Seow Xiu Jing

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Singapore, Part-time MBA (Class of 2024)

Capital Markets Manager

Vision Fund International

Making Bold Moves in ESG and Impact Investing

This March, we celebrate International Women’s Day by spotlighting some of our most inspiring alumni from the NUS MBA program. With this series featuring five remarkable women, we celebrate their achievements and hope to inspire a dialogue on female empowerment. Each story showcases the resilience, determination, and innovation of women who have navigated the challenges and opportunities of business and beyond.

Alumni spotlight: Seow Xiu Jing

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, our series celebrating inspiring women from the NUS MBA programme continues. Today, we spotlight Seow Xiu Jing (Class of 2024), who has made her mark in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and impact investing. Currently serving as the Capital Markets Manager at VisionFund International, Xiu Jing juggled her work while completing her MBA part-time, demonstrating the remarkable ability to balance a demanding career with rigorous academic pursuits. Further solidifying her role as a leader and innovator, Xiu Jing is listed as one of the Women of the Future – 50 Rising Stars in ESG 2023. This accolade recognises her significant contributions and dedication to driving forward the principles of ESG. We speak to Xiu Jing to learn more about her views on being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Challenging Stereotypes in Uncharted Territories

Xiu Jing reflects on her path through a traditionally male-dominated field with a story that begins in an unexpected setting—Myanmar. “As someone who wanted to gain emerging market experience, I decided to work in microfinance in Myanmar when the country was still opening up,” she explains. This decision, viewed by many as unconventional, was a testament to her courage and commitment to making a difference. “Many of my friends and many others in the sector were surprised that I chose to do that move,” she recalls.

While in Myanmar, she lived like a local and acknowledged this experience was demanding: “In my field of work, it could be deemed as tough and challenging in a male-dominated environment whether in the sector or the country.” Yet, her experience in Myanmar was defined by kindness and respect, challenging the belief that such environments are unsuitable for women. “With the right measures to protect oneself, women can work in tough environments,” Xiu Jing asserts, showcasing her resilience and ability to debunk myths about female leadership in challenging sectors.

We wonder if her ability to navigate these complexities also made the Myanmar stint possible. Indeed, Xiu Jing’s approach to her work in the impact investing sector highlights the delicate balance between empathy and strategic thinking. “As I deal with our clients’ lives – beneficiaries who are directly impacted by our actions and we see it daily, it is normal to have certain emotions. However, in my job, I am learning to respond and not react emotionally to situations,” she explains. This emotional intelligence and a steadfast commitment to results set a precedent for leadership in high-stakes environments. “While I have faced aggressive and emotional behaviour from acquaintances, I knew that showing any emotions in return would deem me as ‘emotional’ being a female professional. Being in the impact investing sector, having both ‘passion’ in remembering the cause and ‘logic’ in the returns and impact is important,” Xiu Jing adds, underscoring the importance of passion and logic in her field.

It is also a reminder that barriers and stereotypes are not impossible obstacles but opportunities to demonstrate strength, leadership, and innovation. By embracing challenges with courage and determination, women can redefine the landscape of any field.

The Unique Lens of Female Leadership in ESG

Xiu Jing’s journey underscores the unique contributions of female leaders in ESG and impact investing. “Female leaders bring different lenses, especially for this sector, which requires a holistic view towards investments that affect the unbanked population,” she notes. “Impact investments look at triple bottom line returns, and female leaders/executives can bring that view to investors,” she elaborates, highlighting the importance of gender diversity in the sector.

Xiu Jing’s insights extend to the challenges and opportunities faced by female professionals in Singapore, shedding light on the nuanced dynamics of balancing multiple roles. “In Singapore, we are very time-pressed for all areas of commitments in our life..,” she observes, highlighting how women manage diverse responsibilities. She points out: “Women around me are given multiple identities – woman, wife, daughter, mother, leader, caretaker, helper, professional, daughter-in-law, mother-in-law etc..”

Her advice? It is rooted in her personal experience: “Success is never a linear journey, and upon reaching a certain peak, success needs to be redefined on one’s terms and area.” Instead, she champions a personal definition of success, advocating for “one’s ability to live by one’s personal definition for success with integrity and resilience while respecting and uplifting each other’s decision to live on their terms.” This insight is particularly poignant since women often navigate multiple identities and commitments. Xiu Jing’s philosophy encourages embracing the non-linear path to success, advocating for a personal definition of achievement that respects individual choices and challenges.

With more female leaders like Xiu Jing in the sector, it is not hard to believe that the future of ESG and impact investing will be increasingly inclusive.

Leadership Growth through the NUS MBA Experience

The impact of the NUS MBA program on Xiu Jing’s career growth and leadership perspective is unmistakable. “Being a part of the NUS MBA has exposed me to people from all walks of life…it has really humbled and challenged my beliefs and perceptions and helped me to grow,” she shares. Her role in the Student Executive Committee further honed her leadership skills, teaching her the importance of inclusivity and the value of diverse voices. “Being a leader means being able to create the platform for as many different voices to be heard,” Xiu Jing reflects, applying these lessons to her professional life with a deep appreciation for every stakeholder’s role in the ecosystem.

Moreover, Xiu Jing’s tenure on the committee was served alongside her work responsibilities and MBA studies. Her experience challenges the often-heard notion that “you can’t do it all.” Through her example, Xiu Jing demonstrates that achieving a balance is possible, provided a willingness to commit and persevere.

Conclusion: A Journey of Inspiration and Impact

Through her unconventional venture into challenging environments,, her advocacy for gender diversity in impact investing, and her leadership growth through the NUS MBA program, Xiu Jing demonstrates what happens when women embrace challenges, redefine success, and foster inclusive leadership. Her story breaks down stereotypes and inspires aspiring leaders, showing the impact of resilience, diversity, and authenticity in creating a sustainable and inclusive future.

Xiu Jing’s journey reminds us of the potential for positive change when we support and empower the aspirations of women across all industries. As we celebrate her achievements, we are encouraged to reflect on our paths, challenging ourselves to lead with integrity, embrace our diverse identities, and redefine success on our terms.