in.th, Suwipa Wanasathop, Vice President of the National Science and Technology Development Agency, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tiranee Achalakul, Associate Dean for Education Development, Faculty of Engineering, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi.
Oranuch Lerdsuwankij said, “Women and men have equal capabilities, but women stand out more for their thoughtful nature, precise attention to detail, and the ability to communicate and compromise tactfully. However, today we still see fewer women in Thailand’s tech startup community compared to men, but we are definitely seeing a greater number of women entering this particular sector, which is a positive sign.”
“At Nok Air, male employees tend to focus more on network deployment, while women take on data analysis. While men can be more decisive, women are able to see the problem at hand from all sides and possess superior analytical skills,” added Sirinun Jiradilok.
Many women believe that while many business organizations offer them clear pathways to advance to management positions, such opportunities are hard to come by in the IT industry. Contrary to this common perception, Siriporn Pajharawat, Director of Developer Experience & Platform Evangelism, Microsoft (Thailand) Limited, said, “Thai society openly recognizes female talent. At Microsoft, we have a workforce with a relatively balanced gender ratio, and even our global head office has an executive lineup that is 30-40% female. Women have equal opportunities as men to succeed in the IT industry.”
In addition to the exchange of perspectives on IT careers and business inspiration, TechFemme Thailand 2015 also featured special workshop activities organized by Microsoft (Thailand) Limited – including a leadership workshop focused on analytical, decision-making, communication, and listening skills among others and a career workshop with tips on resume writing and preparation for job interviews.
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About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services, devices and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
Established in 1993, Microsoft (Thailand) Limited aims to Make 70 Million Lives Better by enabling Thai people and businesses to realize their full potential through technology that transforms the way people work, play, and communicate. We offer software, services, and devices that deliver new opportunities, greater convenience, and enhanced value to people’s lives. Working with communities and the Thai government, Microsoft and its partners are committed to working closely with organizations and people across Thailand to fully harness the power of technology and innovation.
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Pornravee Suramool / Nilawan Meedech
Hill+Knowlton Strategies Thailand
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