Q&A with WOMAG Corporate Engagement Lead, Cynthia Lau

Hi Cynthia, welcome to the WOMAG Executive Committee! What interested you in the Corporate Engagement Lead in particular?

Thank you for the warm welcome! I'm thrilled to be a part of the WOMAG Executive Committee. The role of Corporate Engagement Lead specifically caught my attention for several reasons.

Firstly, I have always been passionate about fostering meaningful connections and collaborations between businesses and the community. The position of Corporate Engagement Lead presents an incredible opportunity to leverage my skills and experience in cultivating strong relationships with corporate partners.

Additionally, I was drawn to the challenge of driving positive social impact through strategic corporate initiatives and partnerships. I firmly believe that businesses have a unique role to play in raising awareness and promoting gender equality in the food and agribusiness ecosystem in Asia. I am excited to spearhead efforts that align our organization with forward-thinking companies that share our values and goals.

Furthermore, I was particularly impressed by the committee's and volunteers' commitment and enthusiasm for driving change and making a lasting difference in the world. Joining the team as the Corporate Engagement Lead allows me to directly contribute to these efforts and be part of a dynamic group of individuals dedicated to making a positive impact.

By collaborating with the Executive Committee members and our dedicated volunteers, my aim is to establish strategic partnerships and chapters, expanding WOMAG's presence and empowering the community in this region. I am excited to help WOMAG amplify our footprint in this region and make a tangible difference in our community.

How did you hear about WOMAG? Were you involved with WOMAG in the past?

My first introduction to WOMAG came through a friend from university who attended Meal with A Mission in 2022. He spoke highly of WOMAG's impactful initiatives and the positive change it was making in the community. Intrigued by his enthusiasm, I conducted further research to learn more about WOMAG's mission, values, and the remarkable work being carried out.

While I haven't been directly involved with WOMAG in the past, I have closely followed its activities since I learned about the organization.

The more I learned about WOMAG's values, its dedication to empowering individuals and communities, and its inclusive approach to making a difference, the stronger my resonance with its goals became. This alignment of values, along with my deep-rooted passion for driving positive change, led me to pursue the opportunity to join WOMAG and be a part of its mission to create a better future.

Ever since I became involved and participated in the first few events organized by WOMAG, I have been really impressed and heartened by the immense dedication and efforts that our team of volunteers invests in different outreach programs and events.

I am deeply honoured to bring my experiences and perspectives to the organization and contribute to the impactful work WOMAG is doing. Being involved with WOMAG now feels like a natural and fulfilling step in my journey toward making a meaningful difference in the world.

What is your "day job", and how do you think it will help you in your role as Corporate Engagement Lead with us?

Agricommodities have always held a special place in my heart. During my university days, I participated in the International Trading Track, a tripartite initiative involving leading commodity industry partners, Enterprise Singapore, and Singapore Management University. This program provided me with training by industry veterans, equipping me with the necessary skills for the physical and paper trade of commodities. I have personally benefited from such initiatives, and my aspiration is to establish more empowering programs for women leaders in the food and agribusiness industry across Asia.

Since my very first day of my professional journey at a palm oil company's laurics desk, there hasn't been a dull moment at work. I have gained exposure to various commodities, including sugar, cocoa, and palm oil, as well as different segments of the company's supply chain. However, my involvement with WOMAG has opened my eyes to even more aspects of the supply chain, such as seed developers, agritech, and alternative proteins.

Having embraced diverse roles within the agricommodities business, I am excited to leverage my experience in managing strategic corporate accounts and partnerships on a global scale to engage with industry stakeholders to join us to grow our networks in this space to empower women together. I firmly believe that collaboration serves as the cornerstone for driving meaningful change. It is crucial for all participants within the ecosystem to actively contribute in order to expedite progress towards achieving gender equality. Together, we can make a significant collective impact.

According to the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap 2022 report the average time, at the current pace, it will take for the gender gap to close in East Asia and the Pacific is a staggering 168 years. What change do you hope to see in the shorter term - let's say, within 10 years?

While the projection of a 168-year timeline to close the gender gap in East Asia and the Pacific is disheartening, it highlights the urgent need for accelerated progress. Within the shorter term, I hope to witness substantial advancements toward gender equality in the region.

Here are some key changes I envision:

1. Increased representation in leadership: I aspire to see a significant rise in the number of women occupying leadership positions across various sectors, especially in food & agribusiness in Asia. By breaking the glass ceiling, we can foster diverse perspectives, promote inclusive decision-making, and inspire future generations.

2. A holistic approach to inclusivity beyond management levels: Making more conscious efforts to create sustainable change and address gender disparities comprehensively, organizations should consider setting KPIs and implementing initiatives at various levels within the organization, including entry-level positions, mid-level management, and executive roles. With the involvement of leadership commitment and support, I hope to see more organizations setting targets and measuring progress for their gender equality initiatives to create more inclusive and diverse work environments.

3. Equal economic opportunities: It is crucial to create an environment where women have equal access to education, job opportunities, and financial resources. I hope to witness a significant reduction in gender-based pay gaps, increased female entrepreneurship, and enhanced support for women in non-traditional fields, ensuring economic empowerment and autonomy.

4. Elimination of gender stereotypes and biases: It is essential to challenge and overcome societal norms and stereotypes that limit opportunities for women. I hope to see a cultural shift where gender biases and discrimination are actively addressed and eliminated, promoting a more inclusive and equitable society.

5. Enhanced work-life balance: Within the next decade, I hope to witness a transformation in workplace policies and practices that prioritize work-life balance for both men and women. This includes flexible work arrangements, parental leave policies, and supportive childcare services, enabling individuals to thrive in their professional and personal lives.

6. Robust education and awareness: By investing in comprehensive education and awareness campaigns, we can foster gender equality from an early age. I hope to see educational systems that promote gender equality, challenge gender stereotypes, and encourage girls to pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated fields.

7. Engaged male allies and advocacy: Achieving gender equality requires the active participation and support of all genders. I hope to witness increased engagement of male allies who actively promote and champion gender equality, working alongside women to dismantle systemic barriers and create inclusive environments.

While these changes may not completely close the gender gap within a decade, I believe they are crucial milestones towards achieving significant progress. By collectively working towards these goals, we can pave the way for a more equitable and inclusive future for all individuals in East Asia and the Pacific. "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." I'm excited to start this journey with all of you and contribute to making a meaningful difference in the world.