Meet the Singaporean finance leader breaking barriers

Jasmine Lim, Deputy General Manager of Ping An Fund Management Co.Ltd. never envisioned a career in finance. From an early dream of becoming a teacher to leading one of China’s top fund management firms, her journey reflects perseverance, adaptability, and passion.

In this exclusive interview, she shares her unconventional path, the challenges of entering China’s financial sector, and the evolving landscape of leadership in the industry.
 

An Unexpected Path into Finance

Jasmine Lim’s career trajectory was far from conventional. As a teenager, she never imagined herself in finance.

“During my younger days, I was always giving tuition; this continued even after I started working. I really enjoyed coaching people, so I thought I would go into teaching,” she shares.

However, life had different plans. Instead of stepping into a classroom, her first job out of university was with Singapore’s Ministry of Defence (MINDEF).

“A lot of people were quite surprised,” she recalls. “During my final year at NUS, MINDEF gave a career talk, and I was impressed. It was the first job offer I got, so I took it.”
 

For three years, she worked in Singapore’s public sector, but a sense of unfulfilled ambition lingered. “I majored in finance in university, and I liked numbers. After a few years at MINDEF, I realised I wanted to return to the private sector,” she explains. This led her to transition into banking, landing a role at United Overseas Bank (UOB) – where her real journey in finance began.

Transitioning from a structured public sector role into a highly competitive banking environment was a significant shift. “Within banking itself, there are different functions... I started off with management consulting within UOB, then got into the branches division, consumer banking, investment, and all those things.” She was drawn to the business development aspect, where she could interact with people rather than being behind a screen analysing market data all day.
 

Breaking into China’s Financial Sector

Jasmine’s career at UOB gave her exposure to various banking functions, but one aspect stood out – her bilingual skills made her an asset for UOB’s expansion into Greater China.

“In the early 2000s, China was gradually opening up after joining the WTO (World Trade Organisation). There were opportunities, but to enter China’s market, you needed a local partner. Finding the right one was not easy,” she explains.
 

The search for the right partner in China was extensive, spanning six years. It involved building trust, navigating cultural differences, and working closely with regulators.

“You had to build trust. I spent years flying across China, meeting potential partners, and talking to regulators. It wasn’t just about choosing them—they had to choose us too,” she shares.

In 2006, after years of effort, she finally found the right match—Ping An. “Even then, negotiations took months, and we only got regulatory approval in 2010. The global financial crisis in 2008–09 caused delays, but by 2011, the joint venture was officially launched.”

She relocated to Shenzhen to lead the new joint venture, which was a major career decision. “When I started the job, I initially asked my boss in Singapore if I could manage the joint venture remotely and just visit China regularly. He said no—you have to be based there.” What she thought would be a two- or three-year stint turned into a decade.
 

Adjusting to Life and Work in China

Moving to China was a significant personal and professional adjustment. One of the biggest challenges was the language barrier.

“One of the biggest changes is that I have to speak and write in Mandarin… In Singapore, English is still the official language, and even though I am bilingual, I didn’t use Mandarin as much in a professional setting. But here in China, everything has to be in Chinese.”

Initially, she relied on translation tools to assist with emails and document reviews. “Since all documents were in Chinese, I couldn't always finish reading them in the office. I had to spend more time catching up over the weekend or at night.”

Her ability to adapt to China’s linguistic and cultural landscape played a crucial role in her success. Today, as Deputy General Manager of Ping An Fund Management Co. Ltd., she manages a complex portfolio of responsibilities.
 

A Day in the Life of a Deputy General Manager

As Deputy General Manager of Ping An Fund Management Co., Ltd., Jasmine Lim takes on multiple responsibilities. “I oversee finance, operations, and IT. In short, I’m the CFO, COO, and now also overseeing international business,” she explains.

Her workdays are structured yet demanding. She wakes up at 6:00 AM and arrives at the office by 7:30 AM, an hour before official working hours begin. “I like to be the first in the office when everything is quiet. It gives me time to catch up on news, review industry updates, and prepare for the day ahead,” she shares.

She keeps herself informed by reading both English and Chinese financial news, ensuring she stays updated on global markets.

