Top 50 Asia Women Tech Leaders 2024

Cathy Tang, Product and Technology Manager, Livibank, played a pivotal role in developing the ground-breaking industry-banking NFT mochi for Livibank. This innovative project showcased her ability to integrate technology with financial services that created waves in an untested market, striking a balance between the needs of various stakeholders in the bank.

Aligning with current industry movements that favour pioneering solutions at the intersection of finance, technology, and retail, Cathy's success story reflects the broader trends in the financial technology sector, where innovative ideas are reshaping traditional approaches. Her ability to successfully introduce local innovation to global markets is a testament to her ingenuity.

Cathy is a firm believer in lifelong learning and is committed to improving herself to provide more value to organisations and society. In addition to her professional endeavours, Cathy hopes to mentor younger women in the tech industry, in a bid to improve gender diversity in the workplace. Cathy aspires to be remembered for the opportunities and experiences she has received and given during her career and as an inspiring mentor that others look to for advice in their career.

Dr Geraldine Wong, Chief Data Officer (CDO) at GXS Bank, helms the bank’s AI and data strategy with the overarching objective to champion data-driven financial inclusion and make banking better - fostering positive advancements in the financial sector. Her visionary leadership and commitment to mentorship have earned her global recognition, making her a trailblazer in Singapore’s dynamic technology landscape.

In her capacity as CDO at GXS, Dr Wong adeptly bridges the gap between academia and industry, spearheading transformative AI Initiatives. Notably, she co-developed an auto-adaptive reinforcement learning model that optimised GXS’ operations, showcasing her prowess in innovation and harnessing technology and data.

As an Adjunct Associate Professor at NUS and tech advisory committee member of Synapxe, she actively fosters diversity, encouraging women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) related fields. Her inclusion in the prestigious list of Singapore's 100 Women in Tech in 2021 attests to her impactful contributions, breaking barriers and exemplifying excellence in cutting-edge fields.

Dr Wong’s is unwavering in her commitment to advancing Singapore’s AI competencies. As a strong leader and mentor, she sets an example and aims to use her position to promote gender diversity in STEM fields. Her aspiration is to be recognised as an inspiration, challenging others to explore and shatter the glass ceiling in their professional pursuits.

Dr Jia Zhunan, Founder and CEO, Breathonix, revolutionised medical diagnostics through non-invasive breath tests. Initially focused on lung cancer detection, Zhunan led her team to focus instead on detecting COVID-19, creating the world's fastest non-invasive COVID-19 screening test, approved by Singapore and SEA regulators. Zhunan’s innovation was deployed in airports and screening centres across SEA and the Middle East, contributing significantly to pandemic management. Her work underscores innovation's vital role in health challenges and the impact a start-up can have on a national scale. The pivot from lung cancer detection to COVID-19 screening using Breathonix underscores her innovativeness and adaptability.

Zhunan’s contributions, especially during COVID-19, demonstrate STEM's societal impact. As a female tech leader, she serves as an inspiration for women in STEM, emphasising the potential for positive change in science and healthcare. In recognition of her contributions, she was named Prestige 40 Under 40 in 2023.

Committed to advancing healthcare through early detection methods, Breathonix continues to develop solutions for the diagnosis of lung cancer and using handheld breathalysers for chronic disease management, under Zhunan’s leadership. Her continued work in Medtech has brought Breathonix much acclaim, being the Medtech winner in the 2019 ESG Slingshot Competition, the 2022 Urban Innovation Champion at Cities of Future, and the winner of the 2022 Select USA ASEAN Tech Competition.

Dr. Mabel Yen Ngoc Nguyen, Co-Founder and CEO of EloCare, is making a significant contribution to the medical industry through technology. Her ability to employ both experimental and computational tools to navigate complex realms makes her a pivotal figure in the integration of technology and medicine.

