International Women's Day, 8 March, is a global day celebrating the achievements of women in myriad domains. To mark the occasion, we asked some of female Synapxians about the women who inspire them, and what they would say to encourage young women.
How would you describe your job in one sentence?
"I build mobile applications that seamlessly blend functionality, security, and user experience, ensuring that technology serves people in meaningful and intuitive ways."
What is one woman you are inspired by and why?
"I'm deeply inspired by Dr Fei-Fei Li, whose pioneering work in AI demonstrates how technical excellence and human-centred values can coexist. She didn't just advance the field—she consistently advocated for technology that serves humanity. As a mobile developer, that reminds me that building smart features isn’t just about performance — it’s about designing apps that genuinely improve people’s lives."
If you were to meet your younger self, what is one piece of advice you would give?
"Everyone's timeline is different—focus on building your own path at your own pace. Don't worry about matching other people's milestones. Trust your journey, celebrate the small wins, and remember that real growth takes time."
Getting to know Elly
My essential: "Earbuds are my daily companion—whether I'm commuting, working, or unwinding, they keep me connected to music, podcasts, and calls while helping me stay focused throughout the day."
What surprises people: "People are often amazed to discover I have a 10kg cat (my other two are a more reasonable 4kg each!). He's my gentle giant who's full of personality and never misses a chance to steal cuddles."
My daily win: "There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of solving a tricky bug—tracking down the issue, fixing it, and watching everything run smoothly again never fails to brighten my day."
How would you describe your job in one sentence?
"I develop policies to safeguard our healthcare ecosystem and bridge the gap between complex policy requirements and real-world implementation by translating them into clear, practical guidelines so everyone can understand what is required of them."
What is one woman you are inspired by and why?
"I draw inspiration from the women I encounter daily rather than one specific person. Everyone has something to teach, and I've found that staying open to learning from different perspectives and experiences has been more valuable than seeking a single role model."
If you were to meet your younger self, what is one piece of advice you would give?
"Focus on building your emotional intelligence early—it's often overlooked but incredibly valuable. The ability to connect with others and navigate relationships thoughtfully will open doors and enrich your professional journey in ways you might not expect."
Getting to know Peiru
What I love outside work: "I love spending time with someone who means the world to me—whether we're watching a sunset together, listening to ocean waves, or simply gazing at the beautiful sky."
My go-to drink: "Tea is my drink of choice because it has the lowest calories and plenty of health benefits. I'm definitely a tea person!"
My daily win: "When my hard work is noticed—I don't need anyone to tell me directly, but knowing that my efforts are seen makes me genuinely happy."
How would you describe your job in one sentence?
"I bridge technology and healthcare by supporting the planning and alignment of digital solutions for national telehealth initiatives, working across MOH, healthcare clusters, and stakeholders to ensure our technology enablement aligns with Singapore's broader healthcare strategy."What is one woman you are inspired by and why?
"My mother inspires me most. Her quiet strength and resilience in facing life's challenges have profoundly shaped who I am today. Watching her navigate difficulties with determination and grace taught me values that guide me both personally and professionally."If you were to meet your younger self, what is one piece of advice you would give?
"Trust your instincts and embrace mistakes as part of learning. Real progress happens through small, consistent steps forward rather than trying to perfect everything from the start. Your perspective matters, so don't be afraid to share it."Getting to know Eveline
What I love outside work: "I treasure the opportunity to slow down and spend meaningful time with my family—those moments help me recharge and keep me grounded."
What surprises people about me: "People are often surprised to discover my background as a nurse. That frontline experience continues to influence how I approach healthcare challenges and reminds me of the importance of supporting the teams who care for patients directly."
What keeps me going: "Knowing that our work ultimately makes a difference for healthcare teams and the patients they serve is what motivates me every day."
