What if Ada Lovelace had never written the first algorithm? Or what if the women behind NASA’s Apollo missions had never been given a chance? On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, i-CATS students are proving that innovation thrives when women are part of the equation.
Capability transcends gender
THE tech industry has been shaped by women from the very beginning, yet today, it remains overwhelmingly male-dominated.
If women had never entered the field, would we be missing out on life-changing innovations? Would we have a world designed only from one perspective?
Breaking the myth: Women belong in tech

For Joycelyn Tan Siew Tng and Aina Mardia Mohamad Kerta, both from the Bachelor of Software Engineering at i-CATS University College, these questions are more than just hypotheticals.
They are real concerns driving their passion for software engineering — not just to build technology but to reshape who gets to build it.
Both Tan and Aina had early moments that pulled them toward software engineering.
For Tan, it was the magic of seeing her code come to life — turning abstract logic into something real and useful.
“In secondary school, I was typically in the science stream, so when I joined i-CATS, it was natural for me to gravitate towards science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)-related fields.
“My motivation comes from the sense of accomplishment I feel when creating something new. There’s something almost magical about seeing my code come to life, transforming into something functional and engaging.
“As technology becomes increasingly woven into our daily lives, I wanted to be part of the movement shaping the tools that influence how we live, work, and connect with others,” she told Sarawak Tribune.
For Aina, the turning point came when she realised software wasn’t just about computers — it was about shaping the world.
“With the rise of smartphones, cloud computing and AI-driven technology, I saw how software was becoming the backbone of modern life. It’s more than just a career — it’s the future — and I wanted to be part of it, creating solutions that would make life easier, smarter, and more connected,” she said.
Yet, when people hear “software engineer,” many still imagine a hoodie-wearing man sitting in a dark room hacking into systems. That stereotype, they said, couldn’t be more further from reality.

“People assume we just write code in isolation, but software engineering is about collaboration, problem-solving, and creating ethical, secure systems that serve society,” explained 24-year-old Tan.
Agreeing with Tan’s statements, Aina said people also feared that AI would replace humans.
“From self-driving cars to life-saving medical software, every innovation runs on code written by engineers. Technology doesn’t eliminate opportunities; it creates them.
“The real future isn’t human versus AI; it’s how we collaborate to build a smarter world.
“After all, AI isn’t here to take over — it’s here to assist,” she pointed out.
Women in a man’s world:
Challenge or motivation?
There’s no denying that women in tech still face challenges.
In Aina’s class, only two out of 12 students are women. Tan has often found herself the only woman in a room full of male peers. But instead of seeing that as a barrier, both see it as motivation.
For Tan, she doesn’t let it shake her confidence — to her, gender should never set the standard for ability.
Fortunately, many of her peers in both academic and professional settings recognise and appreciate her contributions.
By actively participating rather than shying away and by addressing challenges with a constructive mindset, she has successfully adapted to her environment while proving her skills.

Her experience so far has been positive, and she believes that many gender-related obstacles can be overcome with a proactive approach.
For Aina, the male dominance in her class is not a limitation but a driving force. Through her work, she continues to prove that capability transcends gender.
“Women bring invaluable diversity, creativity, and resilience to the field. Instead of feeling discouraged, I take pride in challenging stereotypes and demonstrating that technology is not just for men but for anyone with the passion to innovate,” said the 25-year-old.
This belief is reinforced by the presence of strong female role models. Seeing her mentor — her own lecturer and now the director of the Centre for Information Technology Management at i-CATS, Ts Nurlaila Rosli — thrive as a tech leader has only strengthened her conviction that women belong in this space and can lead with impact.
“She takes the time to guide and support those under her wing, encouraging them to participate in competitions and demonstrating that women can thrive in leadership roles within the tech industry.
“She showed me that women don’t just belong in tech — we can excel in it,” Aina stressed.
While Tan does not have a single female role model who has shaped her journey, she recognises the undeniable impact women in tech have had on the industry.
Rather than looking up to just one figure, she admires the growing number of women who are innovating and breaking barriers.
Eager to be part of this movement, Tan aspires to one day make her own mark and inspire future generations.
Innovating a better future
Both women dream of building software that makes a real impact.
Tan envisions an all-in-one app that connects communities with essential services, from blood donation centres and local volunteering opportunities to mental health support.
Her idea includes a feature that helps users locate nearby blood donation centres, schedule appointments, and receive timely reminders, particularly during emergencies.
Another component is a volunteer-matching platform that pairs individuals with opportunities suited to their skills and interests, tracks volunteer hours, and organises group activities.

Additionally, she aims to integrate a mental health support system with an anonymous chat room, daily affirmations, access to mental health resources, and real-time connections with local professionals or support groups.
By creating a user-friendly platform, she hopes to bridge the gap in accessibility, making it easier for individuals to find the help and support they need within their community.
Aina, on the other hand, wants an AI-powered navigation system designed to prevent accidents and make driving stress-free by integrating augmented reality (AR), the Internet of Things (IoT), and real-time road monitoring.
Inspired by the rising number of accidents in Kuching and her own experience with driving anxiety, she hopes to develop a smart windscreen GPS that enhances road safety.
This system will provide lane guidance in neon colours, suggest optimal speeds, monitor nearby vehicles, and calculate safe distances based on road conditions.
For Aina and many others, coding isn’t just about writing lines of code — it’s about shaping a future where technology is ethical, accessible, and built for the greater good.

When asked about the future they envision in five years, both women dream of a 2030 where women are not just present in tech but at the forefront of its greatest innovations.
“I want to be a project manager leading a team that develops applications to address social challenges,” said Tan.
Aina shares a similar vision, seeing herself spearheading a major tech project in Kuching, a city with immense yet untapped potential in the industry.
“While Kuching is developing, it still lags in adopting cutting-edge technology, and I want to be part of the movement that changes that,” she said.
And if a young girl asks whether she should pursue tech? Their answer will be a resounding yes.
“Tech isn’t just for a certain type of person. It’s for the curious, the passionate, and the problem-solvers. You just have to believe in yourself and start learning,” Tan said.

Aina added, “If you can dream it, you can build it. The world needs more women in tech — because without us, we’d all be missing out on something incredible.”
On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, their stories are a reminder that innovation thrives when everyone has a seat at the table.
The future of tech isn’t a question of “what if,” but “who’s next.”
As Tan and Aina carve their paths in software engineering, they aren’t just building apps or AI systems; they’re building a future where women in tech are no longer the exception but the driving force.
For every young girl wondering if she belongs in tech, the answer is simple: If you can dream it, you can build it.