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This edition of our IWD series will share the insights of leaders from GlobalFoundries, Google Asia Pacific, Siemens Energy, and more.
As we celebrate this year's International Women's Day of #InspireInclusion, it is important that we recognise and amplify the voices of the women that are inspiring change, challenging norms and paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable world.
These remarkable individuals embody resilience, leadership, and innovation, showing significant contribution to their respective industries and organisations.
In this feature, we hear from leaders from GlobalFoundries, Google Asia Pacific, Siemens Energy, and more on how they are inspiring inclusion at their workplaces.
Stay tuned for more stories from our IWD special, where we will be sharing more articles on the insights of more leaders from different industries around the region!
Preeti Arora Razdan, Managing Director, Diageo Southeast Asia
Inclusion is a cornerstone of our success here at Diageo. Personally, I’m deeply involved in our Spirited Women Network ERG, where I actively support and champion the voices of our female colleagues. Through this platform, we forge connections, exchange experiences, and offer resources for both professional and personal growth, fostering a culture where everyone can flourish. Beyond policies and processes — it's also about creating a sense of belonging and ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to succeed.
Aileen Tan, Chief Human Resources Officer, AIA Singapore
I believe strongly in fostering a supportive network that allows aspiring employees to step up and take on leadership roles. At AIA Singapore, we 'believe in better' – our people-first mandate is all about empowering all employees through upskilling and mentorship, ensuring a future-proofed and well-equipped workforce.
Implementing flexible policies is one of my top priorities, to create a nurturing environment that recognises contributions regardless of gender, and supports employees’ unique needs and diverse talents, helping them reach their fullest potential.
Siah Soh Yun, Technology Development Vice President, GlobalFoundries
At GlobalFoundries (GF) Singapore, we make a consistent, conscious effort to prioritize a culture of inclusion, and this starts from the top. All people managers on my team, many of whom are male colleagues, undergo training to be educated and made aware of gender biases. I am also a proud member of GF GLOBALWOMEN, GF’s largest employee resource group worldwide. This major support network for female professionals provides coaching and mentorship opportunities, allowing us to help each other build confidence.
Tan Wan Ting, Founder and Marketing Director, Weave Asia
At Weave Asia, we foster an inclusive environment by dispelling traditional workplace hierarchy, encouraging transparency and a willingness to learn. We understand that no one knows everything, so we promote open communication about knowledge gaps. We support open sharing and provide guidance, training, or explore alternative solutions together. Pretence isn't necessary; authenticity is valued over perfection. By embracing diversity of knowledge and experiences, we create an inclusive culture where everyone feels respected and empowered to contribute.
Sapna Chadha, Vice President, Southeast Asia and South Asia Frontier, Google Asia Pacific
Mentors were instrumental in my career success and have inspired me to pay it forward by mentoring men and women throughout Google and beyond. Witnessing my mentees overcome bias and discover their voices brings immense fulfilment. To accelerate progress, we must invest our time as mentors, support programmes like Google Career Certificates across Southeast Asia that empower individuals, and champion ambitious gender equity goals. True progress demands ambitious action.
Haiyan Huo, Regional Product Manager, Director, SeaMoney
“Inclusion at the workplace is defined uniquely everywhere, but the commonality lies in whether one feels empowered to become the best version of themselves at work. As a leader, my role is to create a transparent environment for all to ideate, collaborate, and thrive.
Having been with Shopee since its founding days and now leading the Product team at Digital Bank, I’m passionate about empowering and connecting people – and that starts with our own, by ensuring all voices and ideas are heard.”
Rowena Dalosa, General Manager, ENGIE Services Philippines
ENGIE promotes inclusivity through the Women Empowerment Network (WEN), offering women networking, mentorship, and confidence-building opportunities. WEN recently organised a joint Lunar New Year celebration across Southeast Asia, to enhance collaboration and teamwork.
Ahead of International Women’s Day, I [joined] two senior executives to discuss gender parity. In the Philippines, we partner with universities to achieve gender balance in technical roles.
As a mentor, I prioritise accountability to foster a safe space for collaboration and innovation. This year, my focus is on enhancing growth opportunities for employees within our organisation.
Rebecca Bondi, Vice President & Chief Of Staff, General Assembly
Every meeting I facilitate begins with an icebreaker, no matter the composition or seniority of the leaders present. If we’re tight on time, we leverage the online chat feature so everyone has the opportunity to respond.
The act of sharing honestly and listening, even when the conversation is about something small – like how you prefer your coffee – helps build a muscle of openness and inclusivity where everyone’s point of view is valued. This serves us well when more difficult or high-stakes conversations arise.
Sim Cher Whee, Vice President, Global Talent Acquisition and Talent Mobility, Micron Technology
Inclusion is the foundation of a thriving workplace, leading us to innovation. Micron is one of the largest and most diverse employers in Singapore, with over 40% female representation. We strive to cultivate an inclusive workforce where everyone feels valued and respected. Through our employee resource groups (ERGs), we foster communities for like-minded individuals to grow, develop, and advocate. One such ERG is Micron Women’s Leadership Network focusing on accelerating gender equality by strengthening personal and professional development of women.
Joy Boo, Head of Government Affairs, APAC, Siemens Energy
I'm all about the little things that make a big difference. Like, making sure new colleagues feel welcome by taking them to lunch, chatting without judgment, and appreciating everyone's diverse backgrounds. It's all about finding common ground, you know? Bringing us together, not pulling us apart with our differences.
Catch up on all our IWD 2024 coverage: International Women's Day 2024: It's time to #InspireInclusion
Photos / Provided
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