The official working hours are from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, but working beyond these hours is common. Jasmine mentions that the work culture in China’s financial sector is fast-paced, with long hours being the norm. Most employees leave the office around 6:30 PM or later.

Her days are usually filled with meetings, such as regular discussions with the IT team to track system developments, finance and operations teams to assess performance and regulatory compliance, and other ad-hoc meetings to review new fund launches and industry updates. Each day involves analysing data, providing insights, and making strategic decisions.
 

China’s financial sector moves at a rapid pace. “Everything is fast here – regulations, market conditions, business decisions. You have to stay ahead, or you’ll be left behind,” she says. With a recently acquired QDII (Qualified Domestic Institutional Investor) license, she has also taken on the responsibility of expanding international business, working on investment opportunities beyond China’s domestic market.

Despite her demanding schedule, Jasmine remains deeply engaged. “My days go by very fast. There’s always something new to learn, something new to solve,” she says. However, thriving in this high-pressure industry has not come without its challenges, with some challenges being unique to women.
 

Challenges and Lessons in Leadership: Women in Finance

Jasmine Lim’s experiences highlight both the progress and ongoing challenges in gender diversity within the finance sector. “For a female professional in China, especially in finance, the journey can be demanding,” she shares.

She notes that professional networking in China often extends beyond formal meetings to social engagements, which can present unique challenges. “In some cases, social expectations in business settings can be quite different from other markets. Fortunately, as a senior foreign professional, I have had some flexibility in navigating these situations,” she explains.

Jasmine is currently the only female in Ping An’s senior management team. “At the department level, about one-third of staff are women. But in senior management? I’m still the only one,” she shares.

While gender diversity is improving, she acknowledges that challenges persist, particularly in roles that require extensive networking and business development.
 

As an experienced professional from Singapore, Jasmine found that her background and seniority provided some flexibility in navigating these interactions. However, she recognises that for many local women in finance, adapting to professional networking norms can be more complex.

Despite strides in gender diversity, representation at senior levels remains an area for growth. She acknowledges that while more women are advancing to leadership positions at the department level, there is still a need for greater inclusion at the highest tiers of the industry.

When asked what message she had for other women in finance, Jasmine emphasised the importance of passion and perseverance. “You must have a passion for finance because if you don’t love it, the pressure will make you quit.” She believes that women who aspire to succeed in the financial industry must be proactive and adaptable. Her key advice includes:

• Be open-minded and adaptable – “The biggest challenge is fear. Many hesitate to take opportunities because they don’t know what’s ahead.”
• Step out of your comfort zone – “If you come to China, respect the culture. Learn from it. Make connections.”
• Build strong communication skills – “Being able to articulate your ideas and to negotiate is key. Don’t be afraid to speak up.”
• Master the local language – “In China, everything is in Mandarin. I had to adjust—reading, writing, and speaking Mandarin full-time. Now, people in China think I’m a local!”

Jasmine’s leadership journey is a testament to perseverance in a high-pressure industry. While she has carved out a space for herself at the top, she recognises that true progress requires systemic change and continued support for women entering finance.

Her experiences highlight not only the obstacles but also the immense opportunities available to those willing to step outside their comfort zones.
 

Conclusion: Redefining Success in Finance

Jasmine Lim’s journey stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of women who push boundaries in finance. Her career not only highlights the progress made but also underscores the ongoing need for greater representation and equity in leadership.

From an aspiring teacher in Singapore to a pioneering leader in China’s financial sector, she has rewritten the narrative for women in finance, proving that ambition, grit, and strategic thinking can open doors even in the most competitive industries.

Her success at Ping An is not just measured in numbers but in the bridges she has built, the industry shifts she has influenced, and the professionals she has mentored along the way.

For aspiring women in finance – or anyone striving to break into unfamiliar territory – Jasmine’s story is proof that limitations exist only if you accept them.

Her parting advice?

“The biggest mistake is staying in your comfort zone. Growth comes from taking risks, learning from failures, and believing in your ability to adapt.”
 

This article was first published by the Singapore Global Network (SGN), a 140,000+ strong network connecting professionals and building communities across the globe. For networking events, industry insights and stories like this, join SGN here.