Inspired by her father, a hobby inventor who involved her in fascinating little household creative projects since she was young, Mabel later embarked on a journey of pushing technological innovation in the healthcare industry, with a special focus on underserved populations. Her IoT healthcare projects range from creating a smarter pill dispenser for the elderly population with multiple chronic conditions, to developing a wristband specifically designed for midlife women to track and manage their menopausal symptoms better, thus improving women’s health worldwide. Mabel is committed to creating solutions for prevailing gaps in the healthcare system, particularly for women, serving as a catalyst for change. In recognition of her contributions, she was awarded the 2021 Singapore 100 Women in Tech award – a testament to her impactful career and professional endeavours. In addition to her contributions to women’s health, Mabel seeks to be remembered as an empathetic and inspirational leader who laid the foundation for gender diversity in an industry traditionally dominated by males, supporting women who may face resistance in the pursuit of their dreams.

Dr Ong Chen Hui is the Assistant Chief Executive of Business and Technology Group at the Infocomm and Media Development Authority (IMDA), where she oversees the agency’s efforts in developing the industry and research ecosystem around emerging technologies. Dr Ong started the Future Communications R&D Programme to support 6G research, Digital Trust Centre to support research into trust technologies, the 5G Innovation Programme to support industries in adopting 5G and launched the A.I. Verify toolkit for governance of AI.

Dr Ong has spent more than 20 years in R&D and technology innovation. She is a member of the OT Cybersecurity Experts Panel of Cybersecurity Agency of Singapore (CSA), the chair of Singapore Women-in-Tech and one of the honorees of Singapore 100 Women in Tech 2021. Dr Ong also serves in the Executive Committee of Association of Infocomm Security Professionals. Prior to IMDA, Dr Ong was the APJ CTO in Trustwave – a Singtel company and Principal Member of Technical Staff in DSO National Laboratories.

Dr. Shao Huilin, an Associate Professor at the National University of Singapore's Department of Biomedical Engineering, stands out in biotechnology. Her work, blending advanced science and engineering, has significantly advanced personalised patient care. She developed key technologies, including molecular switches for detecting COVID-19 and a rapid blood test for early-stage Alzheimer's detection. These innovations have transformed clinical practices and methodologies.

Huilin's research has received widespread recognition for its scientific, clinical, and commercial impacts. Her work, featured in respected scientific journals, has gained international media attention, including a live interview on BBC News. She holds a portfolio of over 15 patents, with six licensed, and has founded a venture-backed technology spinoff. Her achievements are acknowledged by prestigious awards, such as the L’Oreal For Women in Science National Fellowship and the Singapore President’s Young Scientist Award, underlining her influence in biotechnology.

In addition to her professional roles, Huilin balances her family commitments efficiently. Her success, inspired by her PhD advisors, family, and colleagues, drives her to innovate nanosensor technologies for advanced blood tests in personalised medicine. Her interdisciplinary approach involves a team specialising in device engineering, nanomaterials science, and molecular biology. Huilin aspires to be remembered for enhancing patient care through technological innovation, fostering an inclusive culture, and nurturing young talents in her field.

Elizabeth Chan, Registered Foreign Lawyer at Tanner De Witt, is at the forefront of integrating ethics with technology in arbitration. As part of a Silicon Valley Arbitration and Mediation Center task force, Elizabeth helped to draft guidelines on using AI in international arbitration. Elizabeth hopes that these guidelines will set a global standard for using AI in arbitrations worldwide, inspiring technologists to innovate responsibly. Adeptly bridging technology and legal practices, Elizabeth’s work created more efficient, fair, and informed arbitration processes worldwide. Her project also addresses the urgent need for regulation highlighted by industry professionals, contributing to more ethical, responsible, and efficient global legal practice.

