Forging a more inclusive world for women takes all hands on deck. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, they take action to advance other women’s aspirations, too.
This common thread emerged from our conversations with colleagues across the Temasek Trust ecosystem in the lead-up to International Women’s Day (IWD). Our ecosystem is made up of organisations in asset and investment management, philanthropy and impact, and socio-economic and enterprise development.
Read on for the highlights of our chats with these ecosystem colleagues about their roles, impact, and women’s empowerment:
- Alina Chia, Associate Director, Programmes, Temasek Foundation (TF)
- Jessica Loo, Associate Director, Philanthropy Asia Alliance (PAA)
- Kate Shieh, Deputy CEO, Tri-Sector Associates (TSA)
- Maria Kang, Associate Director, Strategy, Mandates & Impact, Temasek Trust (TT)
- Peh Zhen Yu, Associate Director, Centre for Impact Investing and Practices (CIIP)
- Shirin Ismail, Director, Temasek Trust Asset Management (TTAM)
- Silky Raheja, Impact Director, ABC Impact
(From left) Alina Chia, Kate Shieh, Shirin Ismail, Peh Zhen Yu, Jessica Loo, Maria Kang, Silky Raheja.
Why is your organisation's work significant? How does it support women's inclusion?
Alina (TF): At Temasek Foundation, we curate programmes to drive meaningful social impact. Education is one of our core impact themes.
In Singapore, women are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and careers. One such TF programme supporting girls and women is our Marie Curie Programme, in partnership with NUS High School of Math and Science, which reaches out to 100 female primary school students every year.
This programme creates more opportunities for the girls to deepen their passion and talent in Mathematics and Science, and encourages them to pursue these fields at the secondary level. Through a variety of hands-on workshops, the students hone their mathematical, scientific, and inquiry skills.
Shirin (TTAM): Temasek Trust Asset Management aims to be the trusted fund manager for philanthropic capital, to generate sustainable returns for our beneficiaries. We invest globally and across multiple asset classes with a strategic focus on healthcare and climate, aligned with TT’s mission.
Alongside strong financial returns, we seek to deliver positive impact outcomes by way of impact investing.
I believe that our differentiated and purposeful long-term investment approach will guide us in navigating an increasingly complex world.
Kate (TSA): Tri-Sector Associates focuses on creating effective collaboration across sectors through outcome-based funding. One project we have been working on is the Asian Women’s Welfare Association’s (AWWA) Family Empowerment Programme (FEP). The programme provides unconditional monthly payments to eligible households for 18 months, with the hope of giving them income stability for longer-term planning.
A majority of the FEP applicants tend to be women facing challenging family situations. It is heartening that the programme has the potential to make a difference to their lives — not just through better employment outcomes, but also enhanced overall well-being and stronger resilience.
With support from TT and Standard Chartered, the TSA team has structured an “ Outcome Amplifier” — an adaptation of the Pay-For-Success financing model to meet local needs in Singapore — for the FEP. Through the Outcome Amplifier model, StanChart provides upfront funding or risk capital to AWWA, while TT is the outcomes funder — pre-committing to funding the second round of the project if the first-round targets are achieved.
"It is more common for women than men to doubt their own abilities, also known as the confidence gap. I hope to encourage other ladies to put themselves out there."
— Kate Shieh, Tri-Sector Associates
What fuels your passion at work?
Maria (TT): I started my career in the defence sector, where we were constantly thinking about how to prepare for future threats to peace and stability and our way of life. There were also conversations on food security, energy security, and water security.
It got me thinking about what an existential threat really meant. This world could become inhabitable in my lifetime, while many people and wildlife are suffering. The World Meteorological Organisation’s Provisional State of the Global Climate in 2023 reported record-breaking, disastrous levels of greenhouse gases, global temperatures and melting glaciers.
As depressing as that sounds, I am not ready to give up. I feel privileged to be working in an organisation that is set on creating a positive impact in this world, doing what we can with our resources and partners. We owe it to the next generation to give them a fighting chance at fixing things.
Silky (ABC Impact): From the outset, purpose has guided my career path, leading me to impact investing, where every financial decision brings a promise of positive change. It fills my work with satisfaction to witness the ripple effects of our collective work at ABC Impact and ability to contribute to positive social and environmental outcomes. It is a shared journey, with like-minded people, of weaving a tapestry of sustainability and equity stitch by stitch — the power lies in our collective impact.
