Angel Chan, CEO of the Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations (SCWO)
Cover Angel Chan, CEO of the Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations (SCWO)

Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations’ chief executive officer Angel Chan shares with Tatler her thoughts on women in leadership positions and potential solutions to tackle women’s issues in Singapore

Angel Chan could probably do with a vacation right now. Her country of choice for her well-deserved break? It’d probably be somewhere in the United Kingdom

“This is taken from an actual cafe in London!” she laughs as she points out her virtual Zoom background, which features vibrant wisterias set in the famous Aubaine Selfridges cafe. “Have you visited this cafe before? I wish I could be there, but I’d have to settle for this background image.” 

Chan, unfortunately, isn’t in England sipping tea; she’s working from home—as most of us currently are in Singapore—and like many women around the globe, the full-time working professional is balancing the responsibilities that come with being a mother, coupled with pursuing a part-time master's degree in counselling.

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Tatler Asia
Angel Chan, CEO of the Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations (SCWO)
Above Angel Chan, CEO of the Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations (SCWO)

“I will be lying to you if I said that it’s easy,” Chan admits. She took on the mantle as chief executive officer (CEO) of the Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations (SCWO) from former general manager Selina Gan earlier this year, when the latter retired in June. Besides “leading the management team and running the day-to-day operations”, she also sets the strategic direction for the non-profit organisation. 

Established in 1980, SCWO is an umbrella organisation that serves as the national coordinating effort of various women’s groups in Singapore. With more than 50 member organisations that represent over 600,000 women, SCWO helps to unite the different groups to help advocate for women's rights in the country.

“This role is something that I’m very excited about, and it’s very empowering for me,” says Chan. It’s not entirely uncharted waters as well; prior to joining SCWO, she headed Singapore’s Office for Women’s Development (OWD) at the Ministry of Social and Family Development, where she had fronted engagements between the government, women’s organisations, as well as the community in order to devise and implement progressive initiatives for women in Singapore. 

But it wasn’t the familiarity with the role that persuaded Chan to accept the job. In fact, she had just started her sabbatical leave to pursue her master’s degree when SCWO approached her. “It has all along been my passion to help women in need, and I chose counseling as my degree to help me get the skillset I’d need. I was actually pursuing my degree even when I was in the OWD, albeit part-time,” she says. 

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Her inclination to further her studies wasn’t the only thing stopping her from taking the role. “(When it comes to leadership positions), most women do not feel that they are ready, or they might think that someone else is better—the famous “imposter syndrome”,” she says.

“It took me many months to consider taking up this role in SCWO. I kept asking myself ‘why me’ and ‘will I fail and look terrible?’. It was during this period of self-inquiry, when a female mentor called and knocked me out of my senses. She said that it was high time I broke out of my comfort zone. She told me that I had much to share and that it was a pity to give up the opportunity. She asserted that I ought to live by example and demonstrate how I can be a leader in my own way.” 

Musing on the lessons learned through that particular experience, she shares: “As a woman, we tend to focus on our weaknesses. Instead of fanning our inner flame, we capitulate to our imaginary gremlins that tell us we are not good enough. We will never know what it takes to be in any leadership position until we put up our hands and roll up our sleeves. We will never reach the stage of knowing everything to be ready. For me, I grew into this position.”

We will never know what it takes to be in any leadership position until we put up our hands and roll up our sleeves.

- Angel Chan, CEO of SCWO -

Her background in the government sector might have lend a hand while she transitioned into her new role, but Chan is quick to point out the difference: at the ministry, they’re more focused on policies to help women; at SCWO, there’s a greater hands-on approach as they work and speak directly with the women in need.

The scope of her work has also expanded. “In my new capacity as the CEO, I have been challenged and tested on my capabilities and level of knowledge with regards to running an Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), as well as my depth of knowledge on women’s issues,” she reveals. “Whenever I am faced with such a situation, I always try to respond with empathy and understanding. This approach helps to put others at ease and reduces any tension.”

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Chan also emphasises that she doesn’t go about her day’s work at SCWO alone. “Being in SCWO fits me, because as the federation of different organisations, we have to collaborate with our partners and member organisations. It’s a very collaborative environment where women help women,” she shares. “My passionate team and I are working on initiatives to develop and support our members and the community at large. We are also enhancing our support services to vulnerable and disadvantaged women. Through SCWO’s efforts, we hope women in Singapore can achieve economic, social, and well-being at all levels.”

