Amazon Singapore is shining a light on its incredible female leaders who are not only excelling in their careers but also actively promoting a culture of diversity and inclusion within the company.
This International Women’s Day, with the theme #InspireInclusion, Amazon is highlighting the stories of five remarkable women who are making a difference:
Lily Jang: “Women’s inclusion is not just a women’s topic.”
Lily Jang, a Senior Storage Specialist for Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ) at Amazon Web Services (AWS), spearheads the Singapore chapter of the Women@Amazon affinity group. This group champions gender diversity, inclusion, and women’s empowerment within Amazon.
For Lily, inclusion is not just about women – it’s about creating a strong and equitable community of allies who can make a lasting impact. This is why Women@Amazon welcomes all Amazon employees, fostering a culture of collaboration and understanding. The group’s initiatives range from fundraising for underprivileged women in Singapore to supporting Pride Month activities and raising awareness about men’s health.
Rachel Tang: “I live life on my terms, and not by society’s or anyone’s expectations.”
Rachel Tang, a Director of Accounting for APAC, recently relocated from China to Singapore. Leading a team of 65 across the region, Rachel emphasizes the importance of individual fulfillment and celebrating the unique paths that make everyone successful.
She acknowledges the societal pressure on women to conform to traditional gender roles, particularly regarding career choices and motherhood. She says, “Let’s celebrate women’s diverse choices and aspirations at work and in life, so they can all reach their full potential.”
Shermaine Chan: “My age is not a reflection of my capabilities.”
Shermaine Chan, a young Area Manager at Amazon Singapore’s fulfillment center, has been shattering expectations since day one. Earning a degree in chemical engineering, Shermaine joined Amazon and quickly rose to lead a team of experienced colleagues.
Her professionalism and dedication have earned her the respect of her team, proving that logistics is a field where women can excel. Embracing challenges is what drives Shermaine, she says, “Facing new challenges is what drives me and I’m excited for what the future holds.”
Phway Pann: “Don’t be the one that tells yourself ‘no’.”
Phway Pann, a weightlifter and the first woman to lead Independent Software Vendor Partnerships for the APJ Public Sector at AWS, is no stranger to defying expectations. Despite not having a tech background before joining AWS, Phway found mentors who believed in her potential. Now, she champions creating opportunities for early-career women and advocating for unbiased hiring practices.
Phway understands the importance of flexibility, especially for working mothers. Outside of work, she supports her husband’s restaurant business in Bali, which primarily hires women with flexible schedules to accommodate their family needs. A new mother herself, Phway’s message to women is, “Be confident, seize opportunities. And dream without limits.”
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Shze Min Yah: “Potential has no gender…”
Shze Min Yah, a Manager for International Public Policy, tackles complex issues like product safety, intellectual property, and scams for Amazon in Singapore and Southeast Asia. A single mother of two who also cares for aging parents, Shze Min leads a busy life that extends far beyond work.
At Amazon, Shze Min feels valued for her skills and contributions, not her gender or personal circumstances. She emphasizes, “Potential has no gender and talented individuals shouldn’t be held back by constraints beyond their control.”
For more inspiring stories of Amazon’s women leaders, visit their official Instagram page.
