Accelerate Action IWD 2025 Conference
This was hands down the best networking event I’ve attended this year! Huge thanks to ACE.SG (Action Community for Entrepreneurship) and raiSE SG for putting together such an incredible IWD 2025 Conference. From the inspiring panels to the fantastic moderators who kept the discussions so engaging, the energy, the insights, and the amazing people I connected with made it truly unforgettable.
The event took place from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, packed with thought-provoking discussions and meaningful conversations. And as if that wasn’t enough, they even had an After Party from 7 PM to 9 PM at the stunning Glass Dome! The evening was extra special with Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information & Ministry of National Development and Tech Talent Assembly (TTAB) Advisor, Mr. Tan Kiat How gracing the event as the Guest-of-Honour.
What a day. Insightful conversations in the morning and a great celebration in the evening!
One thing I really appreciated is we were able to choose a track that resonated most:
Tech Startup Track
Social Enterprise Track
I personally resonated with the Social Enterprise Track the most.
Key Takeaways
Instead of sharing everything word-for-word, I’m highlighting my biggest takeaways and what I personally learned from the event.
Here’s what resonated with me the most:
Develop a strong narrative. Investors fund big ideas, not just solid execution.
Be confident in your growth potential. Don’t undersell, be bold in pitching your vision.
Find your own style. You don’t need to be the loudest voice in the room, but you do need to be convincing.
Be thick-skinned. Don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Build a strong network. Surround yourself with people who lift you up.
Play the game. Even if you don’t like to be active in the social media platforms like LinkedIn (like me), visibility matters.
Be selective about partnerships. Not everyone shares the same mission.
Know when to walk away. But don’t burn bridges.
Transparency is key. Align values early to avoid painful mistakes later.
Collaboration creates competitive advantage. Instead of working in silos, pooling resources helps businesses expand.
It’s okay to move slower. Social enterprises have different priorities; impact comes first.
Innovate constantly. Sustainability isn’t just about the environment; businesses need sustainable financial models to last.
Being in a community matters. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people keeps you motivated.
At the end of it all, the message was clear.
Whether in tech, finance, or social impact, success comes from resilience, strategic partnerships, and a bit of thick skin.
And maybe, just maybe, being a little more likeable along the way.
My Perspective
So, as I reflect on the discussions at the event, in my point of view:
The day we achieve real equality is the day we no longer need to separate initiatives or support systems based on gender.
The fact that we still have events and communities specifically for women indicates that we are not there yet.
I believe this shouldn’t be seen as a "women’s issue," but a human issue.
Gender equality should be a natural part of society, and it’s something everyone, regardless of gender, should strive to contribute to.
Men and women are not competing against each other but working together. Just like the concept of yin and yang, the balance comes from complementing each other's strengths and covering for each other's weaknesses.
When we recognize this and work with each other, we’re not just elevating women, we’re elevating society as a whole.
Singapore is great, offering plenty of opportunities for both men and women to succeed.
I really hope every country embraces gender equality as a natural part of their culture, where the concept of gender-specific support systems becomes obsolete. Everyone, regardless of gender should has the same opportunities to succeed.
A world where we no longer need “women-only” events, but can truly celebrate equal opportunities for all.
Now, it’s time for John Lennon 🤭:
You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one
Stay tuned for more updates!
Peggy.T
Chief Moonscaper
