Digitalisation Innovation Programme: Womenpreneur

17 April 2024 - 25 April 2024

The D.I.P: Womenpreneur is a comprehensive programme with forward looking initiative aims to empower women entrepreneurs in navigating the digital landscape. 

Finlab Dip Womenpreneur Kv - Digitalisation Innovation Programme: Womenpreneur

Programme Pillars

Participants can look forward to a 2-week series of workshops, which focuses on enhancing critical skills such as strategic planning, financial management, and digital adaptation. Designed to inspire innovation and resilience, this initiative aims to reshape women businesses digitally, fostering a community of empowered women driving digital innovation and business success.

Business Transformation
Digital Transformation
Tech and Innovation
Leadership and Biz Development
Mentorship and Coaching

Programme Schedule

10:00am - 11:00am

The Secret Haven @ Mt Sophia

Accelerating Business Growth for Womenpreneurs, Together

Dive into our panel discussion that discusses the key elements essential for business success, including technology proficiency, financial literacy, innovation, strategy and strong networks. Understand the unique challenges womenpreneurs face in building influential networks and how overcoming these can catalyse growth. The discussion will highlight the importance of leveraging platforms like the Digitalisation Innovation Programme: Womenpreneur 2024, which facilitates potential maximisation by providing access to UOB FinLab’s vast network. Learn how collaboration and strong networks can empower womenpreneurs to navigate obstacles and achieve business success.

Moderated By:

12:00pm - 01:00pm

The Secret Haven @ Mt Sophia

Financial Literacy

Take charge of your financial future with UOB Business Banking and MoneyFitt. Learn from successful women on how to tackle financial challenges and gain knowledge to make informed business decisions. Your road to financial empowerment starts here.

10:00am - 05:00pm

National Gallery Singapore, Rooftop Studio, Level 5

Business Model Canvas Workshop

This Business Model Canvas Workshop is designed to be interactive and tailored to the needs of womenpreneurs at different stages of business development, offering practical tools and guidance for enhancing the strategic foundation of their ventures. Participants will gain practical insights into developing and refining their business models to enhance sustainability and growth.

10:00am - 12:00pm

National Gallery Singapore, Ngee Ann Kongsi Foyer, Basement 1

Turn Your Growth Ambition Into Reality Through Innovation and Digital Transformation

Are you struggling to make the right choices among disruptive technologies? Do you want to reach scale fast with new digital solutions? Join the upcoming workshop where we will introduce how local companies can play the game and go digital with innovative human centered design.

01:00pm - 02:30pm

National Gallery Singapore, Ngee Ann Kongsi Foyer, Basement 1

The Future of Marketing is Here: How AI-Powered Omni-Channel Strategies Drive Growth

This topic will delve into how AI can help businesses create seamless, personalised, and effective omni-channel marketing campaigns. We’ll cover how AI can enhance customer segmentation, optimize messaging and timing, and drive conversions across channels. We’ll also examine case studies of successful AI-powered omni-channel marketing campaigns and offer insights for businesses looking to leverage this powerful technology.

10:00am - 11:30am

National Gallery Singapore, Rooftop Studio, Level 5

Introduction to Cross Border eCommerce – Building an International Brand, from Singapore to the World

Join us on an expansion journey as the session explores the considerations for Cross Border eCommerce. Gain clarity on data backed insights of Singapore eCommerce exports, and relevant markets opportunity. This session is dedicated to equip Brand Owners and Entrepreneurs with guidance to start and launch a global brand – from Singapore to the World with Amazon.com. 

12:30pm - 02:00pm

National Gallery Singapore, Rooftop Studio, Level 5

Beyond Singapore, onto Southeast Asia with Digital Commerce

This presentation looks into Southeast Asia’s immense potential for growth with its thriving e-commerce landscape. We’ll delve into the prominent platforms shaping the industry and discuss how digital commerce is opening doors for businesses to take their first steps beyond Singapore shores. Sharing Synagie Digital Commerce Management (DCM), an integrated solution that combines user-friendly software with personalized support. This comprehensive yet bespoke approach empowers businesses to harness the opportunities presented by e-commerce and achieve success in the dynamic Southeast Asian market.

