This International Women’s Day, we’re spotlighting 18 truly inspiring women who are breaking barriers, rewriting the rules, and making serious moves in their fields. From tech innovators and creative disruptors to powerhouse entrepreneurs and fearless activists, these trailblazers are changing the game for gender equality. Their journeys are proof that success isn’t one-size-fits-all, and that real impact comes from owning your story, lifting others up, and daring to do things differently. Get ready to be inspired.
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SHARUL CHANNA
COMEDIAN
With razor‑sharp wit and a fearless voice, Sharul Channa is breaking barriers in comedy. As one of Singapore’s most celebrated female stand‑up comedians, she has taken her bold, character‑driven humour across the world, from packed theatres in Singapore and Australia to sold‑out tours in India with Just Joking, Saree Not Sorry, and Sharul Channa Live. For her, comedy is more than just laughter—it’s a platform for empowerment. Whether she’s tackling social issues on stage or voicing Priya in Netflix’s animated sitcom Downstairs, she believes in the power of speaking up and owning your story.
Confidence, financial independence, and self‑love are the foundations of success, and she’s living proof that embracing one’s unique journey leads to greatness. “Never mind what people say about your acne and weight; embrace your skin and body, love yourself unconditionally, and you will be a different, beautiful version of yourself at every age,” she says.
Another point of importance to her: Ensuring that she’s part of bigger conversations, where she stands alongside changemakers such as Corinna Lim and Debra Langley, advocating for women’s rights.
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DR NANCY CHEN
SENIOR PRINCIPAL SCIENTIST AND LEAD PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR, A*STAR INSTITUTE FOR INFOCOMM RESEARCH
Dr Nancy Chen doesn’t just push the boundaries of artificial intelligence (AI); she redefines them. As a leading AI scientist at A*STAR, she works at the cutting edge of agentic and empathetic AI, training machines to interpret emotions, cultural nuances, and human interactions. Her research has driven advancements in education, privacy, healthcare, and media, with collaborations spanning the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, Microsoft, Kyoto University, and more. For Nancy, AI isn’t just about logic—it’s about blending science with empathy, like a DJ creating the perfect beat.
She finds inspiration in her grandaunt Kim, who demonstrated that perseverance and curiosity are the ultimate superpowers. “She told me, ‘The best things in life come after failure, if you wait long enough’, and she was right,” Nancy shares. In AI research, even the 10th version of an idea might not work—but Kim’s wisdom taught her that success isn’t just about persistence. It’s about adapting, learning, and enjoying the process.
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CAECILIA CHU
CEO AND CO‑FOUNDER, YOUTRIP
Caecilia Chu is redefining cross‑border payments in Southeast Asia. Under her leadership, YouTrip pioneered the region’s first multi‑currency digital wallet in 2018, with the trusted platform processing more than US$10 billion (about S$13.5 billion) annually since. With a mission to make global transactions seamless and affordable, she has built a fintech powerhouse that is as inclusive as it is innovative—boasting a 50/50 gender‑balanced workforce, with senior female leaders across key functions such as product, technology, and finance. To her, women can achieve anything when they have the confidence and support to chase their ambitions. “I firmly believe that women can do anything when they put their minds to it,” she says.
Celebrating International Women’s Day is a reminder of her own role in creating a more equitable world. As she puts it: “While it is a day for both celebration and reflection, it’s a reminder to myself that diverse perspectives are essential for building a truly innovative world, and [of] the importance [of continuing to advocate] for a level playing field where all women have the opportunity to succeed.”
MATHILDA D’SILVA
FOUNDER AND CEO, OCEAN PURPOSE PROJECT
Eco‑warrior (and singer) Mathilda D’Silva leads the only beach clean‑up operation in the world that converts ocean plastic into hydrogen energy. Her company also keeps Singapore’s waters clean using seaweed biofilters, and on top of all that, plants hundreds of trees to support climate resilience. It’s a relentless fight against pollution, but for Mathilda, climate justice is gender justice—because women and children suffer most in environmental disasters.
The road to get there hasn’t been easy. She has faced countless doubters, from engineers who dismissed her work to those who mocked the idea of plastic‑to‑hydrogen fuel. Now, they’re lining up to hear her insights. “Ladies, we’re not the problem—we’re the solution. If [others] won’t make room at the table, build your own,” she asserts. “If they say ‘you can’t’, reply with ‘watch me’.”
Her inspiration? Her 72‑year‑old mother and COO of Ocean Purpose Project—a woman of integrity and resilience. “She taught me that our beliefs and intentions must align with our words and actions. That’s not just a value, it’s our foundation,” says Mathilda.
This International Women’s Day, Mathilda isn’t just talking; she’s cooking with seaweed, pushing for gender equity in maritime industries, and calling out performative activism. And maybe, just maybe, raising a glass with her fierce female crew.
SUSANNAH JAFFER
FOUNDER AND CEO, ZERRIN
A creative entrepreneur and brand strategist, Zerrin founder Susannah Jaffer is on a mission to revolutionise fashion consumption. Through her company, she champions independent designers and sustainable fashion, helping brands sharpen their storytelling and scale their impact.