A recognized thought leader in AI and arbitration, Elizabeth has received accolades like the Future Leader, Who’s Who Arbitration for three consecutive years and the Legal 500 Arbitration Powerlist in Hong Kong in 2023 and the United Kingdom in 2022. She is also the Winner of Call for Papers for the Taipei International Conference on Arbitration and Mediation in 2022. Elizabeth aspires to be at the forefront of the integration of AI in legal processes, paving the way for a more technologically advanced, equitable and inclusive legal landscape. She hopes to be remembered as a steadfast champion for young women entering international arbitration, ensuring their voices are heard and fostering diverse perspectives that creates a more inclusive and diverse arbitration process.

Helen De Ornellas leads cutting-edge research in emerging technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, eco-technologies, and robotics. Her vision is to make customers and employees’ lives better through sustainable and innovative solutions.  Her research spans making technology more sustainable through ‘green tech’ solutions; testing technologies that protect customers from deepfakes; and using generative artificial intelligence to eliminate manual tasks and deliver better experiences.

As Head of Innovation and FinTech at Westpac Banking Corporation, Helen is instrumental in advancing Australia's research in ethically scaling AI through the FinTech AI Consortium. Her pioneering work on digital assets positioned Westpac as one of the first Australian companies to test Central Bank Digital Currencies. Helen is passionate about empowering students, women, and tech enthusiasts through her coaching in Sydney University’s Innovation Program, mentoring through the Rising Women programme, and running Australia’s first generative AI hackathon.

Helen is a sought-after speaker, sharing her insights on topics like innovation mindset, the future of banking, and the role of women in technology. Her work and views are widely published, influencing the industry narrative and inspiring the next generation of innovators and leaders.

Jane Wang, the co-founder and CEO of Roceso Technologies, is spearheading advancements in the science of rehabilitation. ​​Her pioneering robotics startup company specialises in wearable soft robotic solutions, notably the EsoGLOVE, one of the lightest hand exoskeleton devices that allows users with motor function impairment to carry out their rehabilitation at home. With an enduring passion for Mathematics and Physics, Jane has always been fascinated by the power of technologies in changing the way we live and shaping society.

Recognised as the 2022 Gen.T honoree, Jane leverages her diverse expertise and educational background in Engineering, Business, Entrepreneurship, and Law to commercialise high-impact technologies. Under Jane's leadership, Roceso Technologies has successfully launched the EsoGLOVE in over 30 countries. Jane's vision extends to AI-driven tele/home rehabilitation, aiming to enhance rehabilitation outcomes. To achieve this, she is driving the development of the AI-driven CygniCONNECTTM Platform — a potential world’s first neurorehabilitation platform integrating robotics and sensing technologies that connects clinicians, patients, and technologies to enable intelligent neurorehabilitation treatment.

Jane is also passionate about mentoring and supporting women in the industry, and highlights the importance of addressing gender inequality. As a visionary entrepreneur, Jane aspires to create life-changing innovations across various industries, positioning herself as a multi-talented creator dedicated to benefiting people's lives through technologies and business models.

Maria Paz, as CIO in the care sector and now as Chief Technology Officer at Epworth Health, has significantly improved customer experience and business intelligence. She enhanced operational resilience by adopting innovative technologies, data, and cloud solutions and enforcing rigorous data governance and security measures. Recognised for her contributions and impact, Maria has been listed in the top 25 of the CIO50 for two years. Maria’s influence extends beyond organisational boundaries, in contributing to national discussions on digital transformation and cybersecurity in health care sectors.

Maria’s career is characterised by a commitment to continuous learning, starting with a Master of Business (IT) by Research on technology's role in drug and therapy development. This educational foundation fuelled her passion for healthcare innovation and shaped her approach to fostering innovation through research and strategic partnerships. This approach enabled access to new resources and skills, reinforcing her dedication to healthcare improvement.

At Epworth Health, Maria leads the organisation towards a future anchored in data, cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and automation to develop innovative healthcare solutions. Her leadership is guided by the principle that technology should transcend commercial interests, aiming to enhance lives and community health through ethical and innovative technology applications. Maria's vision and efforts are directed towards creating a significant, positive impact in healthcare, demonstrating her commitment to leveraging technology for the greater good.

