Perspectives

SheXO Forum 2021

Entrepreneurial leadership

On 27 January, Deloitte Singapore’s SheXO Program organised the SheXO Forum 2021 which took place in the form of a hybrid event. With the theme of ‘Entrepreneurial Leadership’, the live event was held at Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, and was attended by C-suite business leaders from different industries. Together with the virtual audience who joined us from different parts of Southeast Asia, over 80 external guests took part in the forum. With appropriate safe management measures in place, we were delighted to have this opportunity to host and meet clients in person during this forum.

The invited speakers and panellists were distinguished business leaders from their respective organisations who shared many unique and insightful experiences during the forum. During the fireside chat, Sun Xueling (Minister of State for the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Social and Family Development) and Cindy Hook (Deloitte Asia Pacific CEO), spoke on issues women faced in the workplace and the approach that should be adopted when empowering these women. 

The panel discussion was moderated by Shantini Ramachandra (Deloitte Private Tax Leader), and joined by Emmanuelle Mace-Driskill (Charles & Keith Group Executive Director), Lawrence Chia (Samling Group CEO), Vandita Pant (BHP CCO), Seah Gek Choo (Deloitte SheXO Program Leader), who discussed about the importance of entrepreneurial leadership today, and the views and expectations people have about women leaders. When asked what she thought the next big step for diversity in Singapore is, Gek Choo highlighted the importance of practising inclusion within an organisation. 

To wrap up the forum, Ivy Tse (CEO of Halogen) was invited as the closing speaker who concluded with a reminder of the importance of self-confidence among women, and for organisations to look for moments to build entrepreneurial leadership.


The 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 find out more about how you can nominate your female C-suite client to be a part of the SheXO Program, contact Debbie Lin.

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