COMPLETION REPORTSWOT (Strength Weakness Opportunity Threat) Analysis in Strengthening Women Involvement inSTEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) University Research: Comparison between
Japan and Malaysia
Dr. Zahiraniza Mustaffa
Senior Lecture
Universiti Teknologi PETRONASThis research compared women involvement in STEM fields at university research through SWOT (StrengthWeakness Opportunity Threat) analysis carried out for Japan and Malaysia. The outcomes of this researchhighlight six factors which will be elaborated accordingly. First, underrepresented in leadership positions wasreflected by the small pool of women research icons.

Second, factors associated to families are reported to be aconcern leading to the work-life balance. Herein, the childcare system has been addressed in Japan nationalpolicies, but still become an issue. Malaysian women had somehow managed to handle this issue accordingly
although no policies have been put in place. Third, in terms of population growth, Japan is approximately 10.9%
bigger that the size of Malaysia, but having 319% of more populations. There are more women in Japan, giving
an average sex ratio of 0.94 males to per female. Fourth, in terms of technology innovation, Japan stood at 24ranks better than Malaysia according to the Global Innovation Index (2017). When this becomes an advantage, italso creates disadvantages due to the rise of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which is in preference to the job
families associated to the STEM professions. With Japan having more women, not using them means not
capitalizing at least 50% of labor force that can contribute to nation building.

Fifth, in the aspect of governanceand policies, STEM awareness has taken place in Malaysia even before the country obtained its independence,part of which influenced by ruling of different colonialists. Japan had only initiated such in 1995. Japan may
require 50 years in arriving to similar target of having women involvement in STEM. The sixth factor i.e.
religion, Malaysia with many of its people being Muslims, holds a unique characteristic from such beliefs. The
people have always been practicing the Islamic values in their work lives and actions. The evidence of scienceevolvement captured in the Quran has established the right initiation to the beliefs and continue to provide strongroots to the Muslims practice and well-being. In conclusions, women involvement in STEM at university
research in Japan has been highlighted in the governance and policies despite their late start. It will take another50 years for Japan to catch up when compared to Malaysian women development. The technology strengths inJapan may be able to shorten the duration if properly planned towards this need.

Publication of the Results of Research Project:
Verbal Presentation (Date, Venue, Name of Conference, Title of Presentation, Presenter, etc.)
Not applicable
Thesis (Name of Journal and its Date, Title and Author of Thesis, etc.)
Thesis:
SWOT Analysis in Strengthening Women Involvement in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering AndMathematics) University Research: Comparison Between Japan And Malaysia, Zahiraniza Mustaffa, 2017, 44p.
Journal:
Women Involvement in STEM: Comparison Between Japan And Malaysia, Zahiraniza Mustaffa, NorikoInuzuka, Adida Mohd Johan, submitted to Gender and Society journal.

Book (Publisher and Date of the Book, Title and Author of the Book, etc.)
Not applicable