For her, progress happens when women move away from competition and towards collaboration. “When we lift [one another] up instead of bringing [one another] down, we create real change,” says Susannah. This belief in shared success is central to her work—and also to how she approaches life.
Her journey hasn’t been without challenges. Overcoming an eating disorder in her early twenties was a deeply personal battle, and it taught her resilience and the importance of unlearning societal pressures around beauty and body image. If she could go back in time, she’d tell her younger self: “Trust your gut. Don’t let other people’s opinions steer you off course—you know what’s best for your own path.”
MAYA AND MILI KALE
FOUNDERS, MOOM HEALTH
Sisters Maya and Mili Kale are on a mission to redefine women’s wellness for the modern Asian woman. As the founders of Moom Health, they’ve created a brand rooted in natural, expert‑formulated supplements designed to support every stage of a woman’s life. But beyond the products, their vision is clear: Wellness is not a passing trend—it’s a way of life.
To them, self‑care is not indulgence, but necessity. “We want women to feel confident in taking care of themselves—physically, mentally, and emotionally,” they say. With Moom, they’ve built more than a brand; they’ve fostered a community where women can share experiences, uplift one another, and embrace holistic well‑being without guilt.
Their inspiration comes from their mother, who taught them that “strength comes from balance, and [that] self‑care is an act of self‑love, not selfishness”, says Maya. This philosophy guides their commitment to challenging the status quo and advocating for gender equity in health.
DR AYESHA KHANNA
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE EXPERT AND CEO, ADDO
Few people are shaping the future of artificial intelligence (AI) quite like Dr Ayesha Khanna. As the CEO of Addo, she helps businesses harness AI for growth, advises global leaders, and sits on influential boards. Named by Edelman as one of 50 AI creators to know in 2025, and by Salesforce as one of 16 human AI influencers to know in 2024, she’s not just a tech visionary, but also a champion for inclusive innovation. Through Amplify, her AI education initiative, she’s making sure that the next wave of tech leaders includes more women, more diversity, and more game changers.
She’s here to remind us that gender equality isn’t a nice‑to‑have, but an essential for innovation. “Let’s create a world where girls coding robots or leading boardrooms is as normal as breathing,” she says.
Her message to men? Step up. Advocate for women, challenge biases, and create real opportunities. Because when women lead, progress isn’t just possible—it’s unstoppable.
JAMIE KOH
FOUNDER, BRASS LION DISTILLERY
As the founder of Singapore’s first gin distillery, Jamie Koh has made it her mission to put Singapore on the global craft spirits map. But breaking into a male‑dominated industry wasn’t easy. When she first launched Chupitos, a cocktail bar, in her early twenties, industry veterans dismissed her, saying she wouldn’t last six months. But she trusted her instincts, defied expectations, and carved her own path—a philosophy that ultimately led to the creation of Brass Lion Distillery.
For Jamie, International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate wins, but it’s also a call to action. She hopes for a world where women feel empowered to take up space, speak their minds, and define success on their own terms. “Trust your instincts and don’t let the doubts of others shake your vision,” she advises. “By uplifting and supporting [one another], we can bridge the gender gap and build a community of fearless women who aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo.”
KOH YAN PING
CEO, SINGAPORE COUNCIL OF WOMEN’S ORGANISATIONS (SCWO)
At the helm of the SCWO, Koh Yan Ping is leading the charge for gender equality in Singapore. As CEO, she oversees a national network of more than 60 member organisations that represent more than 600,000 women, all working towards equal space, equal voice, and equal worth for women in Singapore. This year, as SCWO marks 45 years of advocacy, Yan Ping remains focused on breaking down societal norms, gender stereotypes, and biases.
The heightened attention and awareness of International Women’s Day (IWD) is beneficial to the women’s movement, but she hopes to do more to educate the public. As she spends IWD with activists, leaders, and allies, she knows the real work doesn’t stop on 8 March—it’s a movement that demands continuous momentum. “The true meaning behind the day is the need for continuous push for women to have equal rights and opportunities,” she says.
ALEXIS LEE
SINGAPORE’S FIRST FEMALE PRO WRESTLER
Smashing stereotypes, Alexis “Friggin” Lee has paved the way for women’s wrestling in Singapore. As the country’s first female pro wrestler, she stepped into the ring in 2013 and has since wrestled in more than 10 countries, sharing the spotlight with icons such as Emi Sakura, Riho, Hana Kimura, and Indi Hartwell. A two‑time entry on Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s Women’s 250 list, Alexis continues to prove that hard work and resilience have no limits.
Her biggest lesson? Perseverance. Wrestling has tested her in ways she never imagined, but pushing through the challenges has led to incredible opportunities. “The advice I’d give my younger self is that the journey is arduous and no matter when the going gets tough, [you] have to persevere. Getting myself this far just proves that there is no limit,” she says.
