On March 7, AmCham China hosted its annual Women’s Summit: Women in Innovation, fittingly one day ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8. The annual Summit serves as a platform to gather women entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, business experts, media, investors, and the wider AmCham China community, to highlight the key role women play in global leadership development and social impact, and to demonstrate the importance of supporting women leaders and entrepreneurs.
AmCham China President Michael Hart kicked off the Summit with opening remarks In his speech. He recognized the business community’s imperative to promote and empower women.
The first panel discussion tackled “Empowering Women in Healthcare” and brought together Guo Ying, Associate General Manager, United Family Healthcare Beijing Market; Milun Zhang, Head of GA and Regional Access at Amgen China; Wen Hua, Program Specialist at United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), China; and was moderated by Paul Rochon, Founder of Engineering Wellbeing. The dialogue spanned personal journeys within healthcare, the critical role of women in this sector, and strategies for addressing gender disparities. Participants shared insights from their varied experiences in healthcare management, international health initiatives, and policy advocacy, emphasizing the importance of access to care and the unique health challenges women face. The discussion also touched on technological innovations in healthcare, such as biologics and medical devices, highlighting their potential to transform patient care. A significant theme was the need for gender-sensitive health services and the empowerment of women not only as healthcare providers but also as patients and decision-makers in health. The panel underscored the necessity of comprehensive approaches to women’s health, including mental health awareness, and the importance of creating supportive environments for women in the healthcare industry to thrive.
In her keynote speech “From Barrier Breakers to Game Changers,” Ray Zhang, CFO at Microsoft Greater China Region, discussed the challenges and barriers faced by women in the technology sector and emphasized the importance of diversity and inclusion in overcoming these obstacles. She shared her personal experiences and Microsoft’s initiatives to support women, including mentorship, allyship, and sponsorship programs, highlighting the company’s commitment to creating a more inclusive culture. Zhang also discussed the progress made and the ongoing efforts required to empower women in tech, illustrating Microsoft’s role in fostering innovation and equality, saying, “Together, we can continue to build a world that thrives on diversity, inclusion, and innovation.”
The second panel discussion, titled “Women Breaking the Mold: Rethinking Leadership and Driving Change,” featured insights from prominent leaders: Borjana Lambreva-Guemuesel, Chief Strategy Officer at Volkswagen-Mobvoi; Marcus Williams, Director of Customer Support & New Programs at Boeing Tianjin Composites; and Ida Chao Kho, Head for Trust & Compliance Office and Senior Counsel at IBM Greater China Group, and was moderated by Cindy Jensen, Founder & CEO of INPOWER ONE. The conversation centered on overcoming gender biases, the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and strategies for personal and professional growth. Panelists shared personal anecdotes and emphasized the need for mentorship, sponsorship, and flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance. The discussion highlighted the significance of persevering through challenges, taking risks, and the crucial role of supportive networks in advancing women’s leadership and driving change. The overarching message advocated for rethinking traditional gender roles and stereotypes, encouraging women to trust their capabilities and pursue their goals unabashedly, thereby contributing to a more inclusive and equitable professional environment.
In the final keynote speech of the day, Siddharth Chatterjee, UN Resident Coordinator in China, highlighted the critical role of women in innovation ahead of International Women’s Day, emphasizing their historical significance as change-makers. He referenced Mao Zedong’s proclamation, “Women Hold Up Half the Sky,” to underline the importance of gender balance and celebrated China’s success in leveraging its female workforce, contributing to its economic growth. Highlighting the significance of empowering women through education and support in entrepreneurship and citing examples like Nobel laureate Tu Youyou and tech leader Zhou Qunfei, Chatterjee stressed, “Investing in women’s education—and particularly in STEM fields—is therefore critical. Equally important is supporting women entrepreneurs to access funding and mentorship opportunities. By enabling women to tap into their potential, we are not just empowering individuals, we are catalyzing progress for everyone.” Chatterjee stressed that investing in women is key to advancing innovation across technology, social entrepreneurship, and economic development, noting their unique perspectives foster inclusive solutions. However, he also addressed the ongoing challenges women face, including under-representation and financial barriers, underscoring the need for supportive policies and investment in gender equality. Chatterjee called for a commitment to equality and innovation, urging actions to empower women and ensure their vital contributions to global challenges, making a case for a future where innovation and equality are synonymous.
Chatterjee’s full remarks can be found here.
After the final remarks, speakers and attendees were invited to join a cocktail reception to connect, discuss the day’s topics, and toast to all women ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8.
If you would like to learn more about AmCham China’s Women Professionals Committee, please contact Yin Yu at yyu@amchamchina.org.
