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About The Event
We had the privilege of hosting an insightful panel featuring Frank Koo, Dr. Juliana Chan, and Joel Shen, moderated by Norma Wu. The session was filled with valuable takeaways that left us all reflecting on how we build and sustain our professional relationships.
Here are three key insights from the evening:
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Depth over numbers – Authentic, reciprocal connections matter more than collecting contacts or chasing vanity metrics. It’s about giving value and building meaningful relationships.
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Know your purpose – Be intentional about your networking. Whether you’re in a phase of growth, nurturing relationships, or taking a break, network with purpose and authenticity.
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Leverage platforms, but prioritise people – While LinkedIn and similar platforms can amplify your professional reach, nothing beats the power of personal, genuine connections.
This was the final Action Learning Project (ALP) event for the SGLN Fellowship, marking the conclusion of the journey for our pioneer cohort! We would like to thank the ALP team, comprising Audrey Koh, Gurpreet Singh, Joel Shen, Norma Wu, Ou Guojian and Ou Zhizhan, as well as SGLN ambassador Navaneetha, for organising such a meaningful event.
Let’s continue to build networks that drive not only our careers but also our growth as individuals.
About the Singapore Leaders Network
Supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and managed by the Human Capital Leadership Institute (HCLI), the Singapore Leaders Network (SGLN) aims to prepare Singaporeans for global leadership roles. We aspire to help advance the social capital of Singaporean corporate leaders who can support one another on their professional and personal leadership journeys - whilst cultivating a vibrant and robust community. This is achieved through activities that enable members to learn, lead, and link including through large scale in-person events, smaller business networking sessions on various topics of interest, a structured mentoring programme, an Ambassador programme, as well as an online LinkedIn community.
Key Moments
Speakers
Joel Shen
Partner of Withers KhattarWong, LinkedIn Top Voice, SGLN Pioneer Fellow
Joel is a faculty member of the Singapore Institute of Legal Education and tutor for the Advanced Corporate module of the Singapore bar course, as well as a non-faculty lecturer at the Law and Business Faculties of the University of Indonesia, and Universitas Pelita Harapan. Joel advises corporate and venture capital clients in cross-border investments, acquisitions, and joint ventures. Joel has particular experience in the Indonesian market where his clients include major technology companies, financial institutions, retailers, payment companies, and venture capital fund managers.
Joel is also a regular speaker on legal and business matters, and has spoken at conferences organised by Asia Legal Business, the Singapore Chamber of Commerce Indonesia, the Singapore Embassy in Jakarta, the Singapore Academy of Law, Endeavor Indonesia, TechinAsia, Wild Digital.
Dr. Julianna Chan
Adjunct Associate Professor and Founder of Find Your Superpower
Juliana Chan is an MIT-trained scientist turned media entrepreneur, and a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum. She founded the STEM-focused media communication firm Wildtype Media Group in 2018, after a 15-year career in nanomedicine and drug delivery.
Juliana’s LinkedIn journey began in early 2020, when she started posting actively during the pandemic lockdown. That same year, she was named an inaugural LinkedIn Top Voice for Singapore.
As the founder of Find You Superpower, Juliana helps an exclusive community of growth-minded professionals and entrepreneurs unlock their superpowers through mindset and action.
Besides her businesses, Juliana is also a frequent keynote speaker. She regularly talks about entrepreneurship, science communication, and of course, professional branding on LinkedIn.
Frank Koo
Founder & Director of NextPlay and Former Head of Asia, Talent and Learning Solutions, LinkedIn
Frank Koo is the founder of Nextplay – a company that supports organisations in developing leaders and employees with the right mindset, skills and commitment to excel in their job and career
Prior to that, Frank was the Head of Asia at LinkedIn and was responsible for LinkedIn’s Talent and Learning business.
Frank also held leadership roles in BE Education, where he was Chief Operating Officer, Pearson Education where he was President of Learning Solutions, and Oracle where he was Managing Director for Singapore and South Asia Growth Economies.
Frank currently sits on the board of IHRP (Institute for Human Resource Professionals), is an EXCO member of the APSS (Asia Professional Speakers Singapore) and SHRI (Singapore Human Resources Institute), council member of the NIC (National Integration Council), and a member of the Corporate Member Engagement Committee of SID (Singapore Institute of Directors).
Frank is also a qualified speaker, trainer and coach. He takes on speaking and training assignments on Leadership, Culture, Diversity and Inclusion and Future of Work.
Moderator
Norma Wu
Head of Transformation, Financial Services Industry, and SGLN Pioneer Fellow
Norma is a seasoned transformation leader in the general insurance industry with over 15 years of experience driving large-scale change across people, process, and technology. Prior to her current role in Singapore, she worked in a regional capacity including assignments based in Thailand and Malaysia.
In 2024, Norma joined the Singapore Leaders Network (SGLN) and is a Fellow of the pioneer cohort. Her involvement within the network reflects her commitment to empowering professionals through effective networking and collaboration.
A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, Norma actively supports initiatives that promote varied voices and perspectives. She has taken on roles as a presenter, panelist, and moderator at numerous events, and her dedication to nurturing talent makes her an engaging and insightful leader for discussions on leveraging the power of networks.