Community, Connection, and the Spirit of Tech in Singapore

Sometimes the most meaningful moments in tech happen away from the keyboard. At the Singapore Computer Society Gala Dinner 2018, I found myself surrounded by the brilliant, fun-loving members of the IT Youth Community (ITYC) - and had the honor of a photo opportunity with Dr Yaacob Ibrahim. 🙌

Why Community Matters

Technology moves fast. Frameworks change, models evolve, and the next big thing is always around the corner.

But the people? The relationships we build, the mentors we learn from, the peers who challenge and inspire us - that's what sustains a career in tech. That's what makes the hard problems worth solving.

This is especially true in Singapore's tech ecosystem, where organizations like the Singapore Computer Society - the nation's oldest and largest professional IT body - have been fostering these connections for decades.

The Energy of ITYC

The IT Youth Community brings together some of Singapore's most passionate technologists - people who care deeply about building not just better systems, but a better industry.

Sharing the evening with Howie H S Lau, Kaylee Fung, Sherlyna Poh, Onnisa Onni, Simon Ma, Stella Tan, Emil Jingwei Tan, Matthew Cheah, and Aow Jia Rong reminded me why I love this work. It's the curiosity, the generosity, and the sheer joy of learning together.

These gatherings aren't just social - they're strategic. They create the networks that help us navigate career pivots, find collaborators for ambitious projects, and stay grounded when the work gets hard.

Building an Inclusive Tech Future

As I looked around the room that night, I was reminded of both how far we've come and how far we still need to go. Community spaces like these are where we shape the culture of our industry - where we decide who gets to participate, whose voices get heard, and what kind of future we're building together.

The numbers tell part of the story. Women in Singapore make up 28% of AI professionals, slightly above the global average of 26%. Progress, yes - but also a reminder that we need more intentional efforts to create pathways and belonging for underrepresented voices in tech.

Singapore's tech sector is growing rapidly. The government has set ambitious targets, including a refreshed infocomm industry roadmap aiming for 80,000 well-paying jobs by 2025. But jobs alone aren't enough. We need communities that welcome diverse talent, that mentor generously, and that celebrate the full spectrum of contributions - technical and human alike.

The Human Side of Innovation

Here's what I've learned over the years: the best technologists aren't just great coders or architects. They're great collaborators. They're people who understand that innovation happens at the intersection of diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and yes - genuine human connection.

Nights like the SCS Gala remind me that behind every line of code, every AI model, every product launch, there are people. People with stories, with struggles, with dreams of what technology can become when we build it together.

This human-first lens isn't separate from technical excellence - it's foundational to it. The systems we build reflect the communities we create. If we want AI that serves everyone, we need teams that include everyone.

Gratitude and Looking Ahead

Nights like these aren't just about celebration - they're about recharging. They remind us why we chose this path, why we stay when things get difficult, and what we're ultimately working toward.

As we continue to shape the future of technology in Singapore and beyond, let's keep building spaces where diverse voices are heard, where mentorship flows freely, and where community comes first. Let's create more opportunities for the next generation of technologists - especially those from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in our field.

Here's to more moments like this - and to the incredible community that makes it all possible. To the mentors who give their time, the peers who push us to grow, and the organizations like SCS and ITYC that create the spaces where connection happens. 🙏

Because at the end of the day, technology is only as good as the communities we build around it.

#AlwaysDay1 #Community #TechLeadership #SingaporeTech #WomenInTech