The collaborative effort to address pressing issues fosters a sense of responsibility and accomplishment, reinforcing that what I do every day is part of a larger movement of creating a sustainable and equitable future.
"It is a shared journey, with like-minded people … the power lies in our collective impact."
— Silky Raheja, ABC Impact
Alina (TF): Growth. I enjoy navigating the challenge of finding win-win solutions to balance various perspectives in programme curation, seizing and seeking out the right opportunities at the right time.
At TF, we play the active role of a programme architect — designing and building programmes with our partners for the best possible impact. It is not a skill that you ‘learn’ in school, but rather, by doing and learning from peers and colleagues.
Zhen Yu (CIIP): The opportunity to make a tangible difference in fostering positive change through building the impact investing ecosystem. I am also energised by the prospect of contributing to meaningful research, addressing ecosystem challenges, and fostering impactful initiatives alongside my dedicated and multi-talented colleagues at CIIP.
Impact investing is a critical tool to bridge the financing gap for the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Temasek Trust, through CIIP, is SDG Impact's Anchor Partner in Asia. (Photo by Zhen Yu during a recent work trip to Southeast Asia.)
What developments are you most excited or optimistic about?
Jessica (PAA): In my short seven to eight-month stint in the philanthropy and impact space, I have met stakeholders across the board with a great deal of enthusiasm and varied experiences, keen to work towards a common and clear-minded goal of delivering impact through their contributions.
In driving our support for partnerships — among the philanthropic, private, and public sectors — across the ecosystem, the above ingredients give me optimism that we can work together to collectively scale success.
That’s also why I am looking forward to the Philanthropy Asia Summit 2024. Themed “Partnerships for Action” this year, the Summit is the PAA’s annual flagship platform to convene leaders from the public, private, and philanthropic sectors to catalyse partnerships in tackling the greatest environmental and social challenges facing us.
Maria (TT): I am excited about Temasek Trust’s push to bring about a vibrant impact ecosystem and community of changemakers in Asia. In recent years, we have set up a social impact hub with Temasek Shophouse, entered impact investing with ABC Impact, and built on our experience and expertise in the space with CIIP. We also launched the Philanthropy Asia Alliance to catalyse multi-sector partnerships to prime Asia as a force for good.
We’re on a journey to create and scale positive impact with our partners, and are just getting started.
How have other women empowered or inspired you?
Shirin (TTAM):When I was fresh out of school, I always worked under senior high-profile women leaders who demonstrated a passion for excellence and a clear commitment to family and loved ones.
They have been my role models and continue to inspire me to make wise choices at work and in life. From each of them, I learnt how to do things better, have dedication and aspirations, and set examples for others.
One simple example is a lady ex-boss who encouraged me to keep fit with weekly duet Pilates sessions with her at lunchtime. Having good health gives us the mental strength to handle life’s challenges.
Alina (TF): Interestingly, my mother-in-law was one of them. She was an anomaly of her time — a successful careerist at a time when most women assumed the sole role of caregiving. Yet, her lens was not of a distinction between men and women, but rather confidence that she was as capable of doing the same as men.
It is a reminder to me that we are holistic selves in our career and also the need to seek out the right conditions to succeed.
Likewise, the recurring advice from various role models is to view both career and life as one, and as a continuum of different seasons in life, instead of the pursuit of “having it all, all at once”. The other common thread is to pay it forward and support the development of others. I had benefited greatly from this when I was navigating a non-conventional pathway in social impact and dealing with the complexities of work and life.
"The recurring advice is to view both career and life as one, and as a continuum of different seasons in life, instead of the pursuit of 'having it all, all at once'."
— Alina Chia, Temasek Foundation
Silky (ABC Impact): From a young age, my mother instilled in me the value of gender equality and pursuing my passions, paving the way for a fulfilling career where women leaders have championed my growth. This privilege fuels my responsibility to empower others.
My guiding principle is to challenge biases and advocate for equal opportunities. I mentor women on career and financial independence, participate in women's health discussions, and share experiences of being a working mother.
