ACM-W on Tour: ACM-W NUS Chapter Launches with Celebration of Women in Computing and Cross Cultural Dialogues
We recently had the pleasure of participating in the ACM Celebration of Women in Computing, organized by the NUS ACM Student Chapter on May 13, 2025, at the National University of Singapore. The event was a heartfelt celebration of women in computing and also marked the launch of Asia Pacific History and Heritage Month. In collaboration with the ACM DEI Council, we celebrated Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month by highlighting the importance of honoring the rich cultural histories, contributions, and stories of Asian and Pacific Islander communities.
ACM-W Co-Chair Dr. Rukiye Altin opened the celebrations with her keynote on the importance of supporting women in tech and staying connected through ACM-W chapters. Her talk set the tone for an evening centered not just on celebration, but on active reflection and meaningful action.
A lively panel discussion on the theme of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion followed, moderated by Chen Le and Ritvi Agarwal, featuring Prof. Tulika Mitra, Dr. Rukiye Altin, Dr. Arati M Dixit, and Ainul Md Razib. The discussion touched on systemic bias in candidate evaluations, emphasizing the importance of transparent processes and consistent criteria to counter unconscious bias. In the context of computing education, panelists reflected on how small actions, such as inclusive language, team collaboration norms, and proactive outreach, can foster a greater sense of belonging among students. Stories of overcoming institutional barriers, particularly in launching large-scale DEI initiatives, highlighted the role of persistence and community-building in driving change. The panel became an evolving conversation with each speaker building on the others’ perspectives to offer layered insights into DEI challenges and opportunities. Personal experiences of not “fitting in” resonated strongly with the audience, with speakers reflecting on the role of mentorship, online communities, and authenticity in navigating imposter syndrome and carving out one’s place in the tech world. The interactive Q&A session sparked thoughtful conversations, and the shared vulnerability and optimism of the speakers left a lasting impact.
A networking dinner brought together participants from diverse backgrounds to connect, exchange ideas, and celebrate gender and cultural diversity in computing. It was a beautiful reminder of how inclusive communities can empower individuals.
The next day, on May 14, the NUS chapter partnered with the ACM Pune Professional Chapter for a Buddy Event, continuing the spirit of cross-cultural exchange. This virtual gathering brought together participants from Singapore and India to engage in virtual meet-and-greet sessions, reflections on regional challenges and successes, and discussions on future collaborative events. It offered a valuable opportunity to build lasting relationships across borders and strengthen the collaborative fabric of the wider ACM-W community.
Altogether, the two-day celebration was a powerful reminder that inclusion is not a one-time effort but a continuous, collective commitment. Through honest dialogue, shared experiences, and community-driven events, the ACM-W NUS chapter reaffirmed its mission to champion equity in computing and create spaces where everyone, regardless of gender, background, or identity, feels seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.