10:00am - 11:00am

The Secret Haven @ Mt Sophia

Introduction to Mentors

11:00am - 12:00pm

The Secret Haven @ Mt Sophia

Mentors Get To Know Session

12:00pm - 1:00pm

The Secret Haven @ Mt Sophia

Wrap Up and Networking

Organised by

Uob Logo 1200X800 1 - Digitalisation Innovation Programme: Womenpreneur
Finlab Logo 1200X800 1 - Digitalisation Innovation Programme: Womenpreneur

Supporting Partners

Frequently Asked Questions

The D.I.P: Womenpreneur is a forward-looking initiative empowering women entrepreneurs in navigating the digital landscape. With a selective intake of just 40 businesses, this comprehensive programme enhances critical skills like strategic planning, financial management, and digital adaptation. It aims to inspire innovation and resilience, fostering a community of empowered women driving digital success.

Female entrepreneurs/business owners/managerial positions who own or manage small to medium enterprises (SMEs)

The programme will focus on enhancing critical skills such as strategic planning, financial management, and digital adaptation through learning from industry leaders, interactive workshops, mentorships and networking with like-minded businesswomen

No fee is required to join the programme

We encourage all selected companies to appoint at least one key decision-maker to attend all sessions to maximise its benefits

We will review the profile of the selected companies and match them with the right mentors. Each mentor will be allocated to 4 participants

UOB Finlab will arrange the first 1-1 mentorship session with participant’s mentor. Subsequent mentoring will be arranged between mentors and mentees

Business mentor provides guidance, support and advice to the participants in their business endeavours. Whereas Self-development coach guides participants in developing skills such as leadership skills through guidance, motivation and support.

Angeline Low

Vice President Finance , Global Head of Cash Collections, SAP

Angeline has more than 25 years of finance professional experience, with senior finance roles in the last 10 years with Technology industry. Her tenure with SAP span over 15 years in various roles across commercial finance and accounting, with latest roles as Greater China CFO supporting annual revenue of over €700m and Global Head of Cash responsible for accelerating cash inflow for approx. €40Bn.

Throughout her career, Angeline took on regional and global roles allowing her to live and travel to various locations. She spend more than ¼ of her career working and living in US and China. The overseas living experience and global exposure strengthen her perspective and provide valuable insights to business culture in different countries.

Over the years, Angeline is known to be an entrepreneurial-minded finance leader with good business acumen and adaptability to business dynamics. She is a strong believer of the need for business transformation to support changing business needs. Pragmatic and resilient leader who believe in success through people and innovation. 

While Angeline is born in Singapore, she recently relocate back to Singapore after 4+ years in China. She is passionate about diversity and inclusion topics and is also the co-sponsor of the D&I program for the Global Finance Board area for SAP. Angeline enjoys travelling, practicing Pilates, great food and love documentaries. Her latest faze is to conduct technology detox once a month where she would refrain from any digital device for one day a month.

Eileen Toh - Tuition Genius - 400x400

Eileen Toh

Founder & Principal Tutor, Genius Plus Academy

Eileen Toh is the founder and principal tutor of Genius Plus Academy, specializing in primary and secondary mathematics education. With an impressive academic background, she holds a Master of Education and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Education from the National Institute of Education (NIE), Singapore. Her career transitioned from a dedicated school teacher to an educational entrepreneur, driven by a passion for teaching and a vision to innovate math learning.

Under her guidance, Genius Plus Academy has developed a robust in-house curriculum, evidenced by her authorship of over 60 textbooks and workbooks, some already published and others in the pipeline with a major local publisher. Her approach to education combines rigorous academic standards with a nurturing touch, aiming to cultivate a love for mathematics among students.

In balancing her roles as an educator, author, and parent, Eileen exemplifies the fusion of professional dedication and personal passion. Her work in developing educational materials and her hands-on approach to teaching reflect her commitment to empowering the next generation with the skills and confidence to succeed in mathematics and beyond.

vanessa ong

Vanessa Ong

Owner & Founder, Gernise Global Pte Ltd

Vanessa Ong leads Gernise Global Pte Ltd, specializing in the distribution of plastics raw materials across Southeast Asia. Her strategic insight has positioned Gernise as a key player in sectors like automotive, electrical, and telecommunications, with a strong emphasis on sustainable practices. Vanessa’s vision has propelled Gernise to integrate environmental consciousness into its core business model, fostering growth and sustainability.

Beyond her business acumen, Vanessa champions community support and philanthropy, particularly through initiatives like Mumpreneurs-Go-Places, a platform she co-founded to highlight Singapore-based mumpreneur businesses. Her commitment to social responsibility shines in her work, from aiding local charities to launching “Farmpack for A Cause,” rallying SMEs to support communities in need, exemplifying her belief in using business as a force for good.

