As the global energy transition accelerates, the industry remains largely male-dominated, particularly in leadership and technical roles. However, figures like Ms. Tang Yee Wah, Managing Director at ENGIE Lab Singapore, are challenging the status quo, demonstrating how resilience, strategic thinking, and people-centric leadership can drive impactful change. In this exclusive interview, DigitalCFO Asia delves into her experiences, perspectives, and the broader implications of gender diversity in energy, in celebration of International Women’s Day.
Challenging Conventions: A Career Forged in Determination
Tang’s journey from energy efficiency engineer to leading ENGIE Lab Singapore has been truly inspiring. Unlike many who experience gender-based career roadblocks, she shares that her professional growth was shaped by supportive mentors who placed an emphasis on ability rather than gender.
“For the most part, my gender was never a topic of discussion in my career, nor did I feel that it posed any limitations,” she reflects. “There were rare moments when I encountered challenges due to my gender, but knowing my worth, I never hesitated to walk away from those situations.”
While systemic barriers still exist, Tang’s journey illustrates that confidence and the ability to navigate traditional norms play a critical role in achieving professional success. Her experience also highlights the significance of allyship, particularly from male leaders who advocate for inclusivity and meritocracy.
Fostering Innovation in a Research-Driven Organisation
As the head of a research-focused division within a multinational energy company, Tang understands the delicate balance between technological innovation and commercial viability. Though she does not come from a scientific background, her leadership has been instrumental in ensuring that research remains purposeful, impactful, and aligned with business objectives.
“My priority is to build a highly supportive environment for my team to perform at their best. This process includes clearly communicating corporate directions and business objectives while defining the role of research in achieving them to provide a sense of purpose,” she explains.
She further emphasised the importance of protecting intellectual space, which allows researchers to explore groundbreaking ideas without the pressure of immediate commercial returns. This approach has enabled ENGIE Lab Singapore to remain at the forefront of energy innovation, from green data centres to integrated energy systems.
Gender Diversity in Energy: Breaking the Unconscious Barriers
Despite the increasing focus on diversity and inclusion, the energy sector still struggles with gender disparity, particularly in leadership and technical roles. Unconscious biases and systemic barriers continue to shape hiring decisions and career progressions in ways that often go unnoticed.
“In one of my early job interviews, I was asked whether I would be comfortable wearing trousers or pants most days, as the role required working on sites where dresses and skirts were not allowed,” Tang recalls. “If this was a concern for the hiring manager, how many women might have been deprived of technical opportunities due to generalised assumptions and gender-based stereotypes?”
Her story is a reminder that even well-intended questions can reinforce outdated gender norms. Beyond policies and quotas, the industry must drive cultural shifts that foster true inclusivity. This includes challenging self-limiting beliefs, promoting female role models, and ensuring that leadership reflects the diversity of talent in the field.
The Human Factor in Energy Transformation
While energy transition discussions often centre around technology and policy, Tang points out that human behaviour and economic structures are equally critical. Drawing from her experiences in both Asia and Europe, she highlights that while challenges differ across regions, one issue remains universal: the pace of transformation is not fast enough.
“Until the day we can set aside individual countries’ economic and political interests, we will struggle to make significant progress in addressing this challenge as a global community,” she stated.
She further emphasises that, while many corporations have set decarbonisation targets for 2050, the reality is that time is running out. At ENGIE, the focus is on developing clear strategies and roadmaps to ensure that research contributes directly to both financial targets and their carbon neutrality goal in 2045.
Redefining Leadership: Advice for Future Female Leaders
As a female leader in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Tang has gained invaluable lessons about confidence, critical thinking, and speaking out. When asked what advice she would give to her younger self, she candidly admits, “I would have taken more time to develop my critical thinking skills, formulate my own opinions more quickly, and speak up more. Too often, I have found myself regretting missed opportunities, thinking, ‘I should have said that,’ or ‘Why didn’t this come to mind earlier?’”
Her advice to young women considering careers in engineering, research, or energy leadership is simple yet powerful: “Go for it! We need you to join us in tackling the energy challenge together.” She also encourages established female leaders to be more visible, mentor the next generation, and create a robust support system.
Connect with Ms Tang Yee Wah
The journey of Ms Tang is not just an individual success story—it is a testament to the transformative power of inclusive leadership. By embracing diversity, challenging biases, and fostering innovation, she is shaping the future of the global energy transition.
For those interested in furthering the conversation on energy innovation, sustainability, and leadership, connect with Ms Tang Yee Wah on LinkedIn!
