TRAILBLAZING THE PATH TO INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP AT THE SHERO ASIA PACIFIC SUMMIT 2024
Singapore, October 29, 2024 – Set against the backdrop of the Marina Bay Financial Centre, in the offices of CTH Group, the inaugural sHero Asia Pacific Summit 2024 brought together visionary leaders and changemakers to champion women’s empowerment and redefine leadership in the region.
The summit’s theme, “sHero Design for Her & Sustainability: The Influence and Future of Women Consumers in Asia Pacific,” highlighted the growing role of women as consumers and leaders, driving innovation and sustainability. The event reflected past progress while calling for future action.
The day began with Christine Liu, Chairwoman & Founder of sHero, a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment. She shared her belief in the profound impact women can have: “sHero was founded on the belief that women can drive profound change, not just in their careers but in the world around them. As we gather today, I am inspired by the strides we've made and motivated by the work that lies ahead.”
Setting the tone for impactful discussions, Deric Wong, CEO of DJM Consulting and former Group CEO of an international 4As network in China, introduced Christine, emphasizing the importance of leadership: “As leaders, it’s our duty to not only open doors but to advocate for women as they redefine industries and drive innovation. The legacy we build today will shape the future of business, creating a more inclusive and forward-thinking industry.”
Andy Bentote, Regional Managing Director of PageGroup Asia Pacific, reflected on his long-standing journey with sHero: “As an early Advisory Board member, I feel incredibly proud and inspired by sHero’s progress into Asia. Our journey began over 10 years ago in China, and I am certain this summit will spark a new chapter of empowerment for many.”
The first session, "Her Design Her Future: Branding for Female Consumers in Asia", led by Charlene Ree, CEO of EternityX, explored strategies for connecting with female demographics in rapidly evolving markets. Charlene highlighted: “Being a ‘sHero’ means lifting others as we move forward. At EternityX, our ‘Eternal’ philosophy is about building lasting relationships and delivering value for everyone involved.”
Cheryl Goh, Group VP of Marketing & Sustainability and Founding CMO of Grab, led the session “Empowering Women Drivers: Technology, Sustainability, and Mental Well-being". She remarked,“Women across Asia Pacific are shaping the future, from technology to sustainability. It’s essential that we develop solutions that support their mental well-being and empower them as both consumers and entrepreneur.”
The first panel, "Empowering Women for a Sustainable Future: Balancing Career Growth, Consumer Choices, and Environmental Responsibility," featured Rachel Duffell of Tatler Front & Female, Xiangwei Gong, Asia President at Aptar, and Jenny Yeo, Director of Corporate Communications & Purpose Lead at Sephora.
Rachel Duffell emphasized, “Through Front & Female, I aim to break stereotypes, inspire others, and empower women by sharing their stories. Collaborating with sHero allows us to continue these vital conversations.”
Xiangwei Gong added, “Sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s about making decisions today that secure a prosperous future.”
In the next session, Dr. Serene Koh, Director of the Behavioural Insights Team, Singapore, explored "Empowering Women: Driving Inclusive Growth and Bridging Gaps in the Workplace Across Asia Pacific." She noted, “Supporting women has a direct impact on the economic, social, and political well-being of communities. Our work addresses gender-based violence and workplace inclusion, strengthening society as a whole.”
The final panel, "Sustaining Legacy: How New Women Leaders are Redefining Business," brought together Mina Yu, Founder of Oneness Capital, Poppy Chen, Chief Sustainability Officer of M&G Stationery, and Charlotte Chen, Vice President of Orbitel International Group.
Mina Yu shared, “At Oneness Capital, our investment philosophy focuses on restoring the ecological environment while promoting healthy lifestyles. Creating synergy between environmental responsibility and business goals is the foundation for a sustainable future for the next generation.”
Poppy Chen reflected, “It’s about preserving tradition while driving innovation. Empowering myself as a leader has allowed me to guide M&G through its transformation.”
Charlotte Chen added, “Promoting innovation while staying true to our roots is essential. Empowering women leaders ensures the longevity of not just our business, but our values.”
In closing, Christine Liu summarized key insights and introduced the sHero APAC Women’s Chapter, which aims to connect and empower women leaders across the region. The chapter will foster collaboration, mentorship, and leadership development - creating a platform for women to drive meaningful change together.
Gigi Feng, Managing Director of CBC Group and Pioneer Member of the sHero APAC Women's Chapter shared, "Women bring creativity and resilience to leadership, offering fresh perspectives that are essential in addressing today’s challenges. By being part of the sHero APAC Women’s Chapter, we are united in our mission to inspire innovation, shape new solutions, and build a more inclusive future for everyone."
Held in the sleek, innovative offices of CTH Group, the inaugural sHero Asia Pacific Summit 2024 brought together visionary leaders and changemakers to champion women’s empowerment and redefine leadership across the region.
The event concluded with a vibrant networking luncheon, where fresh ideas sparked dynamic conversations. Attendees left with renewed inspiration and a shared sense of responsibility to push boundaries, envisioning a future where women lead with creativity, resilience, and purpose.
This summit was more than just a moment - it ignited a movement that will ripple across industries and communities, empowering women to shape a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world.
For more information, please contact:
Jean Kniss Loh
DJM Consulting
jean.knissloh@djm-consulting.com
About sHero International:
A Decade of Advocacy and Impact: Founded by Christine Liu in 2011, sHero is dedicated to empowering women globally, fostering a community that champions their aspirations and well-being. For over a decade, sHero has collaborated with forward-thinking enterprises through innovative projects, major events, and creative content to advocate for cultural change, women’s advancement, and sustainable business development.
As a driving force for diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability, sHero helps companies build positive cultures and create meaningful impact. Believing in every woman’s potential to lead, sHero provides platforms to share stories, access resources, and build networks that empower women to thrive.
After its success in China, sHero is accelerating its expansion across Asia Pacific, connecting more women and creating a network of leaders and changemakers to shape the future together. This expansion positions sHero to lead the charge in building a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous future for women internationally and throughout the Asia Pacific region.
Learn more at: www.sherochina.com
