Meet Singapore’s 8 Most Influential Female CEOs

Singapore is home to some of the most dynamic and powerful women leaders shaping industries not just locally but across Asia and the world. These eight CEOs combine visionary leadership, strategic acumen, and relentless drive to transform sectors ranging from banking and fintech to venture capital and proptech. Their influence resonates far beyond Singapore’s borders, setting new standards for innovation, inclusivity, and impact in the global business landscape.

1. Helen Wong (Group CEO, OCBC Bank)

OCBC CEO Helen Wong's 2022 pay reaches $11.2 million, behind other local bank chiefs | The Straits Times

Helen Wong became OCBC’s first female CEO and the first woman to lead a major Singapore bank. She began at OCBC in 1984 as its first China Desk Manager, later running HSBC’s Greater China business. Revered for her expertise in corporate and investment banking, Wong is known for steady navigation during complex periods such as the Covid-19 crisis. She is active in succession planning and values-based talent management.

2. Tan Su Shan (Group CEO, DBS Bank)

DBS's next CEO will be Tan Su Shan, the first woman to lead Southeast Asia's largest bank | Fortune Asia

Tan Su Shan brings over 35 years of banking experience across key financial centers including Hong Kong, Tokyo, and London. Starting as a DBS intern, she rose to senior leadership and is currently CEO. She is a board member at Singapore’s EDB and Climate Impact X, and has been recognized by Fortune and Forbes as one of Asia’s most powerful women. Tan’s academic profile includes Oxford (PPE) and executive training at Harvard and Stanford. She is noted for her sector expertise, intellectual range, and passion for community-building.

3. Jenny Lee (Founder & Senior Managing Partner, Granite Asia)

GGV Capital Asia Rebrands As Granite Asia After U.S. Split

Jenny Lee launched the Asia arm of GGV Capital (now Granite Asia) in 2005. She appears regularly on the Forbes Global 100 VC Midas List (#1 woman in 2015). Lee has invested in 21+ unicorns across Edtech, Fintech, and more. She serves on the boards of Temasek and Duke-NUS, and is regarded as a “super connector” with a focus on the social impact of technology.

4. Wong Sze Keed (CEO, AIA Singapore)

Interview: Wong Sze Keed, CEO-Designate of AIA Singapore

Wong Sze Keed joined AIA in 2013 and became CEO in July 2020. She guided AIA Singapore to lead in the number of MDRT-registered agents nationwide. Sze Keed is widely respected for her integrity, dynamism, and deep industry knowledge, driving the next phase of growth for AIA and supporting the professional development of her teams.

5. Pearlyn Phau (Group CEO, Singlife)

An evolving view of giving – from ticking the box to creating ripples that change lives - CNA

Pearlyn Phau was appointed Group CEO of Singlife in August 2021, leading a high-profile S$3.2b merger with Aviva Singapore. Her extensive banking background at DBS involves digital transformation and consumer banking leadership. Phau is passionate about democratizing insurance and combining start-up agility with the scale of established institutions. She focuses on purpose-driven hiring and supporting meaningful impact for Singaporeans.

6. Caecilia Chu (Co-founder & CEO, YouTrip)

YouTrip CEO & Co-Founder Caecilia Chu On Smart Financing | TheBeauLife

Caecilia Chu co-founded YouTrip, scaling it from two people to a leading fintech and raising US$100m in funding. She draws on major stints at Citi, McKinsey, and several Chinese fintechs. Chu is a Wharton and Harvard Business School graduate and emphasizes creative problem-solving by building diverse teams with varied backgrounds.

7. Sarita Singh (CEO & Board Director, Stripe Singapore)

Stripe aims to drive more growth of internet economy with frictionless payment and automated financial process | Techsauce

Sarita Singh heads Stripe’s operations in SEA, India, and Greater China. Her background includes leadership roles at Facebook, Google, and Salesforce. Singh is strongly committed to tech diversity, sits on boards supporting women founders, and is recognized for growing payment ecosystems across emerging markets through support and advocacy for local communities.

8. Rhonda Wong (Co-founder & Group CEO, Ohmyhome)

Singaporean Proptech Founder Rhonda Wong Clinches Women of the Future South-East Asia Award - Fintech Singapore

Rhonda Wong co-founded Ohmyhome, creating a top-ranked proptech company known for speed and transparency. She previously ran Anthill Corporation and is a University of Michigan alumna. Wong’s leadership is data-driven; she’s received accolades such as Woman of the Future (Property) and Founder of the Year (Rice Bowl Awards).

These leaders are charting new territory, making their mark on global business from their Singapore base. Their accomplishments and forward-thinking approaches are inspiring companies and future trailblazers everywhere to reach further and create lasting change. As they continue to transform industries and empower teams, they’re turning Singapore into a beacon of leadership for the world.