Business

Diving Deeper: How Women in STEM Can Supercharge Japan’s Tech Revolution

Published

2 years ago

November 14, 2023

Abdul Rahman

Table of Contents

Introduction

Japan, which is well known for its inventiveness and technological strength, is on the cusp of a revolution in the global economy. But there is a huge unrealized potential that is lying dormant: women’s potential in STEM (science, technology, and engineering) disciplines. Even though Japan has achieved great progress recently, more has to be done to support and encourage women’s increased involvement in STEM fields. According to this article, Japan’s economy would flourish at a rate never seen before if there was a more diverse and inclusive STEM workforce, utilizing the special skills and viewpoints that women have to offer.

The Current Landscape

Japan’s STEM landscape is evolving, yet gender disparities persist. According to recent data from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), women constitute only 16% of researchers in Japan. This underrepresentation is not reflective of a lack of interest or capability but rather systemic barriers that hinder women’s progression in STEM careers.

1. Bridging the Education Gap

One crucial factor contributing to the gender gap in STEM is the educational pipeline. While the gender distribution in STEM-related fields at the undergraduate level is relatively balanced, a significant drop-off occurs at the postgraduate and professional levels. Encouraging more women to pursue advanced degrees and providing mentorship programs can help bridge this gap. Countries like Sweden and Norway have successfully implemented such initiatives, resulting in a more gender-balanced STEM workforce.

ALSO READ: Dawaai raises investment from Sarmayacar and London-based Kingsway Capital

2. Redefining Workplace Culture

Creating a more inclusive workplace culture is essential for retaining and advancing women in STEM careers. The existing culture often perpetuates stereotypes and biases that hinder women’s professional growth. Japanese companies need to adopt policies that promote work-life balance, provide flexible working arrangements, and eliminate gender-based discrimination. By doing so, they can create an environment where women feel empowered to thrive in STEM professions.

The Economic Impact

1. Driving Innovation and Creativity

Diversity is a catalyst for innovation. Studies consistently show that diverse teams are more innovative and creative, bringing a variety of perspectives to problem-solving. By increasing the representation of women in STEM, Japan can unlock a wealth of untapped ideas and solutions, propelling the nation to the forefront of technological advancement.

According to a McKinsey report, companies with gender-diverse executive teams are 21% more likely to outperform their peers in profitability. The same principle can be applied to the STEM sector, where diverse teams are likely to outpace homogenous ones in terms of groundbreaking discoveries and technological breakthroughs.

2. Enhancing Global Competitiveness

In an increasingly interconnected global economy, diversity is a key driver of competitiveness. Countries that harness the full potential of their workforce, irrespective of gender, are better positioned to adapt to rapid technological changes and capitalize on emerging opportunities. By bolstering the participation of women in STEM, Japan can solidify its position as a global economic powerhouse.

The Nordic countries, known for their gender-inclusive policies, serve as a testament to the positive correlation between gender diversity and economic competitiveness. Japan could draw valuable lessons from these nations and tailor its policies to foster a more inclusive STEM ecosystem.

ALSO READ: 4 Poor Money Habits That Are Leading You to Become Business Broke

3. Addressing the Aging Workforce Challenge

Japan faces a demographic challenge with an aging population and a declining workforce. Integrating more women into STEM professions is not only a matter of gender equality but also a strategic imperative to mitigate the economic impact of an aging population. A diverse and skilled workforce, including women, can contribute to sustaining economic growth and innovation in the face of demographic challenges.

Policy Recommendations

1. Implementing Gender Quotas and Targets

To accelerate the progress towards gender parity in STEM, Japan should consider implementing gender quotas and targets. Countries like Germany and France have successfully employed such measures to increase the representation of women on corporate boards. By setting specific targets for women in STEM positions, Japan can signal its commitment to fostering diversity and track measurable progress over time.

2. Strengthening STEM Education Initiatives for Girls

Early exposure to STEM education is crucial for cultivating interest and confidence in pursuing STEM careers. Japan should invest in targeted initiatives to encourage girls to explore STEM subjects from an early age. This can include mentorship programs, STEM-focused extracurricular activities, and partnerships with educational institutions to create a supportive learning environment for young girls interested in STEM fields.

3. Promoting Corporate Accountability

Companies play a pivotal role in driving change. Japan should encourage corporate accountability by requiring companies to disclose gender diversity metrics, including the representation of women in STEM roles. Publicly reporting on these metrics can motivate companies to actively pursue diversity initiatives and hold them accountable for progress.

