As Vivian Chua began at HP, then Hewlett-Packard; the year was 1999 and the technology industry was planning for a period of dramatic transition.
With the new millennium around the corner, the world was put in motion with the effects of Y2 K; the Napster music file-sharing network was introduced, Compaq struggled with life, and Microsoft faced AOL in an all-out chat battle.
Throughout this time, Vivian Chua began at Hewlett-Packard, playing a market development job before taking a product-focused spot in the Personal Management department; – a moderate arrival ahead of what would be a dramatic increase in the company ranks.
Quick forward and over two decades and Chua now leads Singapore ‘s business as managing director, with additional responsibility for Malaysia ‘s operations.
“I firmly urge women leaders to never stop learning by actively finding ways to develop their skills,” said Chua. “Engage in open discussions with peers and also search for opportunities to step forward and take on leadership roles.
During her time at HP, Chua played a part in business growth and channel marketing, as well as heading the Personal Systems team in the Asia Pacific; which is designing laptops, PCs, and other consumer technology.
In addition, Chua said that the key attributes of a successful new tech executive center around perseverance backed up by a mentality that is constantly striving to be a better version of itself.
Opportunities
With respect to diversity in 2020, Chua said that businesses are now putting more focus on merit-based incentives and offering a fair playing field for women and men to rise to leadership.
“It encourages women to have more chances to take up roles where they can develop emerging technology, affect change and influence cultures that are dear to their hearts,” she said.
“With more female business executives, we will slowly shift the way people view the industry, remove myths, and thereby inspire more women to seek careers in business. The younger generation can have more female leaders to look up to.
On the other hand, though, Chua noted the continuing fight against entrenched gender inequalities; gender wage disparities, and lack of job prospects, which are also some of the crucial obstacles facing women in the industry.
“Many women may be hesitant to take roles that encourage them to expand and develop because of worries about balancing work and family obligations. That’s why it’s critical to have strong campaigns for diversity and inclusion; to maintain diverse bench power, and to have allies that support reform.
