Overview
“Navigating your career compass and making meaningful choices.”
Career Development is something that is relevant for all of us irrespective of where we are in our career journey. Join us for an enlightening session on navigating your career compass and making informed career choices.
Come and hear firsthand from our panel of senior leaders who have dedicated their careers to public service, transitioned from the private sector to the public sector, from public to private sector, and an individual who has successfully navigated between both realms multiple times.
They will be sharing their diverse experiences, insights, learnings and strategies for navigating various career landscapes. Whether you are seeking to advance in your current field, or simply looking for inspiration, this session will provide valuable guidance to help you chart your own course to success. Do not miss this opportunity to gain practical advice and learn from those who have walked the path before you!
Schedule
Date: 25 Mar 2025, Tuesday
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM (GMT +8:00) Kuala Lumpur, Singapore
Location: 32 Carpenter Street, 059911
Speakers
Speaker's Profile:
Suresh Sachi, Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate) and General Counsel, Agency for Science Technology & Research (A*STAR)
Suresh Sachi is the Deputy Chief Executive Corporate and General Counsel of the Agency for Science Technology & Research (A*STAR).. A qualified lawyer and patent agent, Suresh Sachi is responsible for all legal and IP matters, including establishing and maintaining A*STAR’s legal, IP, risk management and compliance polices. Before A*STAR, he was a partner in a leading law firm in Singapore. Mr Sachi’s strengths lie in his expertise in structuring and negotiating technology transfer deals. Mr Sachi currently serves on the board of the IPOS International and previously served on the board of the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore and the IP Academy. He is also a founding member and past president of the Licensing Executive Society (LES) Singapore.
Speaker's Profile:
Mr Tan Choon Shian, Chief Executive, Tote Board
Mr Tan Choon Shian is the Chief Executive of Tote Board since 1 July 2023. Tote Board, a statutory board under the Ministry of Finance, is entrusted with the stewardship of gaming revenue surpluses, which it channels towards community-based initiatives that drive social impact. Mr Tan was formerly Chief Executive, Workforce Singapore (WSG) from 2016 to June 2023. He played a pivotal role in formulating strategies and promoting innovation in WSG to help jobseekers and enterprises to overcome workforce challenges. As Chief of Operations of the National Jobs Council, he ensured the effective implementation of job-matching operations across multiple agencies and tripartite partners during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to WSG, Mr Tan served as the Principal and Chief Executive Officer of Singapore Polytechnic (SP) for more than three years, after relinquishing his appointment as Deputy Managing Director of the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB).
Moderator's Profile:
Mr Kevin Lai, Co-Leader, Egon Zehnder
Kevin Lai is the Global Health Practice Co-Leader and a core member of the Global Board and CEO Practice at Egon Zehnder. He advises public and private companies on succession planning for CEO, board, and other C-level positions, and board effectiveness. Kevin is a certified Integral Coach by New Ventures West and is involved in the assessment and development of senior executives, supporting their personal growth, self-awareness, and leadership transformation. Prior to joining Egon Zehnder, Kevin served as an Executive Director of the Singapore Economic Development Board, with oversight of the health and consumer industries. He was also the Regional Director based in London and Center Director for New York. Kevin has a strong interest in professional development. He supports the Singapore Institute of Directors by training new directors through their Listed Entity Directors program. He mentors young entrepreneurs of healthcare startups and coaches CEOs of Singapore companies.
Speaker's Profile:
Dr Lisa Ooi, Chief Operating Officer, Hummingbird Bioscience
Dr Ooi has more than 20 years of experience in the biomedical industry, namely in oncology/hematology, biomarker development, pharmacology, preclinical and clinical development of therapeutics, as well as orchestrating large-scale private and public research partnerships and promoting biomedical industry development. As COO at Hummingbird Bioscience, she oversees the company's portfolio, corporate and scientific strategy, with a focus on the development and commercialisation of new therapies and building differentiated core capabilities for drug discovery and development. Dr Ooi was formerly the Vice President (Healthcare and Wellness) at Economic Development Board (EDB), specialising in biotech and medtech industry development. She was previously with the Biomedical Sciences Industry Partnership Office (BMS-IPO) and Planning and Policy Division (PPD).
Speaker's Profile:
Ms Lynette Tan, Chief Executive Officer, Space Faculty
As the Founder and CEO of Space Faculty, Lynette champions the Asia deep tech ecosystem. Space Faculty is also committed to advancing air- and space-based technologies and research, achieved through an extensive network of partners. Lynette is advisor to US Fund Beyond Earth Technologies. Actively promoting interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) among youth and women, Lynette’s contributions have earned her several accolades. She received the Lancôme Visionary Award in 2018 and was recently honored for her “Outstanding Contributions to the Science & Technology Industry” by a leading women’s publication. In 2020, she was recognized as a Trailblazer on the inaugural “Singapore 100 Women in Tech List” for her efforts in positioning Singapore on the global space industry map. Lynette also mentors young leaders through the Singapore Business Federation, Women in Aviation. Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Stanford University.