Acknowledging the diversity within the women's movement is crucial. I celebrate achievements, both big and small, fostering a supportive community where every woman thrives. This is not just a personal mission but an outcome of the support I have received, allowing me to help create a more equitable future for all.
What drives you when the going gets tough?
Kate (TSA): There are two ‘P’s that come to mind — Purpose and People. I remind myself of the Purpose of why I am doing something. Is it for a cause that is greater than I? I also keep my People close by — a group of trusted advisors, friends, and family — who keep me grounded and on course.
Of course, a good dose of humour helps in such situations as well. As the saying goes: “Take what you do seriously, but yourself lightly”!
Shirin (TTAM): Commitment and purpose drive me when plans do not pan out. Part of being resilient is the adaptability to take alternative routes towards achieving the objectives.
"Commitment and purpose drive me when plans do not pan out."
— Shirin Ismail, Temasek Trust Asset Management
Silky (ABC Impact): I draw strength from the conviction that adversity is not a roadblock but a detour on the path to success. My personal drive emanates from a deep well of purpose — the understanding that each obstacle is an opportunity for growth and learning.
In moments of doubt, reflecting on past triumphs ignites a renewed sense of resilience. They serve as a potent reminder that challenges are temporary, and the journey, while demanding, ultimately leads to greater fulfilment. This holistic approach empowers me to navigate challenges, emerge stronger, and continue marching forward towards my aspirations.
Jessica (PAA): I am a strong believer of this quote, shared by an ex-boss: “The greatest tragedy in life is not failure but in success that does not really matter.”
When the going gets tough, I go back to the drawing board and remind myself why I signed up for this in the first place. If I’m convinced that this task is something that does matter, I commit myself to finding ways to pivot around the challenge.
(From left) Silky Raheja from ABC Impact, Shirin Ismail of Temasek Trust Asset Management, Jessica Loo from the Philanthropy Asia Alliance, and Maria Kang from Temasek Trust.
Any words of encouragement for women aspiring to work in your field?
Zhen Yu (CIIP): I consistently remind myself and encourage juniors in this field to embrace their unique strengths and perspectives. It is also crucial to seek guidance from supportive mentors and allies.
Our experiences unavoidably shape who we are and how we perceive the world around us. But always believe in yourself and pursue your passions with unwavering determination and resilience. Do not hesitate to advocate for your ideas confidently — your voice and insights bring an invaluable contribution to the table.
Stay curious, be committed to continuous growth and learning, and be ready to seize opportunities as they arise. The world is your oyster!
"Believe in yourself and pursue your passions with unwavering determination and resilience."
— Peh Zhen Yu, Centre for Impact Investing and Practices
Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing?
Kate (TSA): Having been away from Singapore for a long time, I have been exploring different parts of the city and finding ways to reconnect with it through food, community work, and building new connections. I also enjoy the outdoors through activities like hiking, kayaking, and skiing, as well as spending time with loved ones.
Zhen Yu (CIIP): Travelling and exploring enable me to immerse myself in diverse cultures and geographical landscapes! I gain a more comprehensive understanding of the world, developing more empathy for people from different backgrounds and a broader perspective in my daily work.
Ultimately, travelling puts our everyday lives into context. It empowers us not only to understand the world better but also strive to contribute meaningfully to it. This is especially significant in a world where it is so important to think sustainably for yourself, your society, and future generations.
Jessica (PAA): In a parallel universe, I would be running an animal sanctuary. Daily, I love the smallest pleasures in life and enjoy going on long walks and exploring nature with my community of rescue dogs as well as sitting under a tree and creating a new melody with my guitar. Oh, the bliss!
"When the going gets tough, I go back to the drawing board and remind myself why I signed up for this in the first place."
— Jessica Loo, Philanthropy Asia Alliance
Inspiring inclusion across our ecosystem and beyond
The world is 131 years away from full gender parity across economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, health and survival, and political empowerment, the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2023 found.
That may seem daunting. But we all have the power to inspire one another to action that will bring tangible impact in our day-to-day lives. When we understand, value, and actively seek out the inclusion of women and girls, each of us creates a ripple effect that moves through the communities we work in and for.
Here’s wishing everyone a happy International Women’s Day!
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