DIGITGAL's Milestone Conference in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India

In a significant move to promote gender diversity and empowerment in the tech industry, DIGITGAL, from the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, partnered with Sri Ramakrishna College of Arts and Science (SRCAS) in Tamil Nadu, India, to host their inaugural DIGITGAL Coimbatore Women Conference and Mobility Programme.

DIGITGAL, standing for "Driving Girls in Technology, Growth, and Leadership," is a women's organisation founded by APU staff.

Held from February 22nd to 25th, 2024, at the SRCAS campus, this conference marked a pivotal moment in advancing inclusivity and innovation in the digital domain. Nearly 100 students from APU and SRCAS participated enthusiastically, eager to engage, learn, and contribute to discussions about women in technology.

Over three dynamic days, attendees immersed themselves in various activities, including workshops, seminars, project development, and forum discussions.

The event was built upon four pillars that encapsulated the essence of DIGITGAL's mission: providing growth opportunities, fostering a culture of giving back, deepening technological understanding, and celebrating the achievements of women in STEM fields.

A standout feature of the conference was its emphasis on practical skill development through hands-on workshops. Participants delved into emerging technologies, honed coding skills, and explored entrepreneurial avenues.

These interactive sessions not only imparted valuable technical knowledge but also instilled confidence and empowerment among attendees. The spirit of collaboration and knowledge-sharing was tangible throughout the event as students from diverse backgrounds came together to exchange ideas and insights.

Panel discussions featuring industry experts provided invaluable perspectives on navigating challenges and seizing opportunities in the ever-evolving tech landscape. Moreover, the conference emphasised the importance of community engagement through initiatives such as mentorship programmes and outreach activities.

By nurturing the next generation of female technologists and leaders, DIGITGAL is paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.

In addition to the main conference activities, a series of concurrent sessions were organised by the pillar leads at Jansons School of Business, PSGR Krishnammal College for Women, Kumaraguru College of Liberal Arts & Science, and KPR College of Arts and Science, extending the event's reach and impact.

As the DIGITGAL Coimbatore Women Conference and Mobility Programme concluded, led jointly by APU's academic staff, including Assoc Prof Dr Rajasegeran Ramasamy, Ts Dr Vinesha Selvarajah, Ts Jonathan JS Kovilpillai, Ms Meera Eeswaran, Ms Kavitha Arunasalam, Ms Vinorra Shaker, and Ms Subaashnii Suppramaniam, it left a trail of inspiration and empowerment in its wake.

This initiative underscores the ongoing commitment to empower women in technology and foster meaningful change within the industry.