How Microsoft is Empowering Women for an AI Future

Microsoft has announced the ‘MPowerHer’ collaboration alongside SG Women in Tech, Mums@Work, and Code; Without Barriers, to empower more women to enhance their digital skills – specifically with practical AI.

Based in Singapore, the programme is targeted at individuals across all different life and career stages, while providing access to gain hands-on experience in technology, including mentorships, returnships and career breaks.

Launched by Minister of State for the Ministry of Digital Development and Information, Mdm Rahayu Mahzam, at Microsoft Public Sector Solutions Day, MPowerHer reflects Microsoft’s commitment to empowering women in Singapore. 

By uniting a strong network of community partners under one umbrella, the initiative supports diverse pathways and delivers meaningful, real-world outcomes.

Joining forces to empower women in tech

Wee Luen Chia, Microsoft Singapore Managing Director, describes initiatives like MPowerHer as “pivotal in Microsoft’s mission,” as they strive to “empower every person, in every community to achieve more with technology and AI.”

She added: “Through MPowerHer, we are investing in the people side of the ongoing AI transformation, ensuring that the workforce driving Singapore’s AI future is inclusive, skilled and confident, with the support of inspiring and influential local partners.”

Microsoft has designed MPowerHer to be a navigation and enablement platform, helping women access training, resources and connections, by integrating and amplifying existing national and ecosystem programmes.

Inclusive workforce development, AI readiness and sustained participation of women in the digital economy have been placed at the core of MPowerHer, to support national objectives.

Led by Microsoft Singapore and delivered in collaboration with partners, MPowerHer brings together core technology training and hands-on, team-based projects grounded in real-world scenarios. 

Participants also benefit from career preparation support and continued peer networks through MPowerHer Circles, enabling them to turn newly gained skills into tangible employment opportunities.

Inspiring mothers to utilise AI

The programme is specifically tailored for women across Singapore’s workforce – from adult learners and mid-career professionals, to entry-level graduates and those returning after a career break. 

It opens up pathways into roles within the public sector, small and medium-sized enterprises, and the wider digital economy, while also supporting aspiring “mumpreneurs” in launching their own ventures.

“Women caregivers and mumpreneurs are a vital part of Singapore’s talent and business ecosystem, and they should not be left behind in an AI-driven economy,” Mums@Work Founder Sher-li Torrey commented. 

“Through MPowerHer, Mums@Work is excited to collaborate with Microsoft to help women build practical AI and digital skills, gain confidence, and access clearer pathways to employment, entrepreneurship, and long-term growth.”

Advancing the next generation of women

More than 80,000 members of IMDA’s SG Women in Tech, Mums@Work and Code; Without Barriers will also have access to MPowerHer, as well as all women across Singapore.  

These members will have the option to attend in-person and virtual training sessions, to learn about some of the workplace’s most vital topics: AI fundamentals, how to build AI agents, low-code and no-code development, design thinking, Gen AI training –  such as with Co-Pilot, as well as access to online Microsoft Learn classes and resources.

“At SG Women in Tech, we are committed to inspiring girls, empowering women tech professionals, and advancing women leaders across Singapore’s digital ecosystem,” said Ms Dorcas Tan, Chair of SG Women in Tech. 

“Microsoft’s MPowerHer initiative empowers women to navigate the AI era through skills training, mentorship, and networks at every stage – from students, early career professionals, to those pivoting in tech. 

“We are proud to partner with Microsoft on this initiative to equip girls and women with practical AI skills and strong networks, strengthening Singapore’s tech talent pipeline and driving greater diversity in our digital economy.”