UOB FinLab

UOB Womenpreneurs Networking Event: Empowering Voices, Expanding Impact

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Co‑organised by UOB SME Banking (Emerging Enterprise) and UOB FinLab, the UOB Womenpreneurs Networking Event returned this year with its 5th edition, bringing together a vibrant and fast-growing community of women entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Now into its third year, the event continues to gain momentum. This year’s edition drew more than 350 registrations, with 210 womenpreneurs in attendance.

Key Highlights:

Tjin Lee At Uob Womenpreneurs Networking 1 - Uob Womenpreneurs Networking Event: Empowering Voices, Expanding Impact
Ms Tjin Lee, Head of Gusto SEA, Co-founder of CRIB Society

Ms Tjin Lee on building a magnetic personal brand through storytelling, visibility, and stepping out of the “playing small” mode to attract customers.   

Ratna Juita At Uob Womenpreneurs Networking 1 - Uob Womenpreneurs Networking Event: Empowering Voices, Expanding Impact
Ratna Juita On Stage E1775744093649 - Uob Womenpreneurs Networking Event: Empowering Voices, Expanding Impact
Ms Ratna Juita, Founder and CEO, The Mindgem and LinkedIn Top Voice

Ms Ratna Juita guiding the audience on overcoming fears about putting themselves out there.

Fireside Chat With Monica Bhatia And Ratna Juita - Uob Womenpreneurs Networking Event: Empowering Voices, Expanding Impact
Fireside Chat At Uob Womenpreneurs Networking - Uob Womenpreneurs Networking Event: Empowering Voices, Expanding Impact
Ms Monica Bhatia (in blue) sharing on how to show up on LinkedIn using relevance, credibility and the 3Cs approach – Comment, Curate and Create.  

“Stop Playing Small” — Ms Tjin Lee, Gusto Collective SEA & CRIB Society

Ms Tjin Lee encouraged womenpreneurs to shift from actively chasing opportunities to intentionally attracting them, introducing her —a culmination of two decades of experience working with global brands. Her message was clear: visibility is a critical growth lever. Women must be prepared to step into the spotlight and use their platforms with intent and confidence.

At the heart of the framework is meaning – a clear understanding of the “why” behind one’s brand and the problem it exists to solve. Authority is built through earned validation, including media coverage, awards and the willingness to pitch oneself. Gravitas underscores the importance of presence: confidence, pacing, tone and body language all shape how others perceive one’s value. Narrative reminds one of the importance of continually evolving to stay relevant across audience and context even while keeping a brand’s core meaning consistent. Energy reminds one to claim space, whether online or in the room. Finally, one needs to build trust with the audience through credibility, transparency and consistent delivery.

“Visibility Can Feel Uncomfortable, and That’s Normal” — Ms Ratna Juita, The Mindgem, LinkedIn Top Voice

Ms Ratna Juita explained why being visible often triggers discomfort and shared practical grounding tools and micro expansions”— small, manageable steps that help individuals build confidence sustainably. “Expansion introduces uncertainty,” she said, but it is through small steps that lasting growth takes shape.

Prioritise relevance and credibility over virality on LinkedIn - Ms Monica Bhatia, LinkedIn Singapore

Through a fireside chat, Ms Monica Bhatia spotlighted the power of identity-led branding and the role of original, authentic content in boosting LinkedIn engagement. Her advice: “Find your niche and speak to it.” Ratna added a powerful reminder –  “Personal branding isn’t self-promotion; it’s self-permission”— permission to grow, contribute, and empower others.

The event delivered a clear message: women leaders must stop underestimating their voice, hiding behind their brand, and undermining their growth.

Mr Paul Kan At Uob Womenpreneurs Networking - Uob Womenpreneurs Networking Event: Empowering Voices, Expanding Impact
Mr Paul Kan, Country Head, SME Banking (Emerging Enterprise), UOB, welcoming attendees and sharing UOB’s continued focus on supporting SMEs.
Ms Janet Young At Uob Womenpreneurs Networking - Uob Womenpreneurs Networking Event: Empowering Voices, Expanding Impact
Ms Janet Young, Head of UOB Group Channels and Digitalisation, Group Strategic Communications and Brand, sharing on building resilience, leveraging digital enablement, and fostering community-led growth.

Ms Janet Young also noted for women to “think big, start small, move fast,” highlighting the need to step forward more boldly in a fast‑moving, AI‑driven world where small beginnings can scale quickly.

Mr Paul Kan reaffirmed UOB’s commitment to supporting businesses and entrepreneurs, and drew on how UOB’s deep roots — built over the last 90 years — enabled us to support our customers with stability, long-term partnership, and the expertise to help businesses grow.

Speakers And Uob Team At The Event - Uob Womenpreneurs Networking Event: Empowering Voices, Expanding Impact
Speakers And The Uob Team At The Event.
Women Founders And Leaders Networking - Uob Womenpreneurs Networking Event: Empowering Voices, Expanding Impact
Women Founders And Leaders Coming Together To Build New Networks, Gain New Perspectives And Be Inspired By Fellow Business Leaders.
Womenpreneurs Networking - Uob Womenpreneurs Networking Event: Empowering Voices, Expanding Impact
Womenpreneurs Across Industries Networking.
Networking Session - Uob Womenpreneurs Networking Event: Empowering Voices, Expanding Impact
Beyond The On Stage Content, The Session Fostered Meaningful Peer Connections.

Women in Business Programme (WiB)

Women In Business Programme - Uob Womenpreneurs Networking Event: Empowering Voices, Expanding Impact

In addition to the Womenpreneurs Networking Event, those who seek further support to scale their businesses can benefit from the Women in Business Programme (WiB), led by UOB FinLab and supported by UOB SME Banking (Emerging Enterprise). The programme is built around three practical pillars designed to help them grow sustainably:

Find out more about the Women in Business Programme here, and check out some of our event socials here.

UOB Womenpreneurs Networking Event: Empowering Voices, Expanding Impact

Featured Image For Uob Womenpreneurs Networking Event: Empowering Voices, Expanding Impact

Online programme

Start Smart Programme

Designed for business owners to enhance their digital capabilities through practical learning, this programme takes businesses to the next level.

Online programme

Start Smart Programme

Designed for business owners to enhance their digital capabilities through practical learning, this programme takes businesses to the next level.

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