Q&A with WOMAG President, Vivian Sia

Hi Vivian, welcome to the WOMAG Executive Committee! What encouraged you to apply the role of President in particular?

WOMAG was founded in 2016 and that was also the first time I started working with WOMAG in my previous role with Enterprise Singapore. I truly believe the mission of WOMAG and how our society will be transformed when diversity, equity and inclusivity is embraced by all the stakeholders in the agribusiness industry. Needless to say, a leadership role is critical for the continuous growth of the organisation and I hope I can inspire, influence and guide many to participate in WOMAG’s common efforts.

Tell us a little about you, and how do you think it will help you in your role as President with WOMAG?

I am the mummy to Isabel aged 8 and Emma aged 4. I have been deeply involved in the agri-food industry with career spanning across public and private sector. Often curious and determined to push the boundary and transform the agri-food industry to be a more inclusive and diverse one, I am always committed to work with my fellow colleagues and friends to promote an equitable workplace for women.

I bring with me knowledge about the agri-food industry from farming, processing, packaging, trading, logistics to distribution and marketing. I have worked with stakeholders across the value chain of agri-food industry where I was involved in dialogues with governments, NGOs, IHLs, banks, insurers and agri corporates to shape policies to facilitate international trade.  I am thrilled to join WOMAG as your President, and look forward to meeting you all soon.

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?

As of 2021, women representing about 49.58% of the world’s population. In Singapore, women hold 21% of senior management roles in corporates which is on par with the international average. However, this is far too low if it to be compared with the world’s female population. Organizations like WOMAG can work with governments, trade associations, corporates and educational institutes to develop joint initiatives, programmes and a stronger network for women in the agribusiness and its auxiliary sectors.

I hope that as a collective effort, we can see more women leadership emerging in the region and we are able to narrow the gap in 10 years. I would like to see our daughters thrive in a more equitable environment, one where their talents and traits are truly valued.

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