Vanessa’s philosophy centers on sustainability and proactive change, driving her to incorporate eco-friendly products into Gernise’s offerings. Her efforts aim to reduce environmental impact while promoting a healthier lifestyle for future generations, marrying her professional endeavors with her personal values.

Her journey reflects a dedication to innovation, community, and environmental stewardship, making Vanessa Ong a distinguished figure in her industry and an inspiration for sustainable entrepreneurship and community engagement.

 

Candice Chua - UOB

Candice Chua

Branch Manager, UOB Clementi, Hangout@UOB (NP, SP), UOB

Candice’s first two years with UOB started with service roles at the Marina Bay Financial Centre and Main branches of the bank. She subsequently moved on to the Self-Serving Banking department and the FinTech and Innovation department (Strategy and Projects), before moving on to her current role as the youngest west region branch manager in UOB (Clementi Branch). To date, Candice has donned UOB colours for 13 years.

During her tenure, Candice was also UOB’s Committee Lead for 3 consecutive years for the Singapore FinTech Festival. Her background in theatre arts and filmmaking, coupled with her friendliness, relatability and passion for people and innovation, were fundamental in her managing the Hangout@UOB spaces at both Singapore Poly and Ngee Ann Poly, a space where students can co-create and engage with the UOB staff, a space where both parties can learn and understand each other better.

Benedict Tay

Senior Vice President, Head of CED and Ecosystem Partnership,
UOB Business Banking

Benedict has an extensive experience in the Banking and Finance industry, having worked as product manager across retail and corporate business banking sectors. 

Presently, he leads the Partnership and Ecosystem portfolio, managing strategic and operational activities to establish an ecosystem of cross-industry alliances and partnerships aimed at catalysing customers’ business growth and transformation. 

Benedict’s journey continued as he went on be the to Head of UOB BizSmart, where he directed efforts towards future-proofing business operations and driving efficiency through digital transformation for SMEs.

Persis Hoo

MoneyFitt

Persis Hoo successfully completed her Bachelor of Laws degree at the renowned Singapore Management University. Following her academic achievements, Persis delved into the legal field, honing her skills and gaining valuable experience through several years of practice. Fueled by a passion for innovation and driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, she embarked on an exciting new chapter by founding her own startup.

Throughout her career, Persis has demonstrated a keen interest in the intricacies of wealth management, prompting her to explore new horizons in the realm of investing. This led her to assume the role of Business Manager at Next Gen Investors Endowment, a forward-thinking non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering individuals to embark on their own investment journeys. 

On top of that, Persis leverages her experience as an Associate of Star Magnolia Capital, a multi-family office renowned for its comprehensive wealth management services. Beyond her professional endeavours, Persis embraces the role of a devoted young mother, recognising the importance of financial independence for women and mothers alike. 

Felix Tan

With almost 30 years of business and entrepreneurial experience, Felix is The FinLab’s “Mentor-in-Residence” after having helmed it from November 2015 to July 2020 as its Managing Director.

He is also an Independent Director on 2 listed companies – Y Ventures Group in Singapore, and Eggriculture Foods Ltd in Hong Kong.

Tom Goh

Digital Transformation Specialist, BCG

Tom Goh is a seasoned Digital Transformation Specialist with over two decades of experience across banking, technology, and telecommunications. His tenure at Citibank and Singtel, coupled with agency leadership at Ogilvy & Havas, has honed his expertise in digital marketing strategies, including SEO, social media, and mobile marketing. Tom led significant digital initiatives at Singtel and HP APAC, driving digital integration and establishing centers of excellence in digital marketing.

In his role at Hill and Knowlton, Tom developed a digital content and production hub, enhancing content strategy and distribution. He is also an educator, developing curriculum for BCG’s digital transformation programs, and conducting masterclasses as an ACTA certified facilitator. Pursuing a PhD at SUSS University, his research focuses on digital transformation’s role in SME sustainability in Singapore.

Tom advises MNCs, SMEs, and startups on digital transformation and market entry strategies. As an adjunct lecturer, he shares his digital marketing insights with students at institutions like SIT and SMU NUS-ISS.

With a Master’s in Banking and Finance from the University of Southampton and a degree in Economics from the University of Technology Sydney, Tom is deeply committed to fostering digital innovation and nurturing the next generation of digital marketers through education and mentorship.

