Women who thrive: Wong Sze Keed of AIA shares her tip to succeeding in the workforce and more

In the high-stakes world of finance and insurance, where leadership has long been a boys’ club, Wong Sze Keed stands as a formidable exception. As the first female CEO of AIA Singapore, she has carved out a legacy of resilience, vision, and purpose over her 30-year career. Her journey from an insurance agent to the top seat at one of Singapore’s largest financial services firms is not just a story of corporate ascent – it is a testament to the power of perseverance, a people-first approach, and the courage to defy expectations.

Her philosophy on leadership is deeply personal. Long before she occupied the C-suite, she experienced firsthand the profound impact of insurance when she delivered her first claim cheque to a grieving husband who had just lost his wife in childbirth. That moment cemented her commitment to a career dedicated to financial security, empowerment, and well-being. Today, Sze Keed is not only leading AIA Singapore’s charge towards Healthier, Longer, Better Lives but also redefining what it means to be a leader in an industry historically resistant to change.

Yet, her rise was not without its challenges. From unconscious gender bias to double standards imposed on women in leadership, the 56-year-old mother of two has navigated the complexities of corporate life while staying true to her mission. Now, as she continues to champion inclusivity in the workplace, she shares her insights on breaking barriers, thriving in the workforce, and the one lesson every woman should embrace.

• What were some of the challenges you faced when climbing the corporate ladder as a woman?

Earlier in my career, I encountered unconscious gender bias, a challenge that still persists across many industries. Women often face fewer opportunities, stereotyping, and exclusion, even when they are equally – if not more – qualified than their male counterparts.

In leadership, the double standard is real. A woman who is assertive is often labelled as difficult, while a man with the same qualities is celebrated as a strong leader. I have seen and experienced this first-hand. But I have also been fortunate to work with leaders who believed in gender equality and recognised my contributions based on merit rather than gender. Their support has been instrumental in my career, and I am committed to paying it forward.

As a leader, mother of two daughters, and advocate for workplace equality, my vision is to create a truly inclusive environment – one where women are empowered to take up space, challenge norms, and thrive on their own terms.

• What is one simple yet powerful tip that has helped you thrive?

My tip is: You don’t have to do it all on your own.

• Why is this tip relevant for women at all stages of their careers?

Many women set impossibly high expectations for themselves, feeling the need to excel in every role – as a leader, mother, employee, daughter, or partner. There is often an unspoken pressure to handle everything alone, as though asking for help is a sign of weakness. But in reality, it is the opposite.

Recognising your limits and having the courage to seek support is a mark of strength, not inadequacy. No one succeeds in isolation. Building a strong support network, whether in your professional or personal life, is key to overcoming challenges and thriving together.

At AIA Singapore, I have had the privilege of shaping a people-first culture that reflects this belief. We have introduced initiatives like wellness days, free counselling sessions, mental health support, and employee well-being programmes to ensure that our teams feel supported at every stage of their journey. Because success should not come at the cost of well-being.

• Do you have any final words of wisdom that you’d like to share with our readers?

While leaders like myself continue to advocate for women in the workforce, always remember: your voice matters, too. We all have the power to create change, uplift others, and set new standards.

Through my journey, I hope to inspire women to be bold, speak up, and push boundaries. Because one day, you won’t just be following in someone else’s footsteps – you’ll be the one paving the way for the next generation of women.