Conclusion

Japan’s ability to utilize its population to the fullest extent possible will determine its economic prosperity in the twenty-first century. Women’s participation in science and technology is strategically necessary for economic growth, innovation, and global competitiveness, in addition to being an issue of social justice. Adopting a gender-diverse STEM workforce will be essential to Japan’s ability to navigate the opportunities and difficulties of the digital era and ensure a prosperous and sustainable future. Now is the moment to act, and Japan has the chance to set the example for creating a STEM environment that is more vibrant and inclusive.

Post Views: 314

Related Topics:business economy finance Japan news opinion startups

Up Next

ChatGPT Plus Paused: What Does It Mean for the Future of Conversational AI?

Don't Miss

Unlocking Success: Your Ultimate Guide to Running a Thriving Restaurant Business in the Heart of New York City

Click to comment

Aviation

LAX Passenger Volume Surge Today, Nov 23: Exploring the 500% Increase

Published

3 hours ago

November 23, 2025

Abdul Rahman

If you are reading this from the floor of Terminal 4 near the American Airlines check-in, I’m sorry. If you are reading this from the comfort of your couch, stay there.

Today, November 23, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) isn’t just busy; it is a kinetic experiment in human density. Early reports and viral social media metrics are tossing around a staggering figure: a 500% increase in passenger volume. While the statisticians will eventually smooth that number out against year-over-year averages, the feeling on the ground is undeniable.

We aren’t just seeing a holiday rush. We are witnessing a “perfect storm” of logistics, psychology, and policy collision.

Table of Contents

The “Why”: Anatomy of a Super-Surge

To understand why the 500% figure feels real, you have to look at the calendar. We are sandwiched between two massive pressure points.

The Post-Shutdown Rebound: We are barely ten days out from the end of the 43-day government shutdown. For over a month, flight restrictions and FAA staffing shortages throttled capacity. Today represents the breaking of that dam. The “500%” isn’t just normal traffic; it’s the release of six weeks of pent-up business and leisure travel that was artificially suppressed until mid-November.
Thanksgiving Proximity: It is the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Historically, this is a “yellow alert” day, ramping up to the “red alert” of Wednesday. But combined with the post-shutdown floodgates, today has effectively become the busiest travel day of the decade.
The Infrastructure Gap: Construction on the Central Terminal Area curbside improvement just began. This means lanes are closed exactly when volume is quintupling.

ALSO READ: Dawaai raises investment from Sarmayacar and London-based Kingsway Capital

The Reality Check: A Terminal-by-Terminal Breakdown

The raw numbers (82 million Americans traveling this week) are abstract. The reality at LAX today is visceral.

The Loop (World Way): It is currently a parking lot. The “horseshoe” design of LAX, finalized in an era when a 500% surge was mathematically impossible, is failing. Ride-shares are cancelling en masse because they simply cannot enter the central terminal area without losing an hour of revenue.
TSA Checkpoints: This is where the “500% surge” hits hardest. With TSA staffing still restabilizing post-shutdown, PreCheck lines are bleeding into general boarding. The unspoken social contract of the airport queue is fraying.
The Lounge Economy: Even the sanctuaries are overrun. The Delta Sky Club and the Star Alliance Lounge are reportedly operating “one-in, one-out” policies. When you can’t even buy your way out of the crowd, you know the system is saturated.

The Verdict: Is This the New Normal?

Is the “500% increase” a fluke or a forecast?

My verdict is that this is a warning shot. The aviation industry has been celebrating the “return to travel” since 2022, but today proves we have returned with a vengeance that our infrastructure cannot handle. We are trying to pour a gallon of water into a shot glass.

If you are traveling today, you are not a passenger; you are a participant in a logistical stress test. The infrastructure is crumbling not under neglect, but under sheer, unpredicted demand. The “Revenge Travel” narrative was supposed to end last year; instead, it has mutated into “Habitual Travel,” where flyers are willing to endure almost any level of friction to move.

ALSO READ: The 10 Biggest Banks in the World

Survival Guide: Navigating the Surge

If you must fly out of LAX in the next 24 hours, standard advice no longer applies.

Abandon the Loop: Do not get dropped off at your terminal. It is a trap. Get dropped off at the LAX-it lot or a nearby hotel (like the Hyatt Regency) and walk. The 15-minute walk will save you 45 minutes of gridlock.
Digital Sentry: Watch your flight status like a hawk. With this volume, one delayed inbound aircraft creates a domino effect that will wipe out the entire evening board.
Pack Patience (and Snacks): The food court lines are currently longer than the security lines. If you didn’t bring food, you are fasting.