One such initiative by SCWO is the recent launch of the Conversations on Singapore Women’s Development report. Released in September, the report was drafted after various significant conversation and engagement sessions held by women’s groups. It examines important issues that women in Singapore face, whether it’s at home, schools, workplaces, or the community. “Women-related issues are multi-dimensional and complex, isn’t it? It’s impossible to look at an issue in isolation,” shares Chan.   

The report also highlights potential solutions to tackle such issues at hand. Of which, one proposal calls for naming several public scapces in honour of notable Singapore women. “This visible and physically permanent acknowledgement of women’s contributions would help to imprint the societal mindset that women, alongside with men, also played and should continue to play a role in society,” says Chan. “Having public spaces named after our outstanding women would be a powerful reminder, especially to young Singaporeans, of the pioneering role that women played in many aspects of life in Singapore.” 

Women-related issues are multi-dimensional and complex, isn’t it? It’s impossible to look at an issue in isolation.

- Angel Chan, CEO of SCWO -

As we talk about her career, Chan has an irrefutable air of authenticity that underlines her professionalism. Her passion for her job is evident, even as she delivers her words gently and with warmth. It comes as no suprise then, when she highlights her feminine qualities as one of her greatest strengths when it comes to being a leader. 

“Instead of ‘powering through it’ in a traditional masculine way that’s competitive, assertive, and dominant, problem-solving can be done through compassion, kindness and gentleness,” she says with a smile. “These are our unique qualities as women, we need not try so hard to be masculine in order to be accepted. Couple these qualities with self-confidence. Being authentic with ourselves and genuine in our interpersonal relationships at work can often bring out surprising outcomes.”  

Here, Chan delves deeper into issues that women in Singapore face; she also explains some SCWO initiatives and personal recommendations that can help make lasting progress. 

Tell us more about your role at SCWO, and the most rewarding aspect of your position. 

Angel Chan (AC): SCWO is a federation of women’s organisations. We unite women’s organisations and the community and promote the ideals of Equal Space, Equal Voice and Equal Worth. Together, we identify areas of common interest, and purpose, and further these through our unified efforts. As the CEO, I get to set the strategic directions for SCWO and look ahead to tomorrow’s success. SCWO is in the right place to make a big impact to provide leadership, and support our women and girls. This, to me, is the most rewarding aspect of the position. 

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As a leader yourself, what are your thoughts on some of the most admirable qualities a leader should have? 

AC: Three qualities come to my mind: 

1. Confidence – Confidence in herself. In other words, it is believing in herself and being authentic. She is someone with a high level of self-awareness. She constantly builds on her inner strength and effectiveness through life experiences, and focuses on these strengths to overcome those negative thoughts or criticisms by naysayers. She has the self-confidence to lead in her own authentic ways. 

2. Courage – A courageous leader leads by example to venture into new frontiers. Dedicated, involved, ready to act. She leads through championing the cause she believes in and participates actively to bring the team forward. 

3. Connected to Others – A connected leader inspires and influences others. They are able to achieve this through caring for themselves and also for others. They lead through love and encouragement.

SCWO is in the right place to make a big impact to provide leadership, and support our women and girls.

- Angel Chan, CEO of SCWO -

The gender gap is decreasing in the workplace, but how can companies move beyond tokenism and encourage women to take up senior leadership positions with a sense of authenticity?

AC: I like what the CEO of DBS, Mr Piyush Gupta, shared at a recent webinar. He said that companies should not hire “diversity for diversity’s sake”. The hiring organisation should look at a woman candidate’s life and job experiences. Those form her views, which is the valuable ingredient that organisations should look out for. 

What are some tips that you have to help women thrive in male-dominated workspaces? 

AC: Join or form a group of women who can support one another. The group can help one another to plan forward, meet goals, learn to negotiate challenges, and offer a safe space to express emotions. One may find formal setups within the organisations, or through an industry association which often have sub-groups for women in the industry. There are some member organisations under SCWO which are set up for such purposes too, for example, the Financial Women’s Association or the Women in Energy. 

