Upskilling: A Key Strategy to Futureproof SMEs in a Digital and Sustainable Economy
Upskilling is the key for SMEs to thrive in a digital and sustainable economy—and UOB FinLab is here to make it happen.
UOB x Womenpreneur
The #UOBxWomenpreneurs series brings together teams across Business Banking Singapore (BBS), UOB FinLab and Group Wholesale and Markets Marketing (GWMM) to deliver continued engagements for the women entrepreneur (womenpreneur) community in Singapore. In line with UOB’s commitment to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the series brings womenpreneurs together quarterly to learn from industry peers and to foster new connections.
Since its kickoff in March 2024, about 800 womenpreneurs have registered to participate.
Womenpreneurs on building big with UOB
Held at the National Gallery of Singapore, the inaugural Womenpreneurs event was kicked off by Mr Paul Kan, BBS Country Head, UOB and Ms Janet Young, Group Head, Channels and Digitalisation, Strategic Communications and Brand, UOB, on 25 March 2024. Six established women leaders shared their personal stories and the challenges they faced establishing themselves as entrepreneurs:
- Ms Ethel Tan from Edith Patisserie on turning her passion for baking into a recognised dessert brand, while remaining prudent in expanding the business;
- Ms Belicia Tan from catering business Manna Pot on bringing in new ideas from her overseas exposure to her family business;
- Ms Olive Tai from an e-commerce solution provider Synagie on staying ahead of competition and identifying the right partnerships to embark on;
- Ms Charu Srivastava from strategic communications consultancy TriON & Co on the importance for women to recognise their achievements and celebrate their wins.
- Ms Sher-Li Torrey from career portal Moms@Work on the need for womenpreneurs to manage the duality of roles.
Ms Ethel Tan, Co-Founder of Edith Patisserie, with Mr Paul Kan, Country Head of Business Banking Singapore, UOB.
More than 100 attendees gathered to learn from industry leaders on building a business, including the finer points of differentiating themselves and meeting customers’ needs.
Mr Kan welcoming the attendees and reiterating UOB’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs in achieving their business ambitions, and how the Bank does it.
From left: Panellists Ms Belicia Tan, Group General Manager, Manna Pot & Services; Ms Charu Srivastava, Chief Strategy Officer and Corporate Affairs Lead, TriOn & Co; Ms Olive Tai, Co-Founder, Synagie; Ms Sher-Li Torrey, Founder, Mums @ Work.
Mr Shannon Lung, Head of UOB FinLab, UOB, bringing attendees through the series of upcoming business capability support activities that they can tap on.
Ms Janet Young, Group Head, Channels and Digitalisation, Strategic Communications and Brand, UOB,, in her closing speech on business, leadership, and the Bank’s support for womenpreneurs.
Womenpreneurs coming together during the networking session to build new networks, to gain new perspectives and to be inspired by business leaders.
UOB Womenpreneurs Networking Session on 3 July 2024
In the second #UOBxWomenpreneurs session, UOB invited four more distinguished speakers to share their experiences on scaling their businesses.
- Ms Serene Tan from healthcare provider Refresh Group on her experience transiting from a banker to leading the business across three countries, and the importance of robust processes to enable her expansion.
- Ms Sabrina Tan from skincare and wellness brand Skin Inc on the importance for founders to reflect and recognise their achievements, while removing the fear of failure with the awareness of other alternatives in life.
- Ms May Lee from interior furnishing firm Bodhi Fabrics on the importance of finding purpose in your business and not second guessing your staff.
- Mr Terence Yew from e-commerce firm Amazon Global Selling Singapore on the key considerations which business owners should be aware of when seeking to expand via cross-border e-commerce.
Attendees were spotted deep in conversation discussing their business journeys, challenges and learnings with others, a heartening sign of a productive morning spent with UOB.
The invited speakers sharing their experiences on scaling their businesses with the audiences.
Ms May Lee (left) from Bodhi Fabrics with Ms Serene Tan (right) from Skin Inc on the importance of finding purpose and recognising achievements.
Ms Sabrina Tan, who heads skincare brand Skin Inc, sharing the importance for entrepreneurs to keep showing up day after day, in order to be able to look back and realise how far they have come.
Mr Shannon Lung (left), Head of UOB FinLab, and Mr Benedict Tay, Head of Customer Experience and Digital and Partnerships at Business Banking, with the speakers for the session.
A room full of excited entrepreneurs looking to build their networks and to learn from experienced industry leaders on growing their businesses.
Attendees exchanging experiences and engaging with colleagues from the UOB FinLab and BizSmart teams.
In the third #UOBxWomenpreneurs session, UOB invited four more distinguished speakers to share on Balancing Risks and Rewards as Women Leaders and Entrepreneurs.
- Ms Mariam Jafaar from Boston Consulting Group on the strategies to overcoming gender biases and stereotypes.
- Ms Belinda Yeo from Innovez Engineering on her approach in navigating a male-dominated industry as a female leader.
- Ms Bridget Tai from Sonata Dancewear on balancing profit, purpose and contentment.
- Mr Tom Goh from Boston Consulting Group on the impact of digitalisation in businesses.
Attendees were spotted engaging in meaningful conversations during the Bingo Game, discussing their business journeys, role models and their takeaways from the session.
A room full of excited womenpreneurs looking to form new connections and learn from industry professionals.
Ms Mariam Jafaar from Boston Consulting Group sharing strategies to overcoming gender biases and stereotypes.
Ms Belinda Yeo from Innovez Engineering on her approach in navigating a male-dominated industry as a female leader.
Ms Bridget Tai from Sonata Dancewear on balancing profit, purpose and contentment.
From left to right, Mr Paul Kan catching up with his former mentee Ms Brisget Tai during the Bingo Game.
A room full of buzzing entrepreneurs getting to know each other through during the Bingo Game.
Learning from industry experts and mentors
Selected womenpreneurs were also shortlisted for the Digitalisation Innovation Programme by UOB FinLab, comprising a series of workshops, masterclasses and mentorship opportunities with UOB leaders held from 17 to 24 April 2024.
Participants at the networking event engaging in lively conversations.
Participants exchanging ideas and insights, connecting through shared experiences.
UOB x Womenpreneur
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