Renee Tan

Founder and Managing Director, Hashtaqs, H.E.R Entreprenuers

Key Skills

  • Sales and marketing expertise
  • Ecosystem and sustainable development
  • Brand transformation and omni-channel marketing
  • Artificial intelligence (AI) 
  • Training and education (ACTA certified)
  • Venture capital knowledge

Renee Tan is the Founder and Managing Director of Hashtaqs Pte Ltd, where she leverages her 13-year tenure in sales, marketing, and ecosystem development to drive brand transformation and omni-channel marketing for business scale-up and internationalization. Her strategic foresight has birthed influential platforms like HASH and the Annual HASH Asia Summit, fostering dialogue on innovation, technology, and sustainability across Asia.

Under her leadership, HER Entrepreneur emerged as a vibrant community and media platform, dedicated to inspiring, educating, and connecting entrepreneurs and investors throughout the region. Her commitment to sustainable development led her to partner with the Artificial Intelligence International Institute (AIII), advocating for Sustainable AI and contributing to the global AI industry’s growth.

Renee’s innovative contributions have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Brands For Good Award and the SME Excellence Business Award. A respected figure in the MICE industry, her insights have graced various regional SME events and prominent media outlets.

Holding a Singapore certification in management consulting, an ACTA trainer certification, and an advanced certificate in Venture Capital, Renee’s academic and professional credentials reflect her dedication to nurturing innovation and entrepreneurial spirit in Asia.

Triston Goh

Business Development and Partnerships Manager, Amazon Global Selling

Key Skills

  • Business expansion and development
  • Partnership management
  • Data analytics, e-commerce trends analysis
  • Strategic partnership building
  • Global expansion navigation
  • International market reach

Triston Goh is a Business Development and Partnerships Manager with Amazon Global Selling. Amazon Global Selling is one of Amazon’s business unit that helps businesses from anywhere in the world to launch a global business. Reaching customers around the world and building an international brand.

With a deep understanding of data-backed e-commerce trends, Triston has successfully forged strategic and meaningful partnerships with both established and emerging brands. Triston empowers brands to navigate the complexity of global expansion and maximise their potential through selling on global Amazon stores.

Toh Yii Jie

Regional Account Manager, Amazon Global Selling

Key Skills

  • Business expansion and development
  • Partnership management
  • Project and leads management
  • Talent acquisition and human resources

Toh Yii Jie is a Regional Account Manager with Amazon Global Selling. Yii Jie empowers brands to navigate the complexity of global expansion and kick start their international brand building journey through Amazon Global stores.

Neo Tze Siang

Chief Business Officer | Synagie Management Consultancy

Neo is Synagie’s Chief Business Officer, leading Synagie Management Consultancy Business Unit. He has worked extensively >20 years, across APAC, championing and reshaping route to market and consumer experience for companies like Haribo, FrieslandCampina, Perfetti Van Melle and Samsung.

Leveraging Synagie’s DCM (Digital Commerce Management) System 12 capabilities*, Neo and his eco-system of agents/partners, drives our clients and brand partners to make commerce better together.

Aditi Roy

Industry Manager, Google

Key Skills

  • TV and digital advertising sales
  • Customer relationship and ads management
  • Digital marketing strategy
  • Market analysis and research
  • Strategic planning

Aditi is a seasoned media professional with over 16 years of experience in TV and Digital Advertising Sales. At Google, she is responsible for the Ads portfolio of some of APAC’s largest BFSI customers.

She believes that the internet is for everyone and is committed to helping small and medium-sized businesses make the digital leap by leveraging Google’s full suite of capabilities.

arthur leong

Arthur Leong

Head of Strategy and Digital Engagement, Group Channels and Digitalisation, UOB

Key Skills

  • Digital engagement
  • Strategic planning
  • Project management
  • Partnership development
  • Team management

Arthur Leong serves as the Head of Strategy and Digital Engagement for Group Channels and Digitalisation at United Overseas Bank. In his current role, Arthur is at the forefront of shaping the ASEAN FinTech landscape through his leadership and strategic insights.

He oversees digital engagement operations, special projects with unconventional ecosystem partnerships, strategy formulation and is a leading player in the ever-evolving digital banking sector.

Edison Yu

Executive Director, Head of Business Innovation and Analytics, Group Channels and Digitalisation, UOB

Key Skills

  • Customer growth strategies
  • Digital platform development
  • Client relationship management
  • Global markets analysis and development
  • Operations and risk management
  • Financial literacy 

Edison heads up the Business Innovation and Analytics function in  Group Channels and Digitalization at UOB. In his role, he works with business and functional teams across the bank to drive forth their digitalisation and innovation initiatives, by forging strategic collaborations with ecosystem partners and technology vendors alike. 