Neha Mehta, CEO and Founder of FemTech Partners, advances women's empowerment through digital education and financial services. Focusing on educating foreign domestic workers and collaborating with women-centric NGOs, Neha leverages emerging technologies to shift power dynamics and challenge established gender norms. She mentors young tech entrepreneurs and supports the unbanked in the Asia Pacific and developing regions, garnering significant accolades, including the Globant Digital Disruptors Award 2021, Singapore's 100 Women in Tech 2020, and the FinTech Top 50 in 2019.

Her research on Super Apps' role in financial inclusion sparked vital conversations among industry professionals and policymakers, showcasing how these platforms can integrate financial services to uplift underserved communities. Neha’s book, "One Stop," presents groundbreaking insights into Super Apps, earning it widespread acclaim as an Amazon bestseller. This work highlights the importance of creating inclusive financial ecosystems that lay the groundwork for broader societal benefits, aligning with her vision for a more equitable tech landscape.

Neha's ambition extends beyond her current achievements as a social entrepreneur deeply engaged in the FinTech, ClimateTech, and Sustainability sectors. She envisions a future where digitalisation fosters community betterment, closer human connections, and promotes diversity. Advocating inclusivity in all workplace aspects to enhance gender diversity, Neha aims to achieve global recognition as an advocate for inclusive financial systems, marking her as a pioneer whose innovations have tangibly improved lives.

Nurun Nahar Begum, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of BRAC Bank, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone as the first woman to hold the position of CTO in the banking industry, according to Junior Chamber International (JCI) Bangladesh. This achievement stands as a testament to her remarkable strengths and capabilities as a woman in tech.

Over the past two decades, Nahar has made substantial contributions to the development of a robust technology infrastructure at BRAC Bank. She was instrumental in formulating the bank’s Safeguarding Policy and currently serves as a crucial member of the bank’s management committee as she leads the digital transformation journey. Beyond her role in technology, Nahar also heads "TARA - BRAC Bank's Internal Women Employee Forum", a vital initiative that has significantly contributed to positioning BRAC Bank as one of the most women-friendly banks in Bangladesh. Through TARA, Nahar provides support for other women to overcome gender disparities in the banking sector.  In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Nahar was honoured with the Women of Inspiration Award by JCI in 2023. This prestigious award acknowledges and celebrates the remarkable impact of women like Nahar who have made significant impact in their respective fields.

Peiru Teo, CEO of KeyReply, is at the forefront of revolutionising technology for enterprises in the healthcare and insurance sectors. Under her leadership, KeyReply has grown from a fledgling start-up to an acclaimed company accredited by Synapxe, Singapore’s national HealthTech agency. Peiru's innovative approach not only advanced her company but also significantly contributed to the enhancement of tech applications in critical industries, demonstrating the transformative power of visionary leadership.

From her origins in a non-technical background to ascending as a CEO in tech, Peiru's journey is a source of encouragement for aspiring leaders. Juggling the dual responsibilities of motherhood and a demanding career, she embodies resilience and the empowerment that comes with embracing technology. Her international recognitions, including being named in SG 100 Women in Tech 2021, reflects her unwavering commitment to excellence and her ability to navigate and influence the dynamic landscape of technology. 

Peiru's career is a beacon of inspiration, reflective of her dedication to making generative AI a game-changer in the tech industry. Her vision to accelerate AI adoption in healthcare, to streamline operations and improve patient care, is both ambitious and noble. As she continues to push the boundaries of AI and its role in enhancing health outcomes, Peiru's legacy promises to be a significant transformation and contribution to technology that better lives.

