Nine women from across Southeast Asia representing the skilled, artistic, media and social sectors were announced as winners of the inaugural Women of the Future Southeast Asia Awards on the Hilton Singapore on Tuesday. Among them was Jessica Cheam, editor-in-chief of Eco-Business, who won within the media and communications category.
The Women of the Future (WOF) Awards, a UK-based platform that celebrates outstanding women under the age of 35 in a wide range of fields, this yr expanded its focus to Southeast Asia, a region where WOF said the potential for female talent is vast and untapped.
This yr’s winners were chosen from amongst 50 candidates from 10 countries within the region.
The winners of their categories were:
1. Arts & Culture: Laura Mam, Singer/Songwriter, CEO & Founder of Baramey Production – CAMBODIA
2. Business: Christina Gao, Global Product Manager, Shell – SINGAPORE
3. Community Spirit and Public Service: Phyu Hninn Nyein, CEO, Farm Advisory Services, Proximity Designs – MYANMAR
4. Entrepreneur: Khai Lin Chua, Co-Founder and CFO, Fundnel- SINGAPORE
5. Media and Communication: Jessica Cheam, Editor-in-Chief, Eco-Business – SINGAPORE
6. Occupation: Mary Bounthalath, Commissioner for Trade, Office of the Embassy of Canada within the Lao People’s Democratic Republic – LAOS
7. Real Estate, Infrastructure and Construction: An Nguyen, Director of Research and Consulting Services, CBRE Vietnam – VIETNAM
8. Science, Technology and Digital: Chern Ein Oon, Senior Lecturer, Universiti Sains Malaysia – MALAYSIA
9. Social Entrepreneur: Cherrie Atilano, social entrepreneur and founder/president of AGREA Agricultural Systems International, Inc. PHILIPPINES
Pinky Lilani CBE DL, founding father of the WOF programme, said that in a region with severe human resource problems, women represent an enormous, untapped resource that may contribute to the rapid development of Southeast Asia.
“Through the Women of the Future Awards, we aim to celebrate and inspire women to deepen and broaden the pool of female talent and build a global network of women who inspire and mentor each other to support progress in Asia,” she said.
“We are thrilled to be able to recognize and celebrate the achievements of our award winners and shortlisted candidates at our first Women of the Future Awards in Southeast Asia. These talented young women are making a difference
“working in their different fields and helping to create a better future for all, while paving the way for a new generation of women,” she added.
Judging began in July last yr with the jury chaired by Vicki Treadell, British High Commissioner to Malaysia.
Jessica Cheam, editor-in-chief of Eco-Business, winner within the media and communications category, said she was looking forward to working with the Women of the Future team to assist promote gender equality within the rapidly developing ASEAN region.
“The award was given for Eco-Business’ important work, for purposeful journalism and reporting on key current issues in the age of fake news.”
Chris Wei, Executive Chairman of Aviva Asia & FPI and Global Chairman of Aviva Digital, added: “Congratulations to the winners and nominees who have achieved tremendous success in their fields. I trust they will continue to inspire many future generations of female leaders.”
Source : http://www.eco-business.com/news/9-women-help-shape-the-future-of-southeast-asia/
