SheXO Young Leaders Challenge: Deloitte Singapore and United Women Singapore launch challenge initiative that supports the development of young women leaders

SINGAPORE, 16 August 2021 – Today, Deloitte Singapore and United Women Singapore (UWS) announced the launch of the SheXO Young Leaders Challenge, an initiative designed to draw focus on diversity and inclusion in the Singapore workplace.

Anchored by Deloitte Singapore’s SheXO program, this inaugural challenge gives participants the opportunity to examine real-life issues around diversity and inclusion in current workplaces, and offer ideas and solutions to tackle these issues.

Applications for the SheXO Young Leaders Challenge opens today till 5 September 2021 and all female students currently enrolled in any undergraduate program in a Singapore university are eligible to apply.

All candidates are to participate in an individual capacity and their task is to propose a solution to a challenge question. Winners will be awarded a paid internship either with Deloitte or with a supporting organisation of the SheXO Young Leaders Challenge and mentorship with an experienced woman business leader from the same organisation. They will also receive a cash prize and access to networking opportunities at Deloitte events. More details can be found here.

The goal of this challenge is to nurture and inspire young women, and give them a head start in their leadership aspirations before they enter the workforce. This will be a step towards creating a pipeline of young women that have the potential to lead in the future. And should they build on this momentum and support other young women, more doors will open for women to take on top positions which will help give a more diverse voice in many organisations.

“One only needs to be given an opportunity, and that individual can be a driver of change for inclusion and equal opportunities in leadership,” says Ms SEAH Gek Choo, Deloitte Singapore’s SheXO Program Leader. “Through the SheXO Young Leaders Challenge, we hope to create a platform that pushes aspiring women leaders to act on current issues, and to foster a community that connects the women leaders of today and those of tomorrow. Change does not happen overnight, and our focus is to get the next generation ready to take on roles in the workplace that are impactful and sustainable for the benefit of society and the economy.”

"This Challenge offers a wonderful opportunity to young women to showcase their strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, which are 2 very important 21st-century competencies needed in leadership today.  Coupled with being mentored by some of the leading women in the industry, this provides a valuable experience to develop real leadership potential. United Women Singapore is pleased to collaborate with Deloitte on this programme as this aligns with the organisation's goal of building a pipeline of future women leaders in Singapore,” adds Ms Georgette TAN, President, United Women Singapore.

About the Deloitte SheXO program

The SheXO Program supports the personal and professional development of established, emerging and aspiring women leaders. By championing diversity and inclusion, we hope to create a safe and supportive environment for women leaders to be inspired, grow, connect and drive meaningful change in our communities to advance women in leadership.

About United Women Singapore

United Women Singapore (UWS) is a local non-profit organisation, with an Institution of Public Character (IPC) status, that advances women’s empowerment and gender equality, and builds a pipeline of women leaders and influencers in Singapore. The organisation works towards narrowing the gender equality gap through education and raising awareness and advocacy on issues such as anti-violence and women’s empowerment.