Vena Energy, Asia-Pacific’s leading renewable independent power producer (IPP), announced the launch of the Vena Energy Women Undergraduate Sponsorship (“VENUS”) program following the signing of the program’s debut agreement between Vena Energy and the Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore). The sponsorship aims to develop future female talent that will contribute to the acceleration of the region’s energy transition and play an active role in contributing to the sustainable development of our planet.
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the female workforce in the renewable energy industry stands at 32%, with lower representation in STEM-related (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) roles than compared to those in administrative/support roles. The VENUS program aims to boost female participation in STEM roles in the renewable energy industry through undergraduate sponsorships targeted to women students bound for premier universities across the region. The launch of the VENUS program coincides with and supports the “2021: Year of Celebrating SG Women initiative” launched by the Ministry of Social and Family Development of Singapore, which seeks to foster an even more equitable and inclusive society.
[Left] Nitin Apte, CEO of Vena Energy exchanges the signed VENUS agreement with Ms. Lien Siaou-Sze, Vice President, University Advancement, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. [Right] Group photo of the team behind the VENUS sponsorship.
The signing ceremony for the inaugural partnership under the VENUS program was attended by Nitin Apte, Chief Executive Officer of Vena Energy, alongside Lien Siaou-Sze, Vice President, University Advancement, NTU Singapore. The VENUS program, which is open to both local and international women undergraduates from year one through three will provide educational opportunities and promote scholastic excellence amongst eligible students pursuing STEM degrees at NTU’s College of Engineering and Asian School of the Environment. Under the program, two students will be selected to receive a sponsorship valued at US$10,000 each year for the duration of their degree and the opportunity for an internship with Vena Energy.
“We believe that diversity and inclusion foster enhanced creativity, collaboration, and perspectives which allow us to provide solutions to decarbonize our economy and accelerate the energy transition across the Asia-Pacific,” said Nitin Apte, Chief Executive Officer, Vena Energy. “Through the VENUS program, we hope to have a more inclusive renewable energy industry that contributes to the fight against climate change across the region.”
Ms Lien Siaou-Sze, Vice President, University Advancement, said: “We thank Vena Energy for their gift that will help empower young women to become active leaders of tomorrow in STEM fields. The VENUS programme strengthens NTU’s commitment to nurture a diverse and inclusive community, and will be instrumental in developing future talents who will effectively contribute towards humanity’s grand challenges of renewable energy and climate change. We are grateful for Vena Energy’s support in helping the University scale new heights and shape the next generation of women scientists and engineers”.