WENNY LIM
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, HOMEPAY
As COO of HomePay, Wenny Lim drives business growth for the FinTech escrow payment app that safeguards homeowners from renovation scams. Her journey wasn’t conventional—she left her nine‑to‑five job to work in interior design, thinking it was a dream career only to discover an industry plagued by problems. When the company she worked for shut, she freelanced, building homes and relationships while witnessing first‑hand the renovation nightmares homeowners face. This experience, along with opportunity and timing, led her to HomePay.
For Wenny, International Women’s Day is a celebration of women’s achievements in all roles—in corporations, in businesses, or as homemakers. While progress is evident, more can be done. “I still believe that women should be given more opportunity, [and] not purely because of their gender [but] rather, by merit,” she says.
NELICIA LOW
FILMMAKER
National‑fencer‑turned‑award‑winning‑filmmaker Nelicia Low has always been drawn to stories of discipline, love, and human complexity. Her debut feature Pierce, a fencing thriller inspired by her relationship with her autistic brother that premiered at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in 2024, earned her the Best Director Award at the event.
For her, gender equality in film means allowing women to tell any story. “I wish that female filmmakers would be allowed to make any kind of film that’s true to them, rather than simply the kinds of films that women are expected to make,” she says.
Despite the challenges of filmmaking, she credits the supportive men in her career— cinematographers, co‑writers, and crew members—for giving her hope for a more equitable future. “Because of these wonderful men in my life that I’ve been so lucky to meet,” she says, “I have much hope for gender equality in the future.”
SYARAH MAHMOOD
LEAD ARTIST, UBISOFT SINGAPORE
Syarah Mahmood has spent the past nine years crafting breathtaking virtual worlds such as that in the video game Assassin’s Creed Mirage, which is a recreation of 9th‑century Baghdad. Collaborating with a team of designers and artists, she transforms historical research into immersive digital landscapes, proving that gaming is not just entertainment—it’s storytelling at its finest. Her creative pursuits extend into children’s literature—she illustrated The Other Side (2013) by Marc X Grigoroff, a project that allowed her to explore storytelling through a different lens.
International Women’s Day to her is about both progress and potential—a reminder of how far women have come and the work still to be done. At Ubisoft Singapore, she celebrates the occasion through the studio’s Crochet Club, using creativity to support women’s charities. Above all, she believes in the power of women uplifting one another. “Our kindness and empathy are our greatest strengths,” she says.
SASHA WIJIDESSA AND CHRISTINA RASMUSSEN
FOUNDERS, FURA
At Fura, Sasha Wijidessa and Christina Rasmussen are reshaping the way we eat and drink. With backgrounds in cocktail innovation and progressive kitchens, they’ve crafted a bar menu that’s as thought‑provoking as it is delicious. Translating to “pine” in Swedish, Fura symbolises the delicate balance of nature—a concept that explores how climate change is influencing our food systems. Their innovative approach has earned the cocktail bar the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award in 2024 and a spot on the 2024 Asia’s 50 Best Bars list (#42)—a testament to their commitment to pushing boundaries.
For them, International Women’s Day is a reminder of the unseen labour and impact of women. “Many things wouldn’t get done without us,” says Christina. The pair dream of a world where women are no longer underestimated for their abilities—where their worth isn’t dictated by someone else’s perception.
JOHANNE SIY
HEAD CHEF, LOLLA
From corporate boardrooms to Michelin‑starred kitchens, Johanne Siy has blazed an unconventional trail to becoming Asia’s Best Female Chef 2023 (bestowed by Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants).
Originally a regional brand manager at consumer goods giant Procter & Gamble, she pivoted to pursue her culinary dreams, training at the Culinary Institute of America before working under Eric Ripert (Le Bernardin), Daniel Boulud (Café Boulud), and André Chiang (Restaurant André), with stints at Noma, Relæ and Fäviken. In 2020, she took the helm as head chef at Lolla, where her produce‑driven, ingredient‑focused cuisine has earned international acclaim.
Johanne’s wish for women is that they be recognised for their leadership and skill in the kitchen, not just through a gendered lens. “It wasn’t easy making the shift from a corporate career to the kitchen. I’ve achieved what I’ve achieved through hard work and tenacity, without compromising my values,” she says. “Passion is one thing, but it can only take you so far. At the end of the day, it’s about putting in the hours day in and day out.”
CASSI YOUNG
GLOBAL FINE ART DIRECTOR, ART WORKS GROUP
With more than a decade in the art world, Cassi Young has built a career championing both artists and collectors. As global fine art director at Art Works Group, she leads a fine art advisory and gallery dedicated to promoting local and international talent. Her expertise, honed at Christie’s and Bonhams in London, is backed by a double master’s in art history and curatorial museum studies.
Beyond the business of art, she is deeply passionate about mentoring the next generation through initiatives such as I Like Networking. She is also a mentor at University College London’s Art Business Society.
In the art world, where leadership has long been male‑dominated, Cassi has been observing a shift—but there’s still work to be done. To her, gender equality shouldn’t be a battle women have to fight alone. “Men need to challenge problematic stereotypes,” she says. “It’s important for them to speak up when they hear or witness wrong behaviour, so that we’re not standing alone.”