In this age of rapid globalisation, more Singaporean professionals are venturing overseas. Ahead of Singapore’s 60th National Day, we hear from four overseas-based Singaporean professionals on their experiences leading global teams in diverse environments and workplace cultures, and how Singaporean values have influenced their leadership style.
In a career that has spanned many different countries and regions, Yap Lin Kiat, Executive Vice President, Head of Customer Support at ASML Holding N.V, is currently based in the Netherlands, after stints in the United States and Taiwan.
ASML makes machines that chipmakers use to mass produce microchips, and is an innovation leader in the global semiconductor industry.
He said Singapore’s emphasis on striving for excellence, as well as its focus on honesty and integrity, has shaped his work attitude, and made him more pragmatic and efficient.
“We live in a largely meritocratic society, so from young, we are taught to work hard and aim for the best possible outcome,” Yap said. “At the same time, we go into each challenge with a fair balance of collaboration and innovation.”
Comparing the workplace culture of Taiwan, the US and the Netherlands, Yap observed that his Taiwanese team focused on hard work and collaboration, taking their tasks very seriously. He would try to get the team to speak up more by breaking them up into smaller groups, which made it easier to engage and listen.
On the other hand, his Dutch colleagues were highly independent and innovative, but prioritised lengthy discussions. His role was to steer discussions towards action and implementation at every meeting. He found workplace culture in the US to be the most similar to Singapore, with an emphasis on execution – and he motivated his team by sharing comparative benchmarking data to explain how things are done in other parts of the world.
In a high-pressure environment, his focus is to "prioritise the most important task" and think ahead. Yap noted that his years in National Service (military conscription) helped him to stay calm and be clear on the problem. These attributes now help him effectively lead his team in navigating issues and staying focused on the end result, while taking into account the interests of different stakeholders.
Yap Lin Kiat has now lived in the Netherlands for four years, but continues to tune in to the National Day Parade and the National Day Rally each year. He is also keen to share the delights of Singaporean culture overseas — having lohei (a Chinese New Year tradition where people gather around the table to toss a raw fish salad while saying auspicious greetings) with his team in Taiwan, and making claypot rice with his Dutch team, for example. Yap said this was a good way to bond with his colleagues.
Tan Geok Hong, Vice President, Chief of Staff to the CEO at Micron Technology, is currently based in Silicon Valley in the US. She said “the belief that survival depended on being extraordinary” in Singapore’s formative years has had a big impact on her leadership philosophy.
“That mindset has deeply shaped how I lead. It has instilled in me the discipline to always stay ahead of the curve – anticipating what’s possible and continuously innovating for the best,” she said.
She describes herself as a proud graduate of Nanyang Technological University and had previously done an internship at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). Tan believes the integration of research institutes strengthens the link between science, innovation, and real-world application.
The Singapore government’s strong emphasis on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education sharpens critical thinking, she noted, while initiatives like SkillsFuture show how seriously the government takes lifelong learning. She is also a beneficiary of the programme, having used the credits to take a finance class.
“We are trained to think ahead, lead with courage and tenacity, and adapt with agility – qualities that serve us well on the global stage.”
In high-pressure environments, clarity of purpose becomes the anchor, she added. “When everyone understands the goal and feels connected to it, they row in the same direction even when the waves are strong and they are tired.”
Last year marked the first time Tan celebrated National Day with her family in Silicon Valley, and they headed to a Singaporean restaurant to enjoy the familiar flavours of home.
Tan said when watching the National Day Parade, the part that fills her with the most pride is seeing Singaporeans from all walks of life come together in unity. No matter where she is, the Singapore spirit would always live on in her.
Lee Joon Seong, Senior Managing Director, and Global Lead for Growth AI, Center for Advanced AI at Accenture, assumed his post in New York at the start of the year. New York is more multicultural than Singapore, he observed, bringing together over a hundred ethnicities from 180 countries and regions in one city. In such a diverse environment, people often need more time to communicate their thoughts, and engage in open debate to clarify viewpoints in order to establish a common understanding and awareness. That’s why cultural adaptability is especially important.
In his view, Singaporeans’ pragmatism, and their focus on execution and outcomes have remained useful in New York City’s fast-paced and highly competitive workplace environment.
“Singapore’s education and political environment have taught us that the world doesn’t need us. We are the ones who must create value,” he explained. “This belief reminds us that we have to keep up with the times, develop our own unique positioning and showcase our capability.”
He observed that while Singapore’s good standing has given him some reputational advantages, it was ultimately up to him to find his own footing.
In a high-pressure environment, he firmly believes in having clear goals and leading his team with sincerity and empathy.
“Regardless of religion, race, or language background, everyone wants to be understood and recognised,” he said. “As long as you make it clear to the team what they are fighting for, they will naturally be willing to go above and beyond.”
Having lived in New York for seven months, he will be joining the National Day celebrations jointly organised by the Singapore Embassy in the US and the Singapore Global Network.
This would not be the first time Lee is celebrating National Day overseas, he said with a smile. In the past, he had marked the occasion by donning the national colours of red and white and tucking into Singaporean cuisine while listening to Kit Chan’s Home to soothe his homesickness.
Anna Ng, Global Head of Supply Chain and Product Strategy at Roche, is based in Basel, Switzerland. In a vital role at a multinational pharmaceutical firm, Ng has to foster a sustainable and innovative workplace culture while showcasing Singaporean values on an international stage.
“In Singapore, diversity is inherent, and my Singaporean background helps me navigate diverse cultures,” Ng said. Asked how growing up in Singapore has shaped her leadership style, she replied that Singaporeans often value humility and respect for authority, which can sometimes lead to us not promoting ourselves or competing for positions we are qualified for, and shying away from sharing our viewpoints.
“Our concept of competition often involves excelling academically and expecting that to lead to success,” she said.
“But in the male-dominated tech industry, I faced struggles as an Asian woman despite my doctorate. She expressed gratefulness for mentors who had spoken up for her, encouraging her to advocate for herself and giving her opportunities she might not have received otherwise, and said she looks to do the same for others.
Like many overseas Singaporeans who are based overseas, she finds herself deeply moved whenever she hears Kit Chan's rendition of Home, a song that evokes memories and emotions tied to her homeland. The occasion also takes on an added meaning for her when she sings the National Anthem and recites the Pledge - moments that reaffirm her pride in and sense of belonging to Singapore.
Source: 在异乡展现新加坡精神 我国居海外专才展现领导才能, published 5 August 2025, 8world, Mediacorp News Group© 2025. Adapted with permission.
