Love, Bonito’s inaugural regional women summit sees more than 400 people gather in support of International Women’s Month
Singapore, 1 March 2025 – Love, Bonito, Southeast Asia’s leading womenswear brand, kickstarted International Women’s Month by organising its first regional women conference featuring a powerhouse lineup of renowned Asian women leading bold conversations on topics that are plaguing women in society. More than 400 women and male allies showed up to engage in inspiring dialogues and gain actionable insights from fireside chats and panel sessions. Moreover, partial proceeds from the event will support lower-income women through Daughters Of Tomorrow, by providing them with timeless and versatile workwear as they embark on their journey towards gainful employment.
TITLES DON’T MATTER, IMPACT DOES
Headlining the conference was Ms Tan Su Shan, incoming DBS Bank CEO, who will be taking over the reins of Southeast Asia’s largest bank later this month. As the first woman CEO in DBS’ history, she had her fair share of challenges along the way but reemphasised the importance of unlearning and relearning. Specifically, she mentioned that ‘titles don’t matter; impact does’ and the importance of having courage in taking strategic steps back when and where necessary.
Overall, the session provided a refreshing and bold outlook on career growth, leadership, and personal development — reinforcing that success is rarely linear and that clear communication, constant learning, and a strong support system are essential for long-term progress.
REDEFINING SUCCESS FOR WOMEN
The first panel after the fireside chat featured distinguished Asian women who shared their personal journeys toward defining success. Their stories highlighted the importance of resilience, self-acceptance, and intentional ambition. The audience gained valuable insights into overcoming challenges and embracing one’s unique path to fulfillment.
Seven-time Paralympic gold medallist, Yip Pin Xiu, highlighted how her disability might have caused her anxiety in her early years, even during seemingly small daily events like crossing the gap from the MRT platform to the carriage itself. Coupled with self-doubt when others questioned her abilities, she cited that her way up was an arduous journey but working on self-care and having a strong support network kept her grounded.
Kelly Tandiono, widely recognised as a model-mentor on Asia’s Next Top Model, cited her traditional family structure and financial insecurity as barriers to success during her younger years. While she didn’t get full support from her family previously, she was proud of making bold moves in venturing overseas, which further strengthened her sense of ambition in pursuing her dreams.
Sahur Saleim, founder of Sahur’s Art Beauty, spoke about the importance of self-acceptance as a foundation for growth and encouraged embracing fear, citing the normalcy to be afraid, but to push forward regardless.
RESILIENCE – THRIVING IN A DEMANDING WORLD
The last panel of the day explored the multifaceted journey of pursuing excellence while maintaining well-being, with key takeaways on the need for self-check-ins, prioritising important life aspects, and recognising the signs of burnout to ensure sustainable success and overall happiness.
Maya Kale, Co-founder of Moom Health discussed the sacrifices involved in starting Moom, and introduced a new way of thinking of what ‘balance’ means to her as she sees it differently in each season of her life.
Regarded as one of the greatest squash players of all time, Datuk Nicol David highlighted the critical role of a strong support system throughout her sporting career and shared more about her ‘Ibu Legends’ program that brings together mothers of aspiring athletes.
Founder of Happiness Scientists, Sha-en shared her experience with burnout, underscoring the significance of self-awareness, self-compassion, and guilt-free rest.
The day ended with two workshops where women were able to stretch out with a mobility class conducted by the Co-founders of cheak, as well as a gin cocktail making workshop with Jamie Koh, the founder of Brass Lion Distillery
For more information on the conference, moderators and panelists, please visit https://www.lovebonito.com/sg/global/trailblazers
