Malaysia’s GenAI Adoption: Women Underrepresented Despite Growing Interest

TL;DR:

• Coursera releases a playbook addressing the GenAI gender gap in Malaysia.
• Women are underrepresented in GenAI enrollments despite growing interest.
• Barriers include confidence gaps, time constraints, and lack of role models.
• Strategies include targeted interventions and increasing female representation in AI.

Coursera has released its “Closing the Gender Gap in GenAI Skills” playbook, addressing the disparity in Generative AI (GenAI) skills between men and women. The playbook offers strategies to empower women in GenAI, emphasizing the necessity for an inclusive AI environment.

Malaysia is experiencing rapid GenAI adoption, yet women are significantly underrepresented. Coursera data indicates that while women comprise 46% of all learners in Malaysia, they account for only 33% of GenAI enrollments, aligning with the global average of 32%. Malaysia ranks 31st globally in GenAI enrollments among women, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

Despite this gap, there is a growing interest among Malaysian women to upskill in GenAI. In 2024, women’s GenAI enrollments surged by 459%, surpassing the 287% growth rate among men. Encouraging women’s participation in AI ensures diverse perspectives contribute to this technology’s development.

Barriers and Strategies to Bridge the Gap:

• Confidence Gaps: Women often hesitate to engage in GenAI courses due to self-doubt. They are six times more likely to enroll in beginner-level courses. In Malaysia, introductory GenAI courses are most popular among women.
• Time and Unclear Guidelines: Many women cite “lack of time” as a barrier. A BCG report indicates that only 43% of Malaysian women are exposed to technology before university, and 53% of women in tech roles are keen to shift to non-technical positions.
• Perceived Lack of Relevance: Women engage more when GenAI is linked to practical fields like healthcare and education. Real-world case studies and interdisciplinary AI courses can enhance engagement. Globally, women use Coursera Coach 11% more than men.
• Lack of Female Role Models: Fewer women in AI leadership discourages participation. Coursera data shows STEM courses with female instructors attract 7% higher female enrollment. Malaysia’s female STEM participation rose from 29% in 2019 to 35% in 2024. Increasing women educators and AI mentors is crucial.

“While Malaysia has demonstrated an exceptional appetite to understand and harness GenAI technology, it is crucial for the country’s workforce development and international competitiveness that this appetite is shared equally,” stated Karine Allouche, Global Head of Enterprise at Coursera. “By empowering more women, we can ensure AI is built by diverse voices, for the world.”

Coursera’s playbook aims to provide institutions, individuals, and governments with strategies to support women in GenAI. The “Closing the Gender Gap in GenAI Skills” playbook is available online.