Upskilling: An Important Currency That Buys SMEs a Future in the Digital Age
Upskilling is the key investment that empowers SMEs to fully leverage technology, stay competitive, and thrive in ASEAN’s fast-evolving digital economy.
UOB x Womenpreneur Series 2025
Continuing from last year, #UOBxWomenpreneurs series returns in 2025, organised by Business Banking Singapore (BBS), UOB FinLab, and Group Wholesale and Markets Marketing (GWMM) to engage and empower women entrepreneurs in Singapore. The initiative creates a strong platform for women-led businesses to access practical resources, mentorship, and a supportive network as they grow and lead with confidence.
Aligned with UOB’s commitment to supporting small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the series connects womenpreneurs through curated events where they can learn from industry peers and foster meaningful new relationships.
Womenpreneurs on building big with UOB
Held at the National Gallery Singapore, the first Womenpreneurs event of 2025 was kicked off by Mr Paul Kan, Head of Business Banking Singapore and Ms Janet Young, Head of Group Channels and Digitalisation and Group Strategic Communications and Brand. Shortlisted from over 370 registrants, around 150 women entrepreneurs attended the session.
The session offered women entrepreneurs the opportunity to network with peers and draw inspiration from five distinguished women leaders, who shared their personal stories of entrepreneurship and the challenges they faced.
- Ms Goh Shu Yi, Founder of The Strengths Co, spoke about her transition from the tech sector to starting her own consultancy, and guided participants through discovering and leveraging their personal strengths.
- Ms Pek Lay Peng, Group CEO of SHINGDA Group of Companies, and founder of societyA and NAIIAN, emphasised the importance of self-accountability and building confidence from within, reminding the audience that every individual holds something uniquely valuable.
- Ms Jenny Tay, Managing Director of Direct Funeral Services and Flower Story, shared how having a strong sense of purpose and clarity in one’s “why” can help entrepreneurs stay focused and rise above external doubt.
- Ms Evangeline Leong, Founder and CEO of Kobe, reflected on the need for leaders to distinguish between societal expectations and their own internal narratives when navigating business decisions.
- Ms Clare Leighton, Founder of FileAl, discussed how business and people fundamentals remain constant, even in the fast-changing world of technology and startup cycles.
Mr Paul Kan, Country Head of Business Banking Singapore, welcoming the attendees and sharing how UOB supports entrepreneurs.
Ms Goh Shu Yi guiding attendees through a short activity on what brings them energy and excitement at work, and identifying their strengths.
From left: Ms Pek Lay Peng; Ms Jenny Tay; Ms Clare Leighton; and Ms Evangeline Leong for the panel session on “Building Purposeful and Resilient Businesses”.
Mr Shannon Lung, Head of UOB FinLab, bringing attendees through the upcoming Digitalisation Innovation Programme for Womenpreneurs 2025.
Ms Janet Young, Head of Group Channels and Digitalisation, Strategic Brands and Communications in her closing speech on UOB’s support for women and journey with women entrepreneurs.
Womenpreneurs coming together to build new networks, gain new perspectives and be inspired by business leaders.
Empowering Womenpreneurs through Mentorship
Around 60 women entrepreneurs were selected to participate in the Digitalisation Innovation Programme: Womenpreneur (D.I.P:W) 2025 by UOB FinLab. Designed to support business transformation and digital innovation, the programme equips womenpreneurs with practical tools to refine their strategies, strengthen operations, and scale their businesses effectively.
Held from 23 to 29 April 2025, the programme featured curated workshops, peer learning, and mentorship opportunities. Womenpreneurs connected with 13 experienced mentors from diverse industries during a meet-and-greet session and were matched post-programme to support their business and professional development.
Through D.I.P:W, UOB continues its commitment to empowering women-led businesses across the region and fostering inclusive growth for SMEs in Singapore and beyond.
Benny Chan, Head of Channels and Digitalisation, UOB, interacts with womenpreneurs post mentorship session
Ian Wong, Head of Group International Management, UOB, interacts wth womenpreneurs
Joewin Tan, CEO of QUANT Consulting Group, interacts with womenpreneurs
Vanessa Ong, Owner and Founder of Gernise Global Pte Ltd, interacts with womenpreneurs
UOB FinLab Womenpreneurs x Valencia Yachts
UOB FinLab’s Womenpreneur community set sail with Valencia yachts for a sunset networking cruise, bringing together women founders and business leaders for an evening of inspiring showcases, meaningful connections, and open-sea conversations against Singapore’s stunning skyline. Four established women leaders shared their personal stories and challenges they faced in establishing themselves as entrepreneurs:
- Jo Ng from Dormiente on pioneering the brand’s expansion into an award-winning sleep and furniture brand.
- Ira Sophia from Squarish on managing a team of designers, architects and project coordinators for seamless execution.
- Selene Chin from Triad on combining commercial rigor with creative edge for her brand.
- Joanna Teo from Attribute Data on transforming data into actionable intelligence that drives innovation and strategic decision making.
UOB FinLab’s womenpreneur community gathered for a 4-Hour sunset networking cruise hosted by Valencia Yachts.
Evangeline Wong, founder of Valencia Yachts sharing her story of turning her passion for sailing into a thriving business.
The open-sea networking atmosphere created space for meaningful conversations and new connections.
Joyce Chung, Founder of Guilt Free- food sharing her entrepreneurship journey and experience.
Ruth Ng, Founder of Blessed Blooms showcasing her products during the Spotlight Introductions segment.
The womenpreneurs left the event with new friendships, potential collaborations, and a shared sense of community.
UOB FinLab SME Networking day
The womenpreneurs gathered again to celebrate FinLab’s 10 years of impact in FinLab’s 10th anniversary SME networking evening. In it, Vanessa Ong, Founder of Gernise Global and MamaShop, shared how she turned ambition into action through participation in UOB FinLab programmes and community and aligned growth with positive environmental and social impact. Bridget Tai, Executive Director of Sonata Dancewear, and Jo Ng, Founder and Director of Inspire Marketing explored how community, mentorship, and skills development empower SMEs to grow with confidence.
UOB x Womenpreneur Series 2025
Checkout highlights from UOB x Womenpreneur 2024.
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