THE Women in Zcience (WiZ) is back this year with its 7th edition to inspire more female students to venture into STEM (Science, Technology, Mathematics, Engineering) as well as to boost their confidence.
A total of 240 Form Three students from six schools, namely SMK Convent Green Lane, SMK Tun Hussein Onn, SMK Tinggi BM, SMJK Heng Ee Cawangan, SMJK Perempuan Cina Pulau Pinang and SMJK Convent Datuk Keramat, took part in WiZ.
State executive councillor Chong Eng said it is important to create more women leaders holding top positions across the various fields as they will help to form a developed and just community.
She added that scientists and leaders in top positions are mostly men, thus WiZ is a platform that encourages female students to achieve high-level goals.
“We need more women leaders so that they can be part of decision-making to provide opportunities to everyone, including women, the disabled and senior citizens.
“You must be ambitious to become a scientist and to invent something.
“A leader can be a good follower but not all the time. You must not allow people to decide your future,” she said during the WiZ launching ceremony today at Tech Dome Penang.
Meanwhile, Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC) chief executive officer Ong Bee Leng also shared a short inspiring video clip of Bertha Benz, a German automotive pioneer, and inventor whose name was not included in the patent rights as she was a married woman.
The law in those days did not allow married women to be named as an inventor on the patent. And Bertha Benz was also the business partner and wife of automobile inventor Carl Benz.
Tech Dome Penang chief executive officer Khoo Boo Wooi said WiZ is to empower girls to break down the barriers that stand in their way in pursuing their dreams in STEM fields.
“We want to show them that they have what it takes to succeed in these fields and their contributions can make a real difference in the world.
“You can get hands-on experience with some of the latest technologies such as drones and scientific discoveries.
“At the end of the series, you will be invited to visit the factory which will be an eye-opener for all of you,” he added.
The sponsors for the programme are Intel Malaysia, Plexus Manufacturing Sdn Bhd, ViTrox Corporation Bhd, Flex Penang, Mi Equipment (M) Sdn Bhd, Jabil Circuit, and Kiwanis Penang Central.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad