Standard Chartered Bank Vietnam’s CEO Michele Wee has been recognized on the prestigious INvolve Heroes Women Executives Role Model List 2023 for the third consecutive year.

The list celebrates the top 100 women executives who lead by example and drive changes to increase gender diversity in the workplace. Ms. Wee placed third in the global award for the second consecutive year.

She is passionate about empowering female leaders, female-led startups, women in technology, and ethnic minority women to unleash their full potential. She serves as the senior sponsor of Standard Chartered’s Global Coaching Program - IGNITE - that targets mid-level female leaders. The program has successfully coached 1,165 senior women across 45 countries and territories.

She also chairs Standard Chartered Vietnam’s people agenda, where she has advanced initiatives in D&I, Wellness, CSR, and New Ways of Working throughout the organization. Furthermore, under her leadership, the bank signed Minutes of Cooperation in gender equity with the State Bank of Vietnam.

This cooperation will include the organization of annual conferences that offer global perspectives on women’s leadership and skills upgrading for women; the implementation of socially-responsible programs to support disadvantaged women; and the sharing of Diversity and Inclusion best practices and experiences. The inaugural conference will be held on October 18 in Hanoi, with participants from Vietnam’s banking sector.

“I am honored and humbled to receive this recognition for the third time,” Ms. Wee said. “There are expectations to continue the good work, and it’s a responsibility I gladly accept. Lifting the participation of women is my passion. The management team, my colleagues, and my team show me every day that we truly believe in D&I and our purpose to uplift communities through our unique diversity comes to life.”

Standard Chartered firmly upholds equitable access, demonstrating a strong commitment to unleashing the full potential of women and creating an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive. It is both the right thing to do and a key catalyst for business success, enabling the bank to better understand and serve its clients. In Vietnam, the bank boasts 70 per cent female representation, with 45 per cent holding leadership roles.

Standard Chartered leaders in Germany, London, Singapore, and Malaysia were also on INvolve’s recognition lists this year.