Professor Genevieve Bell, first female Vice-Chancellor and President of The Australian National University and former Director of the School of Cybernetics at The Australian National University, is a pioneering force in the realm of technology and society. Her remarkable body of work has shaped the discourse on technology ethics and responsible innovation, serving as a beacon of inspiration. Genevieve’s recognition as an Officer of the Order of Australia in the 2020 Australia Day Honours underscores her distinguished service to education.

Her commitment to nurturing conversations about the future of AI and the ethical considerations of the Metaverse has inspired others and highlighted the powerful impact an individual can have in guiding the trajectory of technology. Her foresight and engagement in these fields encourages others to participate actively in shaping the responsible development of technology.

Genevieve has consistently broken new ground and as one of six academics advising the Australian Prime Minister’s Science and Technology Council, she has influenced public policy and guided emerging technologies. As Vice-Chancellor her vision for leadership that embraces 'productive discomfort' as a catalyst for innovation is set to inspire a new era of change and progress in higher education and beyond.

Professor Nah Fui-Hoon Fiona, Professor at the City University of Hong Kong, is a pioneering researcher in human-AI collaboration, NeuroIS, and the metaverse. Featuring on the Stanford’s list of top 2% most-cited scientists globally, Fiona serves as the Editor-in-chief of the Association for Information Systems (AIS) Transactions on Human-Computer Interaction. She received the AIS Sandra Slaughter Service Award for her service to the information systems community.

Fiona’s recent project utilised electroencephalography (EEG) for brain mapping to identify IT users’ brain activity associated with various states of user experience such as boredom, flow, and anxiety. The research contributes to human-centred computing and the development of systems that respond and adapt to user experience, improving well-being and efficiency in task completion. Her work also advances the field of human-AI collaboration.

Dedicated to transforming education into ‘edutainment,’ Fiona incorporates AI and gamification to enhance learning for all ages and improve business operations. Collaborating with a tech startup, she is actualising this vision. Fiona serves as a mentor for many female IT students and professionals. She is committed to encouraging women to join the IT industry. Fiona aims to be a humanist technologist, fostering personalised AI collaborations to boost lifelong learning, individual well-being, and business performance. Her efforts also focus on promoting human-centric AI development for broad societal benefit and using technological advancements to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Professor Sun Sun Lim, Vice President of Partnerships and Engagement at Singapore Management University, is a renowned figure in the study of technology's social impact, AI ethics, and technology in family life. An author and former Nominated Member of Parliament, she's recognised for her contributions in the Singapore 100 Women in Tech list in 2020. Her work crucially addresses online safety and digital inclusion.

Leading the Academic Taskforce for Singapore’s Sunlight Alliance for Action, Sun Sun has influenced policies for safer online spaces through her research on digital literacy and online harms. Her efforts support the Ministry of Communications and Information, notably contributing to the Code of Practice for Online Safety. She serves on the Media Literacy Council and SkillsFuture Research Advisory Panel to align technology with societal needs.

As an advocate for interdisciplinary education, Sun Sun promotes an integrated learning approach at Singapore Management University. Her leadership extends to fostering global university partnerships and enhancing education for future leaders. A public intellectual, she writes a monthly technology column for The Straits Times, focusing on making technology relatable and addressing issues like AI ethics, technology dependence, future of work and inclusion by design. Her work is dedicated to humanising technology and bridging the gap between tech advancements and societal values.

Professor Wynne Hsu, leading the Institute of Data Science at the National University of Singapore, is a key figure in data science and AI in healthcare, focusing on developing new machine learning techniques for real-world applications. Her significant contributions include SELENA+, a deep learning-based solution for the screening of eye disease (diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataract) from retinal images and has co-founded Eyris Pte Ltd. She is the lead-PI in the AISG Grand Challenge in Healthcare to combat diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia in Singapore, with ongoing clinical trials at SingHealth.

