IBM’s esteemed leader Catherine Lian has secured another prestigious accolade, receiving the Asian-Oceanian Computing Industry Organisation (ASOCIO) Digital Transformation (DX) Award for Women Leaders in Technology at a high-profile ceremony in Tokyo recently.
“Receiving this award is a testament to the collective efforts of women in technology who strive for excellence every day,” said Catherine, Vice President and Executive Technology Leader for IBM ASEAN, to HR Asia.
“I am honoured to share this recognition with all the incredible women breaking barriers in our industry. I aspire to continue shattering the glass ceiling and serve as a role model for women in technology.”
The ASOCIO DX Awards aim to recognise outstanding accomplishments in the utilisation and implementation of digital technologies. Established in 1984 with founding members from Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, ASOCIO has evolved into an ICT federation comprising associations from 24 economies throughout the Asia Pacific. It is one of the most long-standing and active international ICT trade organisations in Asia and Oceania.
ASOCIO’s influence extends to more than 20,000 ICT companies in the region, representing a combined ICT revenue of USD 1 trillion globally. The organisation’s objective is to promote, encourage, and foster relationships and trade among its members and to develop the computing industry in the region.
Catherine has long been recognised regionally as a leader who advocates for diversity and champions initiatives supporting women in technology. Her latest recognition follows her win of the ‘Women in Tech Award’ for the private sector and NGOs at the prestigious World Innovation, Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA) Global Innovation and Tech Excellence Awards 2023.
Industry veteran and Chair of e-Commerce Malaysia Ganesh Kumar Bangah said that Catherine personifies the resilient spirit and continuous efforts of women in the tech industry to break barriers and forge a path for increased representation and inclusivity.
“IBM has been consistently associated with initiatives driving diversity and inclusion, and Catherine’s achievement amplifies this commitment on a global stage,” said Ganesh.
“Her victory further establishes IBM’s leadership in this field internationally, signalling its robust strategy and tangible actions towards implementing a comprehensive diversity and inclusion agenda.”
“In an industry often critiqued for gender disparities, the recognition of female leaders like Catherine heralds a vital step towards a more inclusive and equal future, demonstrating that with steadfast determination, the tides of diversity in the tech industry are indeed changing,” added Ganesh.
Catherine’s achievements indeed align seamlessly with IBM’s intrinsic emphasis on diversity and inclusion, validating the spirit and culture that the corporation staunchly upholds.
“Inclusion is imperative for the health of our business and our society,” said Catherine, reflecting on the sentiment that IBM has institutionalised within its operational and organisational culture.
“This embodies a commitment to identifying and dismantling barriers, thereby forging advancement opportunities in an equitable manner for all stakeholders — including employees, suppliers, communities, and extending globally,” she added.
“IBM proactively propels real progress by embodying a role greater than that of a multinational technology company. We see ourselves as catalysts for systemic change in the world, perpetually evolving our actions and behaviours to amplify inclusivity at every scale,” Catherine stated.
Elucidating IBM’s vision for diversity and inclusion, the company nurtures a culture where conscious inclusion and active allyship prevail, enabling every IBMer to impart a positive societal impact while being empowered to bring their authentic selves to the workplace.
“This vision is brought to life by harnessing a myriad of strategies, including building a more diverse workforce, facilitating a flexible work environment, cultivating an inclusive culture, and staunchly advocating for equity both within and beyond IBM’s walls,” said Catherine.
Through these steadfast commitments and tangible actions, IBM, under the progressive leadership of individuals like Catherine Lian, brings to life a blueprint for corporations globally.
This demonstrates that the fusion of technology, innovation and an unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion can indeed pave the way for meaningful, systemic change in the world.
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