Embracing digital products
The panel discussion opened with the panellists recounting their own career paths. Standard Chartered’s Sunday Domingo explained that her journey began in the Philippines. After entering the banking world straight out of university, she began her career working on the cash management side and was responsible for implementing electronic banking.
“That’s when I fell in love a little bit with technology,” she said. “That wasn’t my background – I studied economics at university, but I saw how information is also an asset, and how technology can enable the business.” Later relocating to Singapore in 2001, she joined a product management team that was engaged in building the transaction bank’s digital channels and products.
Sunday firmly believes that her career journey has been enriched by the people she has met on the way – particularly those of different backgrounds, with different perspectives and attitudes. “And my role is still building digital products and data analytics solutions – except now it’s not diskettes or modems, but blockchain, APIs and Gen AI.”
Going where the growth is
J.P. Morgan’s Jing Zhang explained that after attending university in China, she received a full fellowship to study at Indiana University in the US and went on to gain an MBA at the University of Pennsylvania.
“I joined J.P. Morgan during the financial crisis of 2008-2009 and received a full-time offer to go back after a summer internship,” she recalled. Then, after three years in New York, she was faced with a dilemma – whether to remain at the head office in New York, “which many people would probably have chosen,” or to move out to work in the fast-growing markets of Asia. After careful consideration, she opted to move to the bank’s Singapore office.
Jing added that when faced with this type of decision, it can be valuable to “take that risk earlier in your career” – but she also emphasised the importance of having a network to lean on for advice. “The biggest advice I got is to think about where the growth is, think about where the clients are, think about where the business is going in the next ten-15 years. I think I made the right choice.”
Making it count
Vinita explained that her mother was a research and development scientist who had opted to step away from corporate life in order to raise her two daughters. As such, Vinita and her sister were acutely aware of the sacrifice made by their mother.
“This has had a profound impact on my life and the effort I have made with my career,” she said. “It’s made me curious and hungry for every opportunity. It’s not just for me; it’s for my mum as well. And hence I need to really make it count.”
In a traditionally male-led environment, Vinita faced scepticism over her ability to succeed in tough markets. “But if you want to really pivot yourself in your career, you need to make those courageous choices.”
At the same time, Vinita focuses not just on personal success, but on the need to make things better for future generations. “That’s what has shaped me and drives me,” she said. “And my mum continues to be a pillar of support to this day.”
Enlightened approach
Growing up in the northwest of England, Sarah Lo witnessed a time of industrial unrest and economic transformation in her teenage years. With many people experiencing challenging conditions in their working lives, she was struck by the reputation of a particular business which was known for taking a more enlightened approach to its staff. “The various dynamics really fascinated me, and this early interest in the world of work, translated into a career in HR,” she added.
Sarah said she had recently celebrated her 40th work anniversary, adding that much of her career has been spent in the financial sector. “I met and married my Singaporean husband nearly 30 years ago, which opened up a whole new world to me,” she added. “It’s been amazing to see how Singapore has developed in that time, and it provides a constant source of inspiration
Since stepping back from corporate life, Sarah has embraced a portfolio career that includes board roles, board advisory, business development, including coaching leaders through personal and business transformation.
Seizing opportunities
The panel went on to discuss the qualities necessary for a successful career. “A lot of the time I am working with technology and engineering teams, and when I go into a meeting there will be people there who know a lot more than me,” said Sunday. “I would say that you need to have the humility to ask questions and to learn from others.
“It might be that I am the only woman present, and the only one who can’t code. But because of that difference, I can have ideas that they don’t have. That’s my strength. And the more I have leaned into that, the more confident I have become.”
Speaking about the different roles she has held, from investor relationships to business finance, Vinita highlighted the importance of embracing opportunities and not being held back by self-doubt. “Have the courage to believe in yourself – if you don’t know something today, then go behind it and prepare like your life depends on it. Study the domain, ask questions, and learn.”
