Women in Technology: Leaders Advocate for Empowerment and Growth
Female executives highlight strategies for success at the Empowerher Asia Leadership Forum 2025.
At the recent Empowerher Asia Leadership Forum 2025, female leaders in technology sectors emphasized the importance of self-confidence, mentorship, and workplace sponsorship as essential components for women's success in the industry.
Hosted by Novituz and the EmpowerHER Asia project, the event featured insights from notable executives.
Kulwipa Piyawattanametha, managing director and the first female leader of SAP Indochina, stressed the need for women to cultivate self-love and recognition of their challenges.
She acknowledged the societal expectations surrounding engineers and highlighted that confidence comes from acknowledging one’s limitations and being open to learning.
Piyawattanametha encouraged women to seek mentors with relevant expertise and to find workplace sponsors who advocate for their growth in their careers.
She noted that great organizations promote diversity and create supportive environments for emerging talent.
Kannokkamon Laohaburankit, the managing director at Fujitsu (Thailand) Co Ltd and the first Thai leader in a Japan-based tech firm, pointed out that women often face barriers in accessing male-dominated networks and balancing career and family responsibilities.
She advised women to demonstrate their capabilities and take incremental steps toward their goals.
Laohaburankit also highlighted the importance of engagement in mentorship programs and continuous self-improvement to foster career advancement.
Vilaiporn Taweelappontong, managing director of PwC South East Asia Consulting and the first Thai woman at the regional level of the firm, remarked on the necessity for women to assert their presence within their organizations.
She encouraged female employees to create visibility for themselves and take proactive steps to forge their own paths to success.
Taweelappontong mentioned the evolving workplace dynamics at PwC, providing flexible work arrangements to adapt to their workforce's needs.
Shannon Kalayanamitr, founder of Ikigai Advisory Group and a tech startup investor, presented statistics revealing that only 2% of funding in the United States goes to women-led startups, while the global average is slightly higher at 9%.
Kalayanamitr noted that ventures led by women often yield superior returns, with 40% reporting profitability.
She urged women to be fully informed about market salary ranges and to negotiate confidently for equitable compensation.
The forum illustrated a growing recognition of the challenges faced by women in technology while promoting strategies for empowerment, mentorship, and professional growth in a rapidly evolving industry.