He aspires to work overseas, possibly as a global head of public policy or government relations of a global multinational company, and wanted to know how to qualify for such a job and manage family life abroad.
“What the network provided me was a network of like-minded individuals to engage in these conversations.”
Mr Lindner, who has lived here for 25 years and is a permanent resident, said he advised Mr Yuvan on the importance of planning, yet keeping plans flexible. He himself had not planned to join TUV SUD, but found out about the vacancy by chance and decided to seize the opportunity to help grow the company further.
“In my experience, making steady and conscious choices under uncertainty and to keep moving is more important than trying to make the best decisions while missing opportunities,” he said.
The network currently has more than 1,000 members, and there is no restriction on age and career experience. There were 34 pairs of mentors and mentees in the first run from July 2022 to March 2023. The second run is set to end in September.
Mr Ho Kwon Ping, founder and executive chairman of Banyan Tree Holdings, in his keynote speech at the anniversary event, touched on perceptions of Singaporean business leaders abroad, obstacles to moving overseas, and potential solutions.
“In all our operations in Southeast Asia, the Singaporean manager is hugely respected but not always liked,” Mr Ho quipped, to the audience’s laughter.
He said that while Singapore’s economic success was a source of pride for Singaporeans working abroad, it could also lead to smugness about Singapore’s achievements, without regard for the specific circumstances of the country they are working in.
He suggested that more financial support be given to small and medium-sized enterprises in Singapore expanding or moving abroad to ensure that Singaporeans, and not just foreigners, are hired.
Mr Ho also encouraged young women, who do not have to serve national service, to take a gap year overseas.
“National service is not only something that gives us a sense of who we are, but it also trains us to be leaders. Many of the women don’t have that advantage, (but) if they have a gap year, they can do that,” he said.
His speech was followed by a panel discussion on how Singaporeans could position themselves for leadership roles in global businesses, including by leveraging their unique cultural and educational background.
On the panel were Mr Ho, EDB managing director Jacqueline Poh and Mr Christopher Ong, senior vice president and managing director of DHL Express Singapore.
Ms Poh said that stories that showcase the diversity of roles Singaporeans are already playing globally have to be told to inspire others. These include roles in international bodies, beyond the corporate and governmental worlds, such as that of Mr Daren Tang, director-general of the World Intellectual Property Organisation, she explained.
Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction.
