Datuk Yvonne Chia is a trailblazing figure in the banking sector, known for making history as the first female chief executive officer of a commercial bank in Malaysia. With her extensive experience in creating value through mergers and acquisitions, and crisis and resolution planning, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the local banking industry.

Chia's remarkable three-decade career in ASEAN banking, primarily focused in Malaysia, has earned her numerous accolades. She was recognised as one of Forbes Asia's '50 Business Women in the Mix' in 2013 and twice a finalist for the CNBC Asia Business Award. She is a powerful role model, known for her courage and authentic leadership style. Chia also serves as a mentor, empowering the next generation of leaders as a council member of the Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers.

In addition to banking, Chia actively engages with the startup entrepreneurial community, serving as the non-executive chair of Cradle Fund, and contributing to a vibrant startup ecosystem. She also acts as a trustee for Teach for Malaysia, working to empower children in the field of education. Furthermore, she holds an honorary professorship from the School of Economics at the University of Nottingham Malaysia.

Chia's strategic leadership extends to her roles as chair of several listed companies in Malaysia and Singapore. Her remarkable achievements can be attributed to her ability to assemble purpose-driven teams, her determination to make a significant impact, and her collective mastery of change management in a fast-changing world.