Q&A with WOMAG Secretary, Susan Knight

Hi Susan, welcome to the WOMAG Executive Committee! What encouraged you to apply for the Secretary role in particular?

I bring extensive experience of leading project teams and committees, both within my own organization and across my industry, which I hope will equip me to fulfil the role of WOMAG Executive Committee Secretary. As someone who has spent three decades working in R&D, I am analytical and I pay attention to detail! Working in the corporate sector, in a highly regulated industry, I am also familiar with the principles of governance and compliance.

Were you involved with WOMAG in the past? What encouraged you to apply as an ExCo member as opposed to a volunteer?

I’ve volunteered for WOMAG as a member of the Meal with a Mission teams in 2020 and 2021. It was a privilege to work with such capable and talented women, and I’d like to continue with contributing to WOMAG. I am a recent “empty nester” and (of course) I am traveling less than I did before the pandemic, so I’d like to channel some of my free time (and extra energy!) into doing more for this tremendously worthwhile organization.

What is your "day job", and how do you think it will help you in your role as Secretary with WOMAG?

My “day job” is Head of Sustainability for Syngenta Crop Protection Development in Asia Pacific. I have been based in Syngenta’s regional office in Singapore for nearly 20 years, and I have travelled extensively within the Asia Pacific region for my work, which has included engaging with scientists, governments, and NGOs to support farmers with sustainable agriculture practices. An important element of my role, as a Syngenta Science Fellow, and as a member of the regional R&D management team, is in leading, supporting and mentoring others, and I hope that this experience will help me in the role of WOMAG Secretary. I represent my company in technical committees of the plant science industry association (CropLife International) and I am currently serving as Chairperson of the Asia Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (AFRAC).

According to the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap 2021 report, at current pace the average time it will take for the gender gap to close in East Asia and the Pacific is a staggering 165 years. What change do you hope to see in the shorter term - let's say, within 10 years?

I am optimistic that the rapid advances we’re seeing in digital technology will make information more easily available, particularly to women in rural communities. Hopefully, this will provide them with greater access to education and resources, which is currently a barrier to closing the gender gap. The change that I would particularly like to see is the greater presence of women role models across all walks of life, but particularly in science and technology. Above all, I would like to see more acknowledgement of the value of diversity and inclusion in making organizations more effective and innovative.

Want to learn more about or connect with Susan? You can find her LinkedIn profile here.