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Many companies in Singapore have a progressive policy toward retaining women, Margaret Yang says in an interview with finews.asia.

Margaret Yang, have you seen more female traders in the last decade?

There are definitely more female traders entering the industry today than there were in the past. Previously, stock broking and trading houses, and front-desks used to be male-dominated. Also, in recent years, more women are being promoted from mid to senior management roles in brokerage houses.

Female participation in the workforce is quite high in Singapore, but there are still very few women in leadership positions. Do you agree?

The number of leadership positions held by women is gradually increasing. There has been growing awareness about the importance of having women in the workplace, especially because women bring different skills and perspectives which can benefit organizations.

«The society is providing significant opportunities for women»

In the past, it was much harder for women to strive and make it to the top of large corporations because the opportunities were so limited. Thanks to globalization and growing awareness, women today can aspire and achieve this kind of success in their careers. The society is providing significant opportunities for women.

It’s becoming clearly evident that more women are taking leadership posts in financial institutions, especially in Singapore. For example, Chua Sock Koong, CEO of Singtel, Tan Su Shan, Group Head of Consumer Banking and Wealth Management of DBS Bank, or Judy Hsu, Regional CEO, Asean & South Asia of Standard Chartered.

«There is always scope to do more»

Even outside of the financial sector there are women who’ve made a place for themselves in the industry and have left their mark. For example, Cheong Koon Hean, CEO of the Housing & Development Board, and Jessica Tan, Independent Director of SATS.

These leaders are an inspiration for women who are striving to make their mark regardless of sector. Having said that, diversity and inclusion is an ongoing learning journey and there is always scope to do more.

Working towards maintaining a fair representation and remuneration policy in firms is important for encouraging more female participation in the workforce.

What are the challenges for women in finance? 

McKinsey had done a study which found that the second most cited factor behind women dropping out of work is the challenge of managing job responsibilities while looking after the family.