His team also looks at empowering stakeholders with the effective and responsible usage of AI and data analytics tools to deliver impactful outcomes for the bank.  

Ho Giao Pik

Managing Director and Head, Strategic Alliance and Fintech, Group Channels and Digitalisation, UOB

Key Skills

  • Strategic alliances
  • Customer growth strategies
  • Digital platform development
  • Client relationship management
  • Global markets analysis and development
  • Operations and risk management

Ho Giao Pik is a Managing Director at United Overseas Bank and leads Strategic Alliances and Fintech for the Group franchise. In her current capacity, Giao Pik brings her strong banking experience to enterprise digitalisation, building ecosystem partnerships and identifying digital capabilities to drive growth in customer segments through innovative fintech and digital platform solutions. 

Prior to that, Giao Pik had overall business responsibilities for Banks and Non-Bank Financial Institutions clients in South & South East Asia as well as leading all Bank-client relationships for the Group with a mandate to deliver on total client relationship value across Capital Markets, Global Markets and Global Transaction Banking products.

Preceding UOB, Giao Pik held roles in senior management, client coverage, risk management and operations in ANZ and Standard Chartered Bank. In ANZ Singapore, she led the Financial Institutions business in various geographies for ANZ’s International Banking business. A member of ANZ Singapore’s Management Group and leadership committees, Giao Pik is also a founding EXCO member of Money-Minded Singapore, ANZs flagship financial literacy program.

Giao Pik is passionate about diverse leadership, perspectives and inclusion in the wider community and sits on BoardAgender Management Committee, a Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations (SCWO) initiative. She is also a champion and mentor with Financial Women’s Association.

Olive Tai

Co-Founder, Synagie

Key Skills

  • Digital commerce expertise
  • Enterprise solution development
  • Business management
  • Strategic planning, entrepreneurship
  • Environmental sustainability advocacy
  • Partnership development 

Olive is co-Founder/Managing Director of Synagie Group Asia and Europe, Southeast Asia’s leading digital commerce service provider. Before Synagie, Olive spent 20 years in FMCG & Retail, at J&J, Bausch & Lomb and Watsons. Most recently, she successfully launched Synagie’s Digital Commerce Management System, the region’s first comprehensive enterprise solution for businesses to manage all aspects of digital commerce. A strong advocate for environmental sustainability, learning and support for women in the sector, she co-founded and is ex-co member of Singapore Women Entrepreneurs Network. In 2023, Olive won the prestigious EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award for e-Commerce services.

Paul Kan

Paul Kan

Country Head, Business Banking Singapore, UOB

Key Skills

  • SME banking expertise 
  • Financial and credit analysis
  • Business strategy and development advisory
  • Portfolio and risk management 
  • Regional expansion advisory

Paul is the Country Head for Business Banking Singapore in UOB, with over 20 years’ banking experience in leading banks across markets such as China, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.

Prior to this, he has held positions such as the Group Product Head leading SME-focused product strategies across ASEAN, and Country Head for Business Banking Indonesia at UOB, leading the small business segment in the regional market. His experience has allowed him to build deep knowledge in strategising, developing and commercialising products and solutions, and in developing expert teams.

Paul is a regular speaker at business forums, sharing his insights with SMEs and start-ups. He believes in empowering his team to pilot ground-up ideas and in bringing people together to maximise opportunities.

Paul holds a Master of Business Administration and an Honors Degree in Engineering.

Sher-Li Torrey

Founder, Mums@Work

Key Skills

  • Career coaching
  • Business development
  • Partnership and community building
  • Diversity & inclusion
  • Marketing Strategy and Project Management
  • Leadership and Workplace Relations 

Sher-li Torrey is the founder & director of Mums@Work (Singapore), which was started in 2010. Trained in various personality profiling tools, she has more than 20 years of corporate experience holding various roles in different industries. In 2010, following the birth of her daughter, Sher-li started Mums@Work (Singapore) – a social enterprise that supports women. A point of information source for women looking at flexible work arrangements and/ or starting their own business, Mums@Work is a career portal that supports more than 53,000 women. In 2016, she started a subsidiary of M@W, Career Navigators – with a focus on bringing women back into the workforce in full-time roles. Through this subsidiary, partnerships with more than 150 MNCs have been established – and various returnships and back-to-work programmes have been implemented across the years. In 2021, Sher-li launched “Singapore:40-over-40. Inspiring Women”- an annual initiative to highlight 40 women in Singapore, over the age of 40, who have started a business, restarted a career, changed career paths or created a social giveback project. The project aims to speak up against ageism and gender bias faced by women in Singapore.

