Women in IT Summit Asia Agenda

Wednesday 28th June 2023

All timings are in SGT

Networking Breakfast & Registration
08:30  to  09:30

Timings are Singapore Standard Time

Welcome & Opening Remarks
09:30  to  09:45

Timings are Singapore Standard Time

Speakers:
Tania Ferreira. Director of Events. Women in IT Global Series.
Able Wanamakok. International Presenter, Actress, TV Personality, Motivational Speaker & Confidence Coach.
Keynote Address: Supporting more women and all people in the workforce to achieve a better and brighter tomorrow
09:45  to  09:55
Speaker:
Sam Liew. President. Singapore Computer Society.
Case Study Presentation: Achieving Breakthroughs with Impactful Partnerships
10:00  to  10:20

The technology industry holds immense influence and potential for transformation, accessibility, and growth. However, achieving these goals requires the collective efforts of diverse stakeholders. In this session, we will explore the critical role of government entities in supporting, promoting, and enabling growth. We will also delve into the importance of fostering a supportive environment and nurturing ecosystem, both internally and externally, to encourage team success, drive economic growth, and contribute to societal development.  

Join us to discover real-world examples of successful collaborations between government and industry. Learn how to secure meaningful partnerships that drive impactful change and advance your programmes, initiatives, and businesses.  

Discussion Points: 

  • The significance of collaboration between government and industry 
  • Real-world examples of successful partnerships and their impact 
  • A step-by-step framework for securing meaningful partnerships 
  • Aligning business goals with strategic partners 
  • Creating a supportive environment for teams and fostering a nurturing ecosystem 
  • The ripple effect: How collaboration drives the regional economy and societal development 
Speakers:
Seng Ping Ng. Regional Vice President Public Sector, ASEAN. Salesforce.
Sharon NG. MF CIO (Trade & Industry Cluster). Govtech Singapore.
Panel: Embracing the Transformative Power of the Metaverse, AI, and Web 3.0 in Multiple Industries
10:25  to  11:05

The global pandemic has accelerated digital transformation and amplified the demand for tech talent across industries. This unique time has created diverse opportunities and propelled the adoption and advancement of emerging technologies, challenging our current reality. As we transition to Web 3.0, it's crucial to envision a better version and address barriers to progress. 

Problems Addressed: 

  • Enhancing development, functionality, and accessibility in Web 3.0 
  • Overcoming obstacles hindering progress and transformation 
  • Leveraging the Metaverse's potential in various industries 
  • Ensuring inclusivity and diversity in Metaverse experiences 
  • Maximising the impact of VR, Blockchain, and AI in work and customer interactions 
  • Utilising the Metaverse as a tool for training and positive societal contributions 
  • Promoting sustainable goals and considerations in the new reality 
  • Advancing gender equality and inclusiveness in the Metaverse and Web 3.0 

 

Key Takeaways: 

  • Insights on leveraging the Metaverse, AI, and Web 3.0 for industry-specific transformations 
  • Strategies for success and overcoming challenges in embracing the Metaverse 
  • Approaches to ensure inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility in the Web 3.0 era 
  • Examples of impactful applications and experiences in the Metaverse 
  • Considerations for sustainable development and ethical considerations in the new reality 
  • Actions to promote gender equality and inclusiveness in the Metaverse and Web 3.0 
Speakers:
Karen W Lam. Co-Founder. UNTAM3D.
Glen Francis. Strategic Advisor. Google.
Leo Jiang. Chief Digital Officer (CDO) - APAC. Huawei Cloud & AI.
May-Ann Lim. Director of the Fair Tech Institute/Emeritus Director. Access Partnership/Asia Cloud Computing Association.
Networking and Refreshment Break
11:10  to  11:35
Debate: AI platforms - How do they hinder or enhance opportunities for tech professionals?
11:40  to  12:20

The ongoing debate surrounding AI platforms centres on their potential to hinder or enhance opportunities for tech professionals. As these advanced AI tools continue to learn from various sources, questions arise regarding ethics, information access, risks, security, and the impact on individuals, businesses, and industries. This session will delve into the potential loss of diverse talent, upskilling and repurposing of professionals and strategies to ensure these platforms offer more opportunities than hindrances. 

Discussion Points: 

  • Assessing the impact of AI platforms on the tech industry and human intelligence 
  • Monitoring and controlling information access in AI systems 
  • Ethical considerations and potential risks associated with AI advancements 
  • Balancing the benefits of AI in improving quality of life and task automation 
  • Addressing the challenges of workforce diversity and talent progression 
  • Upskilling and repurposing professionals affected by AI technology 
  • Strategies to ensure inclusivity and equal opportunities in the evolving tech landscape
Speakers:
Anna Gong. CEO and Founder. Perx Technologies.
Dr Carol Anne Hargreaves. Director of Data Analytics Consulting Centre. National University of Singapore.
Sherie NG. Country Director. Google Cloud Singapore.
Dr Chen Hui Ong. Assistant Chief Exec, Business & Technology Group. IMDA.
Shaowei Ying. Chief Operating Officer. Data Spark Analytics.
Impactful Ideas Stage: ESG-centric Technology
12:25  to  13:20

It’s competition time! Prepared to be Wowed Women in IT Community as you hear about some incredibly impactful and innovative ideas to boost representation in the APAC tech industry, and tech for good applications that support underrepresented groups across industries.  