The bottom line: The 500% surge is real in impact, if not in exactitude. Today, LAX is not an airport; it is a city under siege. Proceed with caution, and if you can, maybe wait until Tuesday.

Post Views: 56

Startups

🌐 The Global Blockchain Show 2025 Is Coming to Abu Dhabi – December 10–11, 2025

Published

3 days ago

November 20, 2025

Abdul Rahman

The blockchain world is converging in Abu Dhabi this December for one of the most anticipated Web3 events of the year: the Global Blockchain Show 2025, taking place December 10–11, 2025. With over 7,000+ attendees, 250+ global speakers, and 350+ pioneering companies, this summit promises to be a powerhouse of innovation, networking, and strategic insight globalblockchainshow.com Cointelegraph.

Table of Contents

🚀 A Premier Web3 & Crypto Conference

Organized by VAP Group and powered by Times of Blockchain, the Global Blockchain Show is more than just a conference—it’s a launchpad for the future of decentralized technology. Held at a world-class venue in Abu Dhabi, the event will spotlight the UAE’s bold leap into blockchain adoption across government, enterprise, and finance Cointelegraph.

🔍 What to Expect

1. Global Thought Leadership

Hear from 250+ blockchain pioneers, founders, and policy shapers driving the next wave of innovation. Topics will span:

Web3 infrastructure
Tokenization and DeFi
Blockchain regulation and compliance
Enterprise integration and smart contracts

2. Elite Networking

Rub shoulders with:

Top-tier investors
Tech giants
Startups and developers
Government officials and regulators

This is your chance to forge partnerships that could shape the next decade of blockchain evolution.

3. Immersive Exhibitions

Explore cutting-edge solutions from 350+ companies showcasing the latest in crypto, NFTs, metaverse, and enterprise blockchain applications.

🌍 Why Abu Dhabi?

Abu Dhabi is rapidly emerging as a global blockchain hub, with progressive regulation, strong institutional support, and a thriving tech ecosystem. The city’s commitment to digital transformation makes it the perfect host for a summit of this scale and ambition.

🎯 Who Should Attend?

This event is ideal for:

ALSO READ: How to Optimize Your Startup Blog for SEO

Blockchain founders and developers
Crypto investors and analysts
Web3 startups and entrepreneurs
Government and enterprise leaders
Legal and compliance professionals

Whether you’re building the next unicorn or shaping policy, the Global Blockchain Show offers unparalleled access to insights, capital, and community.

📅 Save the Date

Global Blockchain Show 2025
🗓️ Dates: December 10–11, 2025
📍 Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE

Ready to be part of the future?
Visit the official website to register, explore the agenda, and secure your spot among the world’s top blockchain minds globalblockchainshow.com.

Post Views: 134

Events

🌍 World School Summit 2026 – Malaysia

Published

3 days ago

November 20, 2025

Abdul Rahman

34th Edition | 24th January, 2026

Table of Contents

Introduction

Education is evolving faster than ever, and the leaders shaping tomorrow’s schools must stay ahead of global trends. The World School Summit, now in its 34th edition, is set to take place in Malaysia on 24th January, 2026. This prestigious gathering will unite the world’s top educators, school owners, principals, directors, and institutional leaders for a transformative day of learning, networking, and collaboration.

Why the World School Summit Matters

The summit is more than just an event—it’s a global platform for innovation in education. With participants from across continents, the summit fosters dialogue on the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing schools today.

Key highlights include:

🌐 Global Networking: Connect with principals, directors, and school owners from diverse regions.
💡 Thought Leadership: Hear from pioneering educators and experts on the future of learning.
📈 Strategic Insights: Explore new models of school management, leadership, and institutional growth.
🤝 Collaborative Opportunities: Build partnerships that extend beyond borders.

Who Should Attend

The World School Summit is designed for:

Principals and School Leaders
Directors and School Owners
Educators and Teachers
School Management Professionals
Education Institutes and Policy Makers

Whether you’re leading a single institution or shaping national education policy, this summit offers actionable strategies and global perspectives to elevate your impact.

Malaysia: The Perfect Host

Malaysia, with its rich cultural diversity and growing reputation as a hub for international education, provides the ideal backdrop for this global summit. Attendees will not only gain professional insights but also experience the country’s vibrant culture and hospitality.

ALSO READ: The 10 Biggest Banks in the World

Looking Ahead

As the 34th edition of the World School Summit, this event builds on decades of success, continually adapting to the changing landscape of education. The 2026 summit promises to be one of the most impactful yet, setting the tone for the future of schools worldwide.