This foundational FinTech educational programme will benefit up to 100 young women from its second year onwards
A FinTech educational programme has been launched by Citi and United Women Singapore (UWS) to equip young women with fundamental skills and confidence to enter the FinTech industry. Having Minister Indranee Rajah, Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Finance, and Second Minister for National Development as the event Guest-of-Honor, the launch event took place at the FinTech Hub SG today.
Young women between the ages of 16 and 24 years old will be targeted by the FinTech educational programme, first-of-its-kind in Singapore, and also known as the STEM First programme. The programme aims to instil young women with confidence in their abilities as they go into their tertiary studies or careers as a STEM-skilled individual empowered with an entrepreneurial mind-set.
With a focus on those from lower income households, the first year of the FinTech educational programme that includes a research study, curriculum formulation and a pilot programme consisting of 40 young women, will be funded through a grant of USD200,000 from Citi Foundation. With open access to professional networks within the industry, the young women will undergo a 6-month experiential learning curriculum.
Designed to equip youth from underserved communities with the skills and confidence to advance their employability and career opportunities in the rapidly changing economies, the funding is part of Citi Foundation’s expanded global Pathways to Progress initiative.
“UWS is grateful to Citi for this important partnership. This programme will provide opportunities for young women to make a career for themselves in emerging areas of STEM and take advantage of the high growth potential in these fields. Collaborating with Citi and the Singapore FinTech Academy, UWS will create a positive impact for these young women and their FinTech journey”, said Georgette Tan, President of UWS.
The research-backed FinTech educational programme, created in partnership with Singapore FinTech Academy led by Dr. Lillian Koh, will cover modules in topics such as Artificial intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML), Blockchain, Cloud & Cyber Security, Data Analytics, taught using the Design Thinking process. To gain a first-hand understanding of jobs in the field, participants will also benefit from exclusive access to mentorship circles, job shadowing opportunities and workplace visits to STEM employers. To guide the youth on working life and building successful careers, Citi volunteers will also participate in the FinTech educational programme as mentors and workshop facilitators.
In Singapore, the demand for digital tech talent has been higher than ever. According to recent statistics released by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA)i, tech jobs continue to be in high demand across the economy. With the number of tech jobs increasing by about 10,000 annually in the last three years, the number of tech professionals in Singapore has grown to more than 200,000 today. UWS is committed to promote employability and inclusivity of young women in the Tech space by kindling their interest and equipping them with the fundamental skills to enter the Fintech Industry. This foundational FinTech educational programme will benefit up to 100 young women from its second year onwards.
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