On March 27, 2025, Faye Wongso, Chairperson of KUMPUL and Group Lead of Tech Indonesia Advocates, shared her views on women’s leadership in tech in a Fireside Chat titled “Women Shaping Tech in Southeast Asia” at the UK-Southeast Asia Tech Week in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Presented by Global Tech Advocates , this session brought together women tech leaders from across the region, including Chidapa Chanthong (Director of Global Business Development & Expansion at Techsauce), Thai Van Linh (CEO of Skills Bridge), and Nicole Nguyen (Founder of APAC DAO & Vietnam Tech Advocates).
The discussion explored women’s significant role in shaping a more inclusive tech ecosystem while addressing the challenges and opportunities women continue to face in leadership positions. Below are some key insights that emerged from this compelling discussion:
Representation is a Key. But are we doing it right?
Representation isn’t just about filling quotas, it’s about recognizing value. A 2019 International Finance Corporation (IFC) report shows that businesses led by women have higher profitability (16%) than those led by men (12%). It’s a clear reminder that women deserve representation not just because of compliance, but proven capability.
When AI Becomes Game-Changer for Women in Tech
The rise of AI enables women to lead not only in business and managerial roles but also in the technical side of innovation. It’s opening space for diverse voices to shape inclusive solutions in a world long viewed through a male-dominated lens.
Challenging the Narrative of Southeast Asian Patriarchy
One compelling takeaway from the discussion was how countries like Thailand and Vietnam are shifting the narrative of women’s leadership. While patriarchy still runs deep across much of Southeast Asia, in Thailand, gender is no longer widely seen as a barrier to leadership. On other hand, in Vietnam, women are increasingly recognized for their ability to excel in both professional and domestic roles.
Redefining Strength: From Soft Skills to Power Skills
Soft skills, often associated with women, are still frequently seen as less valuable than technical or hard skills. In reality, skills like persuasion, negotiation, and clear communication are essential for success in business. Shifting the narrative from “soft skills” to “power skills” better reflects their true value: core strengths that are not secondary, but critical for thriving in leadership.
The Rising Tide of Women in Tech Leadership
At the end of the discussion, Faye shared a classic idiom: “High tides lift all boats.”
This metaphor perfectly captures the impact of the rise of women in tech as a rising tide that can elevate the entire ecosystem. As women thrive, they don’t just advance individually. They foster inclusive systems that push progress across the board. When women succeed, it creates a ripple effect, empowering others, strengthening communities, and driving collective growth. In this way, the flourishing of women in technology doesn’t just change individual lives, but it transforms industries and shapes a more inclusive future for all.
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