The third Women in Tech (Asia) was held in conjunction with the Singapore Week of Innovation & Technology (SWITCH) last September 19, 2018. Two Connected Women members in Singapore share their thoughts on women’s role in the future of technology.

When women help other women, amazing things happen. At the Women in Tech (Asia) conference held September 19, 2018, top female executives from global tech companies shared their wisdom with their fellow women. The Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre was filled with smart, driven, and successful women in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, all eager to further their knowledge, build new connections, and inspire one another.

Connected Women members from Singapore are among those fortunate enough to be at the conference. Here, they share the insights they gleaned from the talks and how the event made them truly believe that the future of technology lies with women.

Lead By Example
Women need to walk the talk and be good role models to fellow women. Travel business consultant Jane Lai shared that women truly need to walk the talk and be good role models to fellow women. Like the women who inspired her at the Women In Tech conference, Jane has also served as an inspiration to others, having gone to all seven continents through her company Travel For Good.

Jane also used her passion for travel as a tool to raise cancer awareness through Relay for Life, a community-based event that helps raise funds for cancer research, prevention, and support services. Organized by the Singapore Cancer Society, Relay for Life is an “inspiring overnight event” with three main objectives: To celebrate the lives of people who battled cancer; to remember loved ones lost to the disease; and to fight back by committing to battling the C word.

Talk To Like-Minded Women
Leezibet Heinzraiden, the founder of WhiteIsntBlack Consultancy, a startup platform that trains, coaches, and helps turn ideas into income with the aid of technology and online marketing, was simply amazed to talk to fellow women in tech. “My main interest during the conference was meeting and collaborating with like-minded ladies of the future. It’s elevating to chat with other ladies whose minds are aligned with mine, and bouncing off thoughts on the tech sector,” she said.

Likewise, Jane enjoyed soaking up the positive and encouraging vibe brought about by the women in the conference. “I like attending the Women In Tech conference because I am a woman in tech. It is always inspiring to meet great ladies who empower other women through tech.”

Be An Active Participant In Your Journey
Like a lot of the women at the conference, Jane also followed her heart when she pursued her dream of fulfilling her bucket list. “If you want to start something—a project, a dream—planning is just the beginning. Execution is key to finishing a project or fulfilling a dream. Have an end in mind, but don’t forget the lessons you learned on your life journey. Learn from your mistakes and move forward,” she shared.

Don’t Hold Back
“Ladies, don’t hold back. You never know until you give it a shot—not just any shot, but your best slingshot. Aim for the sky!” says Leezibet, a mumpreneur.

Leezibet, who started her company because of her goal to help as many moms bring their dream jobs to life, was very much inspired by the great interest in startups at the conference. She had even pitched to five investors and got positive responses!

Stand Up To Stand Out
As women in tech, both Jane and Leezibet stepped out of their comfort zones to reach their goals. Traveling the world and raising cancer awareness has greatly expanded Jane’s world. Her experiences have helped her view the world through a different lens and led her to be more resilient. Women need to stand up to stand out and make a lasting impression in the field of technology. Leezibet, who started her business after failing to find a suitable job that suits her daughter’s schedule, agrees. “A ‘no’ is never the ending,” she said.

This is Part 1 of our #SWITCHSG2018 article series. Read Part 2 and Part 3.

We are the leaders, activists, innovators, and visionaries – whether in the public eye or behind the scenes – who are revolutionising the way people think and live. We are #ConnectedWomen.
Join the Connected Women community now, it’s free!