ASEAN CXO forum pushes for more diverse, inclusive tech leadership

• IN PHOTO: Philippines Chief Information Officer Association President and Chairman Mel Migriño

ASEAN technology leaders are calling for more diverse and inclusive leadership to widen participation in decision-making and strengthen the region’s digital economy.

Philippines Chief Information Officer Association President and Chairman Mel Migriño made the call during the Women in Technology Forum held on July 7 at Hilton Singapore Orchard.

“Let this forum be the catalyst where we transition from passive conversations about inclusion to aggressive, metric-driven actions. When we strategically position women at the helm of technology, we don’t just bridge a gender gap—we ignite a growth multiplier that will future-proof the entirety of ASEAN,” said Migriño.

Migriño, who also serves as Women in Technology Council president of the ASEAN CXO Association, said women account for about 35 percent to 40 percent of technology roles across ASEAN but hold less than 15 percent of regional technology C-suite positions. Female technology founders also receive just over two percent of total global venture capital, based on figures cited in her speech.

She also cited studies indicating that women adopt and experiment with generative artificial intelligence at a rate about 25 percent lower than men.

Migriño linked the gap to unequal access to training, limited workplace support, and difficulties balancing career growth with family responsibilities.

She urged employers to provide flexible work arrangements, return-to-work programs, executive mentorship, and structured training in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, deep technology, and digital economy frameworks.

Migriño said women should be supported not only as users of digital tools but also as developers, decision-makers, and leaders involved in building and governing digital systems.

She also called for wider participation by women in ethical AI, national cybersecurity programs, cloud infrastructure, and regional initiatives such as the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA).

Migriño said more diverse and inclusive participation could reduce bias, improve risk management, and bring broader perspectives into the development of algorithms, cybersecurity policies, digital infrastructure, and cross-border trade rules.

The forum formed part of the ASEAN CXO Leadership Forum, which carried the theme, “Change is Constant: Towards an Innovative, Sustainable and Digitally Inclusive ASEAN.”

ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General for the ASEAN Economic Community Satvinder Singh expressed support for the Women in Technology initiative and its potential contribution to the development and implementation of DEFA.

ASEAN CXO Association President Hongsin Kwek said leadership should be defined by capability, purpose, and service rather than gender.

“At ASEAN CXO ASSOCIATION, we are not setting the bar too high for women leaders, we are recognizing the tremendous heights women are already capable of achieving,” Kwek said. “And personally, I believe exceptional leadership is defined by vision, integrity, strategic thinking, collaboration, resilience, and a passion to serve, not by gender.”

“Our call is for more women to step forward with confidence, lead with purpose, and inspire the next generation,” Kwek said. “We can definitely build a diverse, innovative, and impactful ASEAN digital future where women pride themselves to be ONE.”

Eelee Lua, Vice President for Women in Technology of the ASEAN CXO Association, thanked the speakers and female leaders who shared insights and experiences during the forum.

“I am deeply grateful to our esteemed speakers and female leaders who shared their insights with generosity, authenticity, and wisdom; their stories moved and inspired everyone in the room. The real work begins after the forum when strategic partnerships start to kick off and programs are set to roll out,” Lua said.

“My biggest takeaway is this, the only limits we face are the ones we place on ourselves. With determination, purpose, and the right support system behind us, we are truly unstoppable.”

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