Interview with Christina Chan, HR Director Asia
As part of our IWD 2025 Impact Campaign, which highlights ongoing initiatives within AIS that promote gender equity and empowerment, we are delighted to feature Christina Chan, HR Director Asia at AIS. Given her leadership role and dedication to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace, Christina shares her thoughts on this year’s theme, “Accelerate Action”, and the strides AIS is making toward gender equality.
Accelerating Action: Closing the Gender Gap
To Christina, “Accelerate Action” is a call for change – one that brings us closer to gender parity by ensuring equal opportunities in education, workplace equity, and leadership. It is also about empowerment, where women’s voices are amplified, and their participation in decision-making processes is recognised at all levels.
A Career Built on Resilience and Adaptability
Reflecting on her career, Christina highlights the unique challenges women often face in the workplace, from biases to balancing multiple roles. One defining moment in her journey was when she joined a Japanese firm as Head of HR. Building trust with a leadership team composed mostly of men required persistence and patience, but she successfully transformed mindsets and gained recognition for her contributions. Her experience underscores the importance of breaking stereotypes about women in leadership, demonstrating that women are equally capable of leading organisations, driving change, and inspiring teams.
She also emphasises the role of women leaders in fostering work-life balance, which contributes to sustainable workplace practices and better staff engagement.
How AIS Supports Gender Equity
AIS is committed to ensuring that all employees, regardless of gender, have equal opportunities to thrive. Christina outlines the key initiatives AIS has implemented:
- Inclusive Hiring Practices: AIS hires the right talents for the right positions, regardless of gender.
- Fair Promotions & Leadership Opportunities: Advancement at AIS is based on performance, skills, and achievements rather than gender.
- Empowering Women in Leadership & Technical Roles: Women hold key leadership positions in HR, Corporate Communications, Business Development, Environmental Teams, Project Management, and Cost Management.
- Accelerating Gender Equality: AIS ensures that all women leaders actively participate in decision-making processes and contribute to business strategy planning.
Creating a More Inclusive and Equitable Workplace
Christina believes that every employee, regardless of gender, plays a role in shaping an inclusive culture. She encourages everyone to:
- Foster an Inclusive Environment – Create a welcoming, respectful space where all voices are heard.
- Ensure Equal Participation – Encourage diverse perspectives, especially from underrepresented groups.
- Promote Mentorship & Sponsorship – Support career growth by providing guidance and opportunities for women to step into leadership roles.
The Future of Gender Equity at AIS
Looking ahead, Christina envisions a workplace where women continue to thrive through:
- Leadership Development Programs – Equipping women with skills, networking opportunities, and mentorship to step into higher leadership roles.
- Empowerment Through Visibility – Highlighting and celebrating women leaders to inspire future generations.
- Fostering a Family-Oriented Culture – Supporting flexible working arrangements and childcare support to help employees balance work and family life.
Words of Advice to Women Pursuing Growth & Advancement
Christina’s advice to women striving to advance their careers:
- Stay Curious & Keep Learning – Invest in personal and professional development, particularly in communication, decision-making, and emotional intelligence.
- Believe in Yourself – Overcome self-doubt and trust in your abilities to achieve success.
- Embrace the Journey – Success is not an overnight achievement. Perseverance is key.
“Accelerate Action” is a call for change - one that brings us closer to gender parity by ensuring equal opportunities in education, workplace equity, and leadership.
