Cover Lee Hui Li is the managing director of Microsoft Singapore
Lee Hui Li is the managing director of Microsoft Singapore
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The managing director of Microsoft Singapore, Lee Hui Li, shares valuable insights from her journey in tech, from learnings on leadership to making the most of AI
When Lee Hui Li entered the tech industry 25 years ago, she was in a small minority as an Asian woman. As well as gender bias and underrepresentation in leadership roles, she observed a lack of mentorship, support networks and role models. While this didn’t curtail her rise up the ranks of various companies—Lee has held leadership roles at EY in tech consulting, HP, Dell, IBM and now Microsoft—it made her more aware of the importance of her position today, and why she wants to ensure she pays it forward.
“Women in leadership drive innovation with diverse perspectives, enhancing problem-solving and creativity,” says Lee, who is currently managing director of Microsoft Singapore, of the importance of having more women at tech’s top. “Their presence fosters an inclusive culture, inspiring other women and building a diverse talent pipeline. We’ve seen that diverse leadership teams better meet global customer needs, making products more effective. My leadership team in Singapore is 50 per cent women, and we focus on developing female talent and ensuring diversity across generations, nationalities, interests and personality types, which improves decision-making and reflects our customers better.”
See also: We’re experiencing a female digital revolution; we must let it thrive
Women in leadership drive innovation with diverse perspectives, enhancing problem-solving and creativity. Their presence fosters an inclusive culture, inspiring other women and building a diverse talent pipeline.
The appeal of tech for Lee became apparent quickly as she was drawn to the ever-changing nature of the field, which provides constant learning opportunities as well as huge opportunities for growth. The past two and a half decades clearly demonstrate the industry’s constant transformation, with developments that have included e-commerce, the mobile revolution, cloud computing, machine learning and AI, to name a few.
“What I’ve loved about the tech industry is that it’s a never-ending journey of innovation and growth. You never really “arrive”, and need to adopt a growth mindset and constantly learn new technologies,” says Lee. “To keep pace with advancements like AI, it's crucial to stay attuned to emerging trends while developing both technical and soft skills. AI offers significant potential for productivity gains, but harnessing its benefits requires a shift in how we approach work. This involves exploring, training and gaining experience with AI tools, much like mastering any new skill. Embracing this paradigm shift early can provide a competitive edge in the industry.”
Here, Lee shares her advice for those interested in pursuing a career in tech, how she incorporates the latest technologies into her life, both personally and professionally—and how you can too.
Wear your own shoes. Show up as your authentic self, bringing your own experience and ways of working.
Why would you encourage other women to pursue a career in tech and what advice would you have for them?
I really encourage women to pursue a career in tech because it offers incredible fulfilment and constant evolution. My journey, despite not having a formal background in tech, has shown me that the field is dynamic and ever-changing. Continuous innovation and the opportunity to learn and explore new frontiers make tech exciting.
For women aspiring to enter tech, success goes beyond technical skills. Being adaptable and open to constant learning is crucial. Soft skills and a strong support network also play a significant role. Embracing new technologies and staying updated with industry trends will help you thrive in this ever-evolving landscape.
What I would say to women is, “Wear your own shoes”. Don’t be intimidated by the idea that you have ‘big shoes to fill’ when you step into a new role. Show up as your authentic self, bringing your own experience and ways of working. Even 25 years ago, it felt like there was a ‘one-size-fits-all’ style of leadership where being a leader meant being aggressive. And while it is important to be assertive, I don’t subscribe to the idea that we need to adopt particular leadership traits, so wear your own shoes!
Have you had mentors or role models and what have you learnt from them?
I’ve been fortunate to have inspiring women and men as mentors who have significantly shaped my professional journey. One of the most valuable pieces of advice a mentor gave me was to embrace a growth mindset, lean in and take on new opportunities even if they are outside your comfort zone. This mindset has deeply influenced my approach to challenges and is a key part of our culture at Microsoft today.
How do you manage work-life balance?
Work-life balance is crucial to me. I manage it by prioritising tasks and focusing on high-impact work and outcomes while empowering my team. AI helps improve balance by automating repetitive tasks, streamlining processes and providing insights. Tools like Copilot help manage digital overload by prioritising emails and scheduling notifications. I advocate using AI-powered tools for efficient meetings. Supporting employees in adapting to this evolving landscape is essential. By harnessing AI, we can enhance productivity and foster a culture that values balance and innovation, creating a better work environment for everyone.
One of the most valuable pieces of advice a mentor gave me was to embrace a growth mindset, lean in and take on new opportunities even if they are outside your comfort zone.
What tips or recommendations do you have for how others can incorporate AI technology to positively impact their lives?
AI has become an integral part of both my personal and professional life. Microsoft Copilot helps me do things faster, smarter and more creatively. It can help with learning new skills, analysing data, writing content, trip planning and more. I use AI-powered features in Teams and Outlook every day, which improve admin and communication, and AI across Word, PowerPoint and Excel automates routine tasks and informs decision-making, allowing me to focus on strategy and people leadership.
To make the most of AI in your life, start with apps that simplify everyday activities, like the Copilot app and AI tools for managing schedules and organising tasks. Embrace AI in the workplace to improve data analysis, project management and customer engagement.
Having AI skills is increasingly valuable. Our latest Work Trend Index found that in Singapore, 71 per cent of leaders value AI skills, with many preferring to hire candidates with these skills over those without. To develop expertise, explore online courses, certifications and workshops, like those on Microsoft Learn, and engage with AI-focused communities and industry events for networking and insights.
What does success mean to you?
To me, success in tech is about embracing adaptability, being a “learn-it-all” rather than a “know-it-all”, and demonstrating resilience, strong communication, empathy and being outcome-focused. Creating an environment where diversity and inclusivity are foundational is key. From the hiring process to daily operations, I strive to encourage a culture where people with different perspectives feel empowered to speak up. This approach helps us avoid groupthink and fosters a thriving, innovative environment.
Beyond just achieving business goals, leading in tech is about driving sustainable transformation and impact in a country like Singapore that’s at the forefront of the digital revolution. Our mission is to build a skilled workforce, drive meaningful industry change, and nurture a culture of innovation and inclusion. I’m proud and excited to be a part of this journey.
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Rachel Duffell is regional content director for Power & Purpose, including Front & Female, and former regional content director for Tatler Dining. She is a journalist and editor who has been covering people, gender, impact, leadership, culture and lifestyle for more than 15 years.