We all know that technology plays a crucial role in addressing various environmental, social, and governance (ESG) challenges. With sustainable best practices, we can all contribute to a better future. The ideas you will hear about, are doing just that. 

Our top 3 contestants will be pitching their ideas live on stage to our esteemed judges and summit attendees. They will have just 5 minutes each to demonstrate the life changing impact they are creating for people. 

And the best part? You get to ask questions and vote for who you think has the most impactful idea! 

Speakers:
Penny Murphy. Partner – Regional Digital Services Lead, Asia. ERM.
Kezya De Bragança. Founder, CEO. Bettamint.
Michele Lemmens. Head of Business Sustainability & CTO APAC. Tata Consultancy Services.
Jennifer Lauretta Leong. CEO. 360 Smart Home.
Meera Shenoy. Founder and CEO. Youth4Jobs Foundation.
Xiaowei Liu. Director. World Energy Council Asia.
Networking Lunch & Meet the Speakers
13:20  to  14:20
Panel: How to overcome talent shortages and optimise multigenerational teams   
14:25  to  15:05

In the face of an ageing population and potential workforce shrinkage, companies in the APAC region are confronted with challenges stemming from limited diversity and skill gaps. However, the presence of five generations in the workforce offers an opportunity to tap into a wealth of knowledge and talent. This session will explore the strategies leaders can adopt to optimise multigenerational teams, foster mutual appreciation, manage conflicts, and create a harmonious and respectful work environment. 

Problems Addressed: 

  • Implications of an ageing population on talent availability and workforce diversity 
  • Challenges in meeting client need without adequate skills and representation 
  • Overcoming resistance and conflict arising from fear of obsolescence and undervaluation 


Key Takeaways: 

  • Understanding the unique strengths and perspectives each generation brings to the workplace 
  • Strategies for leaders to optimise multigenerational teams and leverage their combined skills 
  • Promoting mutual appreciation and fostering inclusivity among team members 
  • Managing conflicts and differences of opinion to create a harmonious work environment 
  • Learning to think like a leader as a team member and recognising the value you bring to the table 
Speakers:
Wendy Leong. Head of Strategic Solutions. Influence Solutions.
Jenny Tan. President. ISACA Singapore Chapter.
Carolyn Chin-Parry. IT Woman of the Year for Asia & 40-over-40 Inspiring Women.
Tracy Quah. Vice President of Marketing. Informatica Asia Pacific & Japan.
Manoj Bhojwani. CIO Global Private Banking & Wealth. HSBC.
Think Tank Session - Leadership, futureproofing and skills development
15:10  to  16:00

A workshop-style session to help you grow and map out your professional career 

With the continued need to boost and retain women and diverse tech professionals in technology-related fields, we need to ensure that you have  the support and skills you need to be successful and invaluable at different stages in your career. 

In this session, you will have the opportunity to choose one of the following session topics to learn more, hear examples, and receive advice and practical tips. This topic will be delivered by a facilitator that will help guide the discussion in a roundtable format. This is your opportunity to learn from an expert, the lived experiences of those around you, and for you to share any examples and tips you have for your fellow participants. 

Focus Areas: 

  • Career Path Planning 

  • The Digital Divide and how to be Invaluable 

  • Leading with Cultural Awareness 

  

Speakers:
Cassandra Mok. Consultant.
Patrycja Wisniewska. Chief Operating Officer. Blacksmith KYC.
Tracy Quah. Vice President of Marketing. Informatica Asia Pacific & Japan.
Closing Keynote: Fostering positivity to drive impactful growth in your life
16:05  to  16:20

Positivity is important for both organisations and individuals to thrive. By creating and maintaining a positive environment, you can create an atmosphere where you and your people feel comfortable to explore, innovate, and try new ideas. This can lead to a more productive and successful workplace. And very importantly, it leads to happier and motivated individuals.  

In this session you will learn how to create, promote and maintain positivity within your business and team? You will also learn how to do this for yourself, and how to keep it alive even through the tougher days.  

Speaker:
Marie-Laure Caille. Ajunt Faculty Member, ESSEC Business School/Founder and Director. The Human Factor.
Closing Remarks
16:20  to  16:30
Speakers:
Tania Ferreira. Director of Events. Women in IT Global Series.
Able Wanamakok. International Presenter, Actress, TV Personality, Motivational Speaker & Confidence Coach.