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5 Years, 120,000 Lives Impacted

Celebrating SG Women in Tech's 5th anniversary and the power of community

Annie An Dongmei·January 2025·4 min read
A collage of photos from a professional event hosted by Singapore Women in Tech. The first image features me posing with minister Josephine, both smiling warmly, symbolizing leadership and engagement. The second image shows four individuals, including Sabrina Ho, Founder of Half of Sky and Sam Liew, President of SCS, standing in front of a branded backdrop for Singapore Women in Tech, making heart gestures with their hands to signify support and collaboration. The third image captures a candid moment of a group illuminated by purple stage lighting, showcasing a dynamic networking session. The fourth image is a selfie of two women, Carolyn and I, smiling during the event, representing meaningful connections formed. The fifth image features three women, including MBA school exec, posing in front of the event’s branded wall, celebrating diversity and empowerment. The event was centered on mentorship, career advancement, and fostering a supportive community for women in technology.

I had the privilege of celebrating SG Women in Tech's 5th anniversary alongside incredible women leaders and allies this week. The highlight? Learning that in just five years, #SGWIT has supported over 120,000 women and girls in tech. 🎯

The energy in the room was electric - a testament to what happens when community, intention, and action come together. Here are the moments and lessons that landed for me.

Relaunching Careers in Tech

The event was beautifully hosted by Chen Hui Ong of SGWIT, with an inspiring speech by Minister Josephine Teo, Patron of SGWIT, announcing the Relaunch programme - designed to empower women to re-enter the tech workforce.

It reflects a belief we all share: every woman with a passion for technology deserves the opportunity to thrive. Career breaks shouldn't mean career ends. This program is a bridge back - and a signal that the ecosystem is listening.

Rebranding, Refreshing, and Revamping

The event was filled with energy as we engaged in workshops aimed at professional growth. We explored how to reframe our career journeys, took professional profile photos, and uncovered actionable strategies.

One insight that resonated: a well-crafted LinkedIn profile with meaningful engagement can be a powerful tool for amplifying professional opportunities. It's not just about being seen - it's about being found by the right people at the right time. ✨

Speed Mentoring by vLookUp

This was a standout experience - connecting with 20+ mentors and mentees in rapid-fire conversations. A big thank you to Kanchana Gupta for creating such an amazing platform.

I learned about the resilience of female entrepreneurs and leaders - from navigating career transitions to scaling businesses, balancing family responsibilities, and thriving in diverse environments.

Another important lesson that resonated deeply: not dwelling on past mistakes. Instead, learn and move forward with optimism. That mindset - grounded, forward-looking, generous - is what separates those who survive from those who thrive. 🚀

AI and the Future of Education

Insights from Qingjing Xu, an MBA school executive, highlighted that the human touch in education is indispensable. It's the ability to form emotional connections and adapt to the reactions of an audience in real time that sets humans apart.

Used thoughtfully, AI amplifies human capabilities - it's not about choosing between humans and AI; it's about how humans can leverage AI. This is the human-first AI lens I bring to every conversation: technology should expand what we can do, not replace what makes us irreplaceable. 💡

A Shoutout to the Team

To the incredible team - Nerin, Sacha, Hayden, Rachel See Tho from SCS - and my amazing mentors, friends, and colleagues: Sherrie Xiaoyu HUANG, Qingjing Xu, Neha Agarwal, Audrey Phua, Jana Marlé-Zizková, Sabrina Ho, Carolyn Chin, Jasie Fon, HWEE-YEE Ong, Satya Sreenivasan, Neha Agarwal - you inspire me every day.

Here's to many more years of empowering women in tech. Let's build an inclusive ecosystem where resilience and success stories shine - and where every woman who wants a seat at the table can pull up a chair. 🙏

What are your thoughts on creating opportunities for women in tech? I'd love to hear from you.

#AlwaysDay1 #WomenInTech #SGWIT #Community #Mentorship #HumanFirstAI

Gallery

A collage of photos from a professional event hosted by Singapore Women in Tech. The first image shows a group of women seated around a round table during a networking session, smiling at the camera. The second image captures a smaller group of five women standing in front of a branded event backdrop, dressed in business attire, posing confidently. The third image features a larger group of diverse women making V signs, representing vLookup mentorship program. The fourth image highlights me standing in front of a digital display featuring profiles of women leaders. The fifth image is a selfie of two women (me and my colleague) smiling against a backdrop with event branding. The event featured mentorship programs, career workshops, and networking opportunities with leaders, fostering meaningful connections and supporting women in technology.

The views and opinions expressed in this post are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of my employer or any organisation I am affiliated with.