Her approach focuses on improving the management of chronic disease, through technologies like risk stratification and personalised medication algorithms, aimed for practical use in clinical settings. She fosters collaborations with healthcare institutions and brings together clinicians and data scientists for innovative healthcare solutions. One of her ongoing projects is to develop a digital health companion using large language models to meet the healthcare needs of the Asia-Pacific. 

Inspired by her father, Prof Hsu Loke Soo, she's the first woman Full Professor at the School of Computing and has earned accolades like the SCS 100 Women in Tech (2020), President’s Technology Award (2014), and SIGKDD Test-of-Time Award (2014). Wynne also advocates for gender diversity in tech, promoting an inclusive environment for women.

Quinny Lei, the Head of Business IT Solutions at GTS, Grab, stands out for her exceptional management and leadership skills. Renowned for her ability to inspire and motivate her team, Quinny has fostered a collaborative and efficient work environment, benefiting both her company and its customers. Her effective leadership and team management skills are a clear demonstration of her capacity to drive excellence within her organisation.

In the technology sector, Quinny has proven herself to be a formidable leader. She has a broad range of technical skills, having led significant projects with key clients and streamlined her company's IT service management to meet audit standards. Her success breaks gender stereotypes in the field, earning her recognition in prestigious lists such as the CIO50 2019 and 2020 in ASEAN, which rank her among the top 50 senior technology executives driving innovation and change.

Quinny's career success is largely attributed to her perseverance and the influence of mentors like Richard Yao, who has significantly impacted her professional journey. Her philosophy emphasises the importance of overcoming challenges through determination and the support of mentors. Quinny’s story is not just about personal drive but also highlights the critical role of experienced guidance in professional development, showcasing the power of mentorship in achieving career milestones.

Shilesh Shekhawat, Global Co-Head, Equities and Futures Execution Product, Citibank, has been driving innovative technical solutions to bring efficiency to Citibank’s customers and markets. With the growth of technology in Execution space, leaders like Shilesh, drive business and technology to inspire better products, solutions, and services for Citibank’s clients. A visionary and inspirational leader, Shilesh finds great satisfaction serving as a source of motivation, knowledge, and encouragement to numerous women technologists in the region. Her warm and proactive approach to supporting women in technology and business extends beyond her own organisation, making her an influential leader in the broader tech community.

Shilesh exemplifies innovation through projects aimed at enhancing platform stability and automation, contributing to overarching business objectives, ultimately increasing market share. In addition, these projects provide a profound sense of fulfilment for Shilesh by positively impacting the lives of those she collaborates with. She strongly believes that it is more important to do more with what we have, to become both more effective and efficient instead of chasing the next big project.

Shilesh is supportive of Citi’s current programmes for gender equality and awareness, and hopes to be a mentor figure for aspiring women in tech. She hopes to be regarded as a leader who has made a lasting impact in organisations and as an inspirational figure for future female business and technology leaders.

Supriya Rao Patwardhan, Executive Vice President of DHL Group, stands as a paragon of exceptional leadership within the realms of IT and logistics. With three decades of dedicated service at DHL, her leadership has been pivotal in managing a formidable team of nearly 6,000 experts delivering services within the DHL Group across 220 countries. Her embodiment of innovation bridged technology and business with great dexterity, inspiring countless individuals who aspire to make their mark.

Supriya’s journey at DHL is marked by expertise, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to excellence, proving that gender is no barrier to achieving and exerting impactful leadership. She has seamlessly navigated the intricate nexus of technology and business, setting a sterling example for women in technology who aim to carve out significant roles for themselves in the industry.

The accolades conferred upon Supriya testify to her outstanding contributions. In 2022, she was recognised as an INSEAD Certified International Director, and in 2023, she was honoured with the prestigious World CIO 200- Legend award. Additionally, her name has featured prominently on lists such as the Asia-Pacific CIO 100 in 2022, the Global CIO 100 in 2021, and the Asia-Pacific CIO 50 in 2020, reflecting her sustained influence and leadership excellence in the global IT and logistics sectors.