Seek out men who can be allies and don’t be afraid to ask male counterparts for mentorship and advice. These are helpful colleagues who are willing to listen and amplify the women’s opinions and thoughts during meetings, and speak up when they see gender biases.

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The government announced that the White Paper will be presented in early 2022. What are some of the local women-related issues you foresee will be in the review?

AC: In our Asian culture, a woman is traditionally expected to play multiple roles: the obedient daughter, dutiful wife, and nurturing mother. At the same time, women also want to contribute to the economy and have a voice in all spheres of the society. More and more, we are recognising that women and men should be given the same opportunities and how involving more women can translate into a progressive society both socially and economically. 

Women face discrimination at work; they struggle with decisions on whether to take a break from work for family and care responsibilities; some women suffer violence. The core reason why women are held back and face discrimination lies with the ingrained societal values and core beliefs on gender norms and roles. These biases are both conscious and unconscious. Hence, the review will likely examine these various issues from these angles and takes into consideration the multicultural and multireligious societies in Singapore. 

How can we move past some of these issues that you mentioned? 

AC: Everyone can play a part. We can fight gender stereotypes as long as we are willing to recognise and be mindful of our unconscious biases. 

The government can play a big contributing role with its structural and legal support. Schools can put in place a formal curriculum to integrate more content on gender studies. This can also be done by educating girls in financial literacy at school. On the other hand, boys can be taught about healthy relationships, masculinity ideals and gender norms. SCWO hopes to work with the Government, community partners, and our member organisations to roll out initiatives to support our women and men, boys and girls, as well as to raise awareness on gender equality. 

SCWO recently launched the Conversations on Singapore Women’s Development report. What are the key takeaways from the report that one should note? 

AC: Through the conversations, four main themes surfaced: ingrained societal values on gender norms, the protection and safety of women, unequal opportunities, and financial insecurity. The report highlights solutions like encouraging men to take up caregiving responsibilities in the home to support their wives; mandating online safety education for girls in schools; replacing current job requirement policies with more gender-neutral concepts; and presenting community-based support networks for vulnerable women in underrepresented groups. 

One key point that was brought up in multiple conversation sessions was the importance of men allies and critical contributors in our move towards women’s development. This has shown that there is overwhelming support for men’s involvement and that Singapore women believe that it is just as important that we include men in these discussions. 

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Let’s talk about the proposal in the report that calls for dedicating a suitable public space to the women of Singapore. How do you foresee the results of this literal acknowledgment of women’s contributions?

AC: Many of the road names in Singapore are named after men or women from British colonial times. Singapore women contribute as much to the island's growth and development. They campaigned passionately for better laws to protect women and children, and this led to landmark legislation in 1961 that put Singapore well ahead of many developed countries. Women were pioneering artists, doctors, nurses, musicians, entrepreneurs, athletes, lawyers, and so much more. 

We think that having public spaces named after our outstanding women would be a powerful reminder to our young Singaporeans of the pioneering role that women played in many. We’re quite happy that Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong likes the idea, and he thinks that Dhoby Ghaut Green—which is also our suggestion in our report—would be a good idea. We have not gone into further discussions, but it’s a good step forward. We’re looking forward to that.  

In fact, we have another alternative in our report. We propose to not only naming public spaces after specific women, but to name them after Singapore women as a collective. It’s to honour and celebrate all women in Singapore. I think all of us do contribute to Singapore in our own individual ways, and we should recognise that too.  

What are some future initiatives that we can expect from SCWO? 

AC: The strategic direction for SCWO is to be the go-to resource centre for thought leadership on women and leadership, as well as education on gender equality/ discrimination against women. 

SWHF will be building a network of partners to join us in advocating the importance of women role models to inspire and build women leaders. SCWO’s BoardAgender, an initiative that drives leadership, will be expanding its signature mentorship programme, and facilitates networking opportunities for senior female professionals. 

SCWO is also looking forward to expanding its support services to vulnerable women through our Star Shelter, a temporary refuge for women and their children who are victims of family violence and takes a holistic approach to help residents heal from the trauma of abuse and rebuild their life, free from violence. We are also looking into expanding our counselling and support services via our Maintenance Support Central, a multi-service drop-in centre to support and assist clients who have difficulty in receiving spousal and/or child maintenance. 

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