How Asian women are challenging bias to carve out entrepreneurial success, from Singapore to India

Asia’s resurgence post-Covid is creating a new generation of women-led businesses, prompting governments to consider how to establish a more inclusive economy

Funding woes, work-life balance and prejudice remain hurdles for women entrepreneurs, who say having supportive business partners and spouses can be half the battle won

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Women across Asia are challenging bias to carve out entrepreneurial success. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 9:30am, 9 Mar 2024Updated: 3:37pm, 14 Mar 2024

As a flight attendant for Singapore Airlines, Kay Cheong was staring at an abyss when she was forced to leave her job because she was expecting a baby.

Returning to her hometown in Malaysia was not really an option, but after a long job search and several rejections, she landed a modest sales position.

While struggling to file her application to become a Singapore permanent resident after having lived there since 2011, Cheong hit upon an idea: why not help smoothen the process for fellow migrants seeking to make the city state their home?

With co-founder and a young parent Elena Kwa, she launched the Immigrations People, which has now carved a niche after many ups and downs.

“It’s like a dream to be a boss of my own company. I really believe that it can change my family’s circumstances,” said Cheong, 36, adding that she did not come from a well-off family.

Kay Cheong, co-founder of Immigrations People, and her son Raien. Photo: Handout

Asia’s resurgent post-Covid economy is creating a new generation of women entrepreneurs. As the world celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8, the hardships that such entrepreneurs typically face have prompted governments to consider how to build a more inclusive economy.