Every now and then, this issue about the under-representation of women in leadership positions will come up, as if there were some conspiracy at play (More can be done for gender diversity at work: Grace Fu; March 5, Women's touch needed to unlock full potential of human resources; March 7).

The number of women in senior and top management positions in both the public and private sectors is not to be sniffed at.

No one can deny that diversity enriches organisations. In this context, we are talking about diversity of talent, experiences, backgrounds, qualifications, including but not exclusively, gender.

Singapore is a meritocracy and senior appointments should be given to individuals who are most suited to the jobs, regardless of gender.

Perhaps it is time to put this matter to rest, by conducting a comprehensive study of the incidence of women in leadership positions by employment sectors, and examine the reasons in areas where they are under-represented.

Lawrence Loh Kiah Muan