The highly anticipated SheLeadsTech FY2023 Conversion Programme – Training Phase Graduation took place on 29 May 2023 at CapitaSpring. This momentous event celebrated the successful completion of the program’s second cohort training phase and marked a significant milestone in promoting diversity in the tech industry.
The event commenced with a warm welcome address by Jenny Tan, the ISACA Singapore Chapter President. Jenny introduced the event and provided a recap of the program’s objectives. The primary aims of the SheLeadsTech Conversion Programme (SLTCP) were to encourage more women to venture into the tech space, bridge the talent gap, and support national initiatives.
Over the past 2-3 months, SLTCP trainees underwent intensive training that encompassed a wide range of soft skills and knowledge-based workshops. These workshops were designed to equip them with the essential tools and expertise required to thrive in the tech industry. To assess their understanding of the topics covered, they also underwent tests and completed homework assignments, ensuring a comprehensive grasp of the materials.
The training phase encompassed crucial Tech GRC topics such as IT Audit Methodology and Process, Planning and Execution, Governance and Management of IT, and many others, as well as emerging technologies like AI Governance and Ethics. In addition to technical knowledge, the program emphasized the development of soft skills, including change management and design thinking, among others. This holistic approach prepared the trainees for multifaceted challenges and enabled them to become well-rounded professionals.
A notable aspect of the SheLeadsTech Conversion Programme was the mentorship component. Each trainee was paired with a mentor who also served as a SheLeadsTech ambassador. These mentors provided invaluable guidance, support, and insights. Their dedication to nurturing the trainees’ growth was sincerely acknowledged.
The event also provided an opportunity to express gratitude to the corporate partners who played a pivotal role in making the program a resounding success. Schneider Electric, Deloitte, RSM, CheckPoint Security, Assure IT, Ernst & Young, Ensign InfoSecurity, PulseSecure, and KPMG were thanked for their support.
The training and outreach partners – TTAB, e2i, and CSA Singapore–were also recognized for their contributions to the program’s success.
Heartfelt appreciation was extended to all the volunteers who dedicated their time, skills, and energy to make the SheLeadsTech Conversion Programme possible. Their selfless contributions and commitment to empowering aspiring tech professionals were essential in creating a supportive learning environment.
An inspiring highlight of the event was the motivational talk delivered by Ethan Seow, the CEO of the Centre for Cybersecurity. Ethan shared his remarkable career trajectory, from being a medical student to discovering his passion and purpose in cybersecurity. His talk, titled “Restarting One’s Career: How to manage deep and complete change in one’s career,” emphasized the importance of humility and collaboration in finding meaning and fulfillment in one’s work.
The event continued with the eagerly anticipated announcement of attachment placements. Trainees were geared up for their upcoming three-month internships with corporate partners in the Tech GRC sector. This invaluable opportunity will allow them to apply their newly acquired skills and knowledge in real-world contexts, further enhancing their growth and development.
The trainees were also presented with certificates, symbolizing their successful completion of the training phase. Their fellow trainees offered words of encouragement, fostering a sense of camaraderie and celebration of their collective achievements.
As the event drew to a close, an exciting announcement was made—the recruitment for the FY2024 SheLeadsTech Conversion Programme would commence in October 2023. This announcement sparked anticipation and served as a reminder that the program’s impactful journey to promote diversity and empower future tech leaders would continue.
Author: Clarissa Goenawan, 4 June 2023
