SheXO Forum 2023

The Deloitte Singapore SheXO Program hosted its annual SheXO Forum on 14 March 2023, centred around the theme “Embrace diversity, uphold equity, advocate inclusion”. The event was held at Raffles Hotel Singapore and joined by over 45 C-suite business leaders and Deloitte leaders.

Kicking off the forum with his opening remarks was Cheung Pui Yuen (Deloitte Singapore CEO), followed by a fireside chat between Seah Gek Choo (Deloitte SEA SheXO Program Leader and Talent Leader) and Aileen Tan (Group Chief People and Sustainability Officer at Singtel).

The chat delved into how putting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) at the core of the organisation’s purpose has enabled Singtel to cultivate a diverse workforce with a wide range of experiences, voices, skills, backgrounds – allowing them to better understand and serve the markets and communities they operate in. The conversation also explored some of Singtel’s initiatives and practices that have contributed to its strong DEI culture, such as a merit-based system and long-term DEI targets that are measured year-on-year to allow management to review and refine policies along the way.

This was followed by an address by our Guest-of-Honour, Edwin Tong (Minister for Culture, Community and Youth & Second Minister for Law), who shared the key macro shifts that are crucial to enabling women to further advance in society.

Closing the day of meaningful conversations, Darren Cerasi (Deloitte SEA Discovery & Data Management Leader) moderated a panel discussion with panellists Adeline Sim (Executive Director & Chief Corporate Officer at HRnetGroup), Dennis Mwansa (Managing Director and Asia Pacific Head of CIB Solution Architecture at JPMorgan Chase), and Sabrina Chong (Head of Corporate Development at Luxasia Group).

Our speakers highlighted that DEI should not be a “tick box exercise” – by creating a meaningful DEI strategy with clear objectives and demonstrating DEI values as a KPI, DEI can be deeply woven into the organisation’s culture. The conversation also explored the importance of cultivating and valuing diversity at the workplace, not just in gender, but also talent, thought and experience, which is critical for talent attraction and retention.

About the SheXO Program
The Deloitte SheXO Program supports the personal and professional development of established, emerging or aspiring women leaders. By championing diversity and inclusion, we hope to create a supportive environment for them to be inspired, grow, connect and drive meaningful change in communities to advance women in leadership.

To be part of the SheXO Program or find out more, please reach out to us at seashexoprogram@deloitte.com.