Published 18th Nov 2021
Global Women in Singapore is the latest group to join global networking organisation GWPR.
Spearheaded by nine Founder Members, all industry leaders, the group is passionate about making an impact on the professional development of women in PR and curating true and diverse voices as an essential part of the PR industry.
This group aims to champion the value of public relations, support and elevate the professional development of women in PR and to demonstrate the impact of communications on business. They plan to attract 500 members over the next 3 years.
As part of its launch priorities, GWPR Singapore will be partnering with industry experts to develop a Communications Career Pathway to set the right tone and structure to help with career progression for both employees and employers. This is aimed at meeting the needs of both in agencies, and in in-house communications teams. In addition, GWPR Singapore will identify future practical and leadership skills needed to thrive in the industry.
Based on a June 2021 survey conducted with 110 communications professionals in Singapore, the top three barriers for women in PR with respect to advancing their careers in communications were:
- Lack of industry standards and benchmarks to set the tone for the profession
- Unclear or limited career growth pathways (within the company) for advancement opportunities
- Lack of time and mind space due to personal commitments such as family
Forty percent of respondents were looking for more out of their careers. When asked about the support needed to help them take more control of their career development, the top three areas cited were:
- Networking and mentorship opportunities – to expand career possibilities and receive tips and guidance to navigate their career journey
- Growing leadership presence – to equip oneself with valuable skills and be well-placed to compete or be on par with counterparts
- Keeping updated with industry updates and best practices – to boost knowledge and work outcomes
At launch, GWPR Singapore has secured the support of senior communications leaders at companies such as GIC, JKK, Mars Wrigley, Spotify, and Talent Insight Executive Search (Ties), who have agreed to offer their views towards the Communications Careers Pathway.
Founding Members of GWPR Singapore are:
- Amanda Goh (Chasm United)
- Rachel Ho (Johnson & Johnson)
- Vanessa Ho (Weber Shandwick)
- Amanda Koh (Vodafone)
- Bridgit O’Donovan
- Emily Poon (Ogilvy)
- Yasmin Ramle (GIC)
- Praveen Randhawa
- Julia Wei (AKA Asia)
Individually, the nine Founder Members have an average of 15 – 25 years of experience. Collectively, they represent stewards of the industry, having served in a variety of leadership roles, mentored hundreds of talents and led impactful communications work. The Founder Members work in a range of sectors including the public sector, technology, financial services, and healthcare, and are professionals from in-house and agency organisations that span large, mid-sized and independents.
“To advance our mission, GWPR Singapore will invite its members to reshape the future of our communications industry, co-create clear pathways for growth and curate opportunities for best practice sharing and mentoring. We will partner closely with our global counterparts to ensure a scaled network to collectively grow our knowledge base and community. I am proud to be associated with such an amazing group of friends in the industry who represent the best in our business personally and professionally, but also the humblest yet ambitious of leaders,” said Amanda Goh, Founder Member, GWPR Singapore.
“To advance our mission, GWPR Singapore will invite its members to reshape the future of our communications industry, co-create clear pathways for growth and curate opportunities for best practice sharing and mentoring. We will partner closely with our global counterparts to ensure a scaled network to collectively grow our knowledge base and community. I am proud to be associated with such an amazing group of friends in the industry who represent the best in our business personally and professionally, but also the humblest yet ambitious of leaders,”
Amanda Goh, Founder Member, GWPR Singapore
The Founder Member Board will be mentored by highly experienced Industry Advisors. They are marketing communications veteran, Verdayne Nunis, Customer & Partner Engagement Leader, Office of the President,Microsoft Asia; Georgette Tan, President of United Women Singapore and Chair of Board Agender and winner of 2020 Individual Achievement of SABRE; and Kim Underhill, an author, executive coach, trainer and motivational speaker, who is also a Board President of non-profit organisation Daughters Of Tomorrow and Co-Founder of the SHE BRILLIANCE movement.
Members and the communications industry at large will be able to leverage the GWPR Singapore platform for:
- Provocation: Promote thoughtful, honest exchange about pressing issues that matter and embrace vulnerability in learning from each other’s experiences. This is necessary for progressive dialogue. Some topics include elevating the role of communications in business and organisations, championing women leadership in communications, and rethinking career development pathways.
- Inspiration: Celebrate each other’s ideas and work driven by communications and in partnership with marketing, creative, intelligence, digital. Celebrate what women in communications can achieve with the support of allies. Celebrate the impact communications can make in collaboration with stakeholders. This will come in a form of a steady drumbeat of content and conversations to inspire a growth mindset and boost knowledge and work outcomes.
- Connection: Nurture a conducive environment and safe space for members to build deeper and trusted relationships. Through GWPR Singapore, members will get access to senior communications leaders through a guided mentoring and networking programme.
GWPR Co-founder and Joint President Sue Hardwick, said, “We are delighted to see our organisation go from strength to strength and are particularly delighted to welcome GWPR Singapore to our growing network in Asia Pacific. GWPR is the only global networking organisation aimed at championing, supporting and connecting women working in senior roles in the PR and communications industry.”
GWPR Singapore offers three tiers of memberships for Full Individual Members (with at least 10 years’ experience), Associate Members (with at least five years’ experience) and Corporate Brand/Sponsorships (minimum 10 members in their companies).
For more information or to sign up info@globalwprsingapore.com.