As founder of Singapore’s first flexible work career portal, Sher-li has spoken to various organisations and local media on Diversity & Inclusion topics, as well as HR-related issues. She is a frequent speaker and article contributor to press and TV on topics related to new work environment, employment trends and diversity hiring. As a trained career coach, Sher-li also currently sits on various advisory boards of Singapore’s different government ministries – including the COMPASS Council (Ministry of Education) since 2017, the ACCORD Family & Community Council (Ministry of Defence) since 2019 and the Families For Life Council (Ministry of Social & Family Development) since August 2019. A mother of 2 school-going children, Sher-li strongly advocates a work environment that thrives in allowing employees to have better work-family integration.

suji jeong sap v1

Suji Jeong

APJ Business Development Manager, SAP

Key Skills

  • IT and operations management
  • Digital transformation
  • Project management
  • Business development and business model innovation
  • Sales strategy and value advisory
  • AI/automation integration

Suji Jeong is an innovation and value advisor with over seven years of experience in the technology and consulting sector, specializing in IT Strategy and Operations.

She has a proven track record of leading digital transformation initiatives, guiding projects from conception through to implementation, primarily for major tech conglomerates in Korea such as Samsung, LG, and SK.

Her expertise extends to consulting for SMEs, where she has successfully developed new business models and integrated automation solutions. Currently, she is focused on crafting sales strategies to penetrate markets and establish a sales pipeline for a process intelligence solution.

Her key areas of expertise include process optimization, business model innovation, design thinking, and AI/Automation, underpinned by a Master’s degree in Data Science.

Tan Kee Hian

Managing Director, KHT and Co.

Key Skills

  • Management consulting and strategy implementation
  • Operational and innovation management
  • Entrepreneurship and keynote speaking
  • Product and service innovation
  • Growth strategies
  • Supply chain and activity-based management

Kee Hian is the Managing Director of KHT and Co, and a practitioner of leading-edge knowledge, frameworks, methods and toolkits that delivers performance improvements – transformational and operational. Senior Global Expert in Blue Ocean Strategy.

He is a keynote speaker on strategy and innovation, at public and in-house conferences and management retreats, conducts training workshops, and leads major initiatives to implement strategies and build innovative organizations. As an entrepreneur and intrapreneur, he creates new businesses, products and services.

In recent years, Kee Hian has worked on entrepreneurship, innovation, and growth and disruptive initiatives in emerging subsectors, markets and ventures. He has also successfully utilised his knowledge and experience from decades working with MNCs and large, more established enterprises, and applied them to the public sector, and to startups, SMEs, entrepreneurs and investors initially from a London base, and more recently in Asia-Pacific from a Singapore base.

Senior Vice President and Member of the Global Executive Committee of Gemini Consulting (Cap Gemini). Based in Boston, US and London, UK, he was the founder and global leader of the Life Sciences and Healthcare Division, and Head of the Supply Chain Management and Activity-Based Management Centers of Excellence.

ian

Ian Wong

Head, Group International Management, UOB

Key Skills

  • Executive coaching and management
  • Deal negotiation, venture management
  • Foreign direct investment advisory
  • Interpersonal skills development 
  • Chief master coach and mentor
  • Regional expansion advisory

Originally geared towards medical studies, Ian took on a totally different path in university and eventually embarked on a career in banking, leading countries and enabling deals across Asia, Europe and US. After leadership stints, including an overseas posting, with global banks like Bank of America Merrill Lynch and HSBC, Ian is now Managing Director and Group Head, International Management at UOB. 

In this role, he is responsible for the international banking entities, venture management and foreign direct investment advisory divisions. A certified chief master coach, Ian strives to bring out the best in people and advocates for organizations to foster strong coaching and mentoring cultures so as to thrive sustainably and purposefully.

He writes about personal inspirations, experiences and learnings which colleagues and connections may find helpful as they navigate their career and life journeys, especially in today’s “business as UNusual” environment. Invited by organizations and universities to speak on topics like Thriving Internationally And Intentionally, Be The Purposeful Trusted Advisor, Goals. Of A Different Kind, Coaching Culture For The Greater Good, The Math Of Happiness, Retire On The High Enable Others. Embrace Yours and Purpose. Happiness. Dedication PHD Coaching Model.

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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