IWD2023 - Interview with Sissy Pang - Asia Infrastructure Solutions

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY 2023: EMBRACE EQUITY

Interview with Sissy Pang, Associate Director

Sissi, a certified BIM project information professional, was recently promoted to Associate Director at Asia Infrastructure Solutions, bringing with her over 17 years of experience in civil and structural engineering. Discover how Sissi has successfully balanced her work and family life while at the company and what her tenure has been like.

8 March 2023
Sherine Chng

Q1. Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?

Being a woman in a male-dominated industry has its challenges, but it also provides an opportunity to pave the way for future generations of women in the field.

This day serves as a reminder of the accomplishments and contributions that women have made in the workplace, and the need for continued efforts to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Q2. Strategies that AIS has adopted that promotes inclusion in the workplace.

Asia Infrastructure Solutions have implemented strategies to promote inclusion in the workplace and support female employees like me. It provides options like work-from-home and flexible working hours to address my family needs.

Equal opportunities are given to all employees regardless of races, gender or backgrounds in participating in leadership development programmes, which have been invaluable in helping me advance in my career.

Q3. Could you provide an example of how the company nurtures female leaders?

We have two-way dialogues that make female employees feel comfortable discussing their career concerns and desires. This information is then use for designing and shaping pathways to leadership.

Q4. How has the company's culture help female employees?

Asia Infrastructure Solutions has a positive work culture that values diversity and inclusivity which creates a supportive environment. The company encourages people to speak up and take initiatives. The company fosters an equitable environment, particularly when women encounter work-related challenges.

Q5. Does the company offer equal opportunities for career advancement regardless of gender?

To ensure equal opportunities, Asia Infrastructure Solutions have been practicing a better and fairer society by creating a workplace where all employees feel valued and empowered to reach their full potential. The company has also implemented policies to address any unconscious gender biases or discriminations.

Q6. Is career advancement challenging for women in your profession?

Female engineering professionals may encounter hurdles in receiving promotions, as they are underrepresented in leadership positions and may be unconsciously viewed as having less potential for leadership than men. However, the industry is becoming more aware of these issues and are already taking steps to address them.

Q7. Many female employees are in the “sandwich generation”. What tips do you have for women to achieve a healthy work-life balance?

Juggling work and dual caregiving responsibilities leave little room for error, so you must voice out your concerns.

Talk to your supervisor or manager. Communicate your workload and flexibility. Try to delegate tasks and seek support from colleagues.

Always remember self-care is as important as it restore your own energy and strength.

Q8. How do you encourage female employees to not give up?

Being in a male-dominated industry means it is easier to standout as long as you remain confident.

Be yourself. As an engineer, you are defined by your abilities and not gender. Be confident in your profession and proud to be a woman in this field.

Recognise and celebrate achievements. You should always be proud of what you have achieved. It encourages you to do even better and a lot more remarkable things in the future.

Share experiences with women working in this industry. Explain that their help is fundamental to achieving new goals and gender diversity.

Provide mentorship and coaching programmes. Be involved in networking and professional development opportunities.

Q9. What advice would you give to young women entering this profession / organisation?

Embrace new learning opportunities and be a ‘sponge’. Knowledge that seems impertinent today can be useful in future work or roles.

Learning from your mentor will open doors that would be inaccessible without their knowledge, guidance or networks.

Take on new responsibilities. Jump on it. Just be prepared to put in the work.

Embrace failure. It is a precondition for success. Capture the learning opportunities from your failure.

Develop your soft skills to efficiently work with colleagues, managers and even clients.

Broaden your experience by expanding your skill set and completing a variety of projects.

Q10. Name one women who has inspired you and elaborate on why she is an inspiration to you?

Katherine Johnson. She was a pioneering mathematician who worked for NASA and contributed the launching of the first astronauts into space in the 60s and among other pioneer crewed space missions.

She inspires me with her perseverance and determination in the face of gender and racial barriers in engineering. And she proved that we, women can be a “mother, wife, and career woman.

Equal opportunities are given to all employees at Asia Infrastructure Solutions regardless of races, gender or backgrounds in participating in leadership development programmes, which have been invaluable in helping me advance in my career.

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