This article shines a spotlight on 10 remarkable women who are not just leading successful businesses but are also paving the way for future generations of female entrepreneurs in the region. Their stories are a testament to the growing influence of women in the startup ecosystem and a source of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere.
These trailblazers come from diverse backgrounds, each bringing their unique perspective and approach to leadership. They are founders, CEOs, and visionaries who have turned their ideas into thriving enterprises, challenging stereotypes and breaking barriers along the way. Their success stories are not just about individual achievements but also about the collective progress they represent in a traditionally male-dominated business landscape.
Top female entrepreneurs discuss AI and innovation in Southeast Asia
From tech innovators to social entrepreneurs, these women are at the forefront of change, driving their companies with a blend of passion, resilience, and strategic acumen. They are redefining what it means to be a leader in the fast-paced world of startups, proving that with the right mix of talent, determination, and vision, anything is possible.
As we delve into their journeys, we’ll explore the challenges they’ve faced, the milestones they’ve achieved, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. These narratives are not just about business success; they’re about leadership, empowerment, and the impact of women in shaping the future of Southeast Asia’s startup ecosystem.
Alicia Cheong, Co-founder and COO at Geniebook
Leadership is fundamentally about empowering your team to shine. I see a leader not as the star of the show, but rather as a supporting character, providing the necessary guidance that allows their team members to take centre stage and perform at their best, showcasing their unique talents and abilities to the fullest extent.
Moreover, true leadership also involves recognising and celebrating the achievements and contributions of each team member. Rather than seeking personal accolades, a leader directs the spotlight onto their team, ensuring that they receive the credit and acknowledgement they deserve for their hard work and dedication.
In essence, effective leadership is not about commanding at the front but guiding and supporting from behind. It’s about creating a platform for others to shine brightly, knowing that their success is a reflection of the collective efforts of the leader and the team as a whole.
Khiara Mia, Co-founder of Meals in Minutes
Strong leadership to me is fostering empowerment and inclusivity among team members in the workplace. Good leaders understand that a collaborative environment is the cornerstone of success, and here at Meals in Minutes, we strive to foster a culture where everyone’s voice is heard. By feeling valued, we drive innovation and collaboration which in turn allows us to create products and services that can help the F&B industry across Southeast Asia and the UK. A strong leader does more than just make decisions; it’s about creating an environment where everyone has the chance to contribute, innovate, and succeed, regardless of gender. It’s a commitment to building a resilient and inclusive workforce that drives positive change and propels our industry forward.
Karen Kim, CEO, Human Managed
Strong leadership is leading by example with the values you want to inspire in others every single day. Strong leadership is a result of everyday decisions and actions that improve and strengthen with consistency over time.
Strong leadership is fighting whilst taking care of oneself and her support system. They persist, no matter what the odds.
At Human Managed, the values that we uphold are purpose-driven, accountability, and resilience. This means never compromising on the vision, owning your work (and the mistakes, learnings, and failures that come with it), and coming back up faster and stronger from each challenge.
Sharmeen Looi, CMO and Co-founder of iMotorbike
Strong leadership in an industry like ours, where women are underrepresented, is about breaking stereotypes and creating opportunities for all. It is about empowering individuals to realise their full potential, challenge the status quo, and contribute their unique perspectives to drive innovation and growth. As the co-founder of iMotorbike, I believe a strong leader listens attentively to diverse voices, fosters an inclusive culture, and champions equality at every level. We celebrate International Women’s Day by reaffirming our commitment to fostering a motorcycle culture where women feel welcomed, respected, and empowered. Together, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and diverse industry, where everyone, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to be valued and thrive.
Bell Beh, Co-founder and CEO of BuzzAR
As a leader, I always encourage our team to stay authentic. God gives us, female founders, the most beautiful ways to express ourselves, to be the feminine energy on earth, don’t try to be a “man”. We can be soft and firm. We can be exactly who we are.
Also, we should bring out the best version of ourselves, every time and lead by example. Be unique, be comfortable with your strengths and weaknesses, and be you, we have a lot to offer as female founders, be it being the soft and firm self, we have the balance of having “Yin” and “Yang” energy within us. This is the best century for female founders to thrive, rise and shine!
Marjorie Poon, Co-Founder and Managing Director of DIFY & Deputy Chief Executive Officer of EMERGE Group
A good leader fights for you, while a great leader teaches you how to fight. Leadership to me is seeing people in the team beyond who they are in the present and helping cultivate them to become who they want to be.
A great leader would also put in the effort and time, months and even years to build trust and rapport with his/her team because a leader is only as great as his/her team. I believe strongly that teamwork is necessary for great things to happen and the leader of that team needs to show up and lead by example.
Ginny Truc To, Country Manager, akaBot (Malaysia)
As a woman with a leadership role in the tech industry, I believe that true leadership knows no gender and is rooted in empowerment, empathy, and innovation. It’s about fostering a culture where every team member feels valued, heard, and supported to bring their unique perspectives and talents to the table. Strong leadership is not about micromanaging or exerting control, but rather about inspiring and motivating others to reach their full potential. It’s about being adaptable and resilient in the face of challenges and constantly striving for excellence and growth. As the Country Manager of akaBot Malaysia, I am committed to building strong and determined teams that celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion. I intend to lead by example and strive to create a more inclusive and equitable tech industry for all. This International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the contributions of women in tech and continue to drive positive change.
Rowena Dalosa, General Manager, ENGIE Services Philippines
Strong leadership to me, is about inspiring others through actions, fostering a culture of empowerment and accountability, and being a role model to young females entering the workforce.
Over the two decades that I’ve worked, I’ve come to understand that true leadership lies in collaboration, inclusion, and support. It’s about tackling obstacles with innovative solutions and nurturing talent to realise their full potential.
At ENGIE, our Ways of Leading (WOL) initiatives epitomise this philosophy, emphasising CARE, Trust, and Accountability. Our commitment to environmental protection binds us, driving every decision with sustainability at its core. Similarly, integrity and loyalty govern our interactions, ensuring transparency, honesty, and fairness in all our dealings.
A strong leader listens, mentors, and cultivates an environment where every individual feels valued and heard. In essence, strong leadership isn’t just a skill set; it’s a commitment to building a workplace where excellence thrives and individuals are empowered to achieve our shared goals.
Joanne Gao, Country Manager of Crimson Education Singapore and Philippines
In my view, strong leadership involves understanding and prioritizing diverse team needs. A successful team, led by a mentor and empathetic listener, embodies “radical candour” at Crimson Education. We foster openness, swiftly implementing creative ideas. Our weekly team gatherings serve as platforms to review trends and updates, enabling any team member to propose process improvements. This approach breaks down silos, promoting interdisciplinary understanding and enhancing our collective ability to tackle challenges.
Another key to Crimson’s success is rooted in adaptability and resilience, evident during challenges like COVID-19. We supported students in launching online initiatives, including building websites, blogs, and virtual exhibitions, fostering extracurricular growth for university applications despite physical activity restrictions.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s recognize that strong leadership not only brings success to the organization but also sets the stage for meaningful change, ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive in their academic journey.