Our people are the heart of our digital transformation efforts. While we empower our people with the right tools, technology and digital upskilling needed to drive change, we also make sure that their personal wellbeing is a priority. Hear from Yonger Li, an Assistant Manager from the Data and Analytics team of our Risk Assurance practice, as she juggles between work and family, and fuels her passion for technology by accelerating powerful transformations for our clients.
“I’ve always enjoyed data science, despite having people coming up to me when I was doing my undergraduate studies in intelligent systems and computer science, and doubting my choice in a programme that was unpopular among women. Because of this, I sometimes questioned myself if this was the path for me and if I would be able to thrive in a male-dominated industry because of their remarks. Instead of getting discouraged, these remarks spurred me on to become the data specialist I am today. I would like to debunk the misconception that technology is a men-only field and wanted to prove this notion wrong.
When I first joined our data team back in 2015, it was relatively small. There were only about 10-15 of us and there weren’t many women back then. Over the years, the number of women in our team steadily increased and it has become a norm to have female colleagues joining me in the world of technology.
My most memorable project was working together with the transformation team from our Financial Services Assurance’s Asset and Wealth Management practice, where I supported the development of our data transformer tool which simplifies and automates audit processes. I truly enjoyed the project as it was empowering to see how digitalisation can help solve important problems. I remember very vividly when this project first kicked off, I was 3-months pregnant with twins. My colleagues were always supportive and understanding whenever I needed to take time off for doctor visits.
Now that I am a working mother to a pair of twins, my hands are often tied between work and caring for them. It got tougher during Circuit Breaker when preschools were closed and I had to care for my girls while working from home. During one of the important project meetings with my team, my kids were crying non-stop. My colleagues were very understanding when I had to step away to tend to them. They had my back until I re-joined the meeting after my kids were soothed. Additionally, they would arrange for meetings at timings that would not coincide with the twin’s feeding time or when I need to put them to nap. This might seem insignificant but all these small gestures made me realise the importance of having supportive colleagues (especially during this unprecedented circumstance) and I’m grateful for them. Now, as we adjust to the new normal, and things are more manageable, I too, am able to share the load of my colleagues and managers when they need me to be there for them.
From my experience as a working mum in tech,
I believe that one should not be afraid to challenge the status quo as gender should never hinder you from pursuing your interests! Building trusted relationships with the people you work with is also important as my teammates have been a great pillar of support as I manage both work and my new family! Because one of the best things that can happen at work is that you are empowered to drive meaningful change and you know that your team would always have your back. ”
Yonger Li
Data and Analytics, Risk Assurance
