Building Cultural Intelligence in Global Business Contexts - Part 1
Ever felt like you had to leave part of yourself at the door to fit in at work?
Maybe you've held back in a meeting when you knew you had something to say. Maybe you've adapted your communication style so many times you've lost track of where the "professional you" ends and the real you begins.
You're not alone… and it's not a you problem. 💡
In this intimate panel conversation, we're getting into the nuance of navigating workplace culture as an Asian-Australian professional. We'll explore the tension between adapting and staying authentic, and why the answer isn't always "just be yourself" or "just fit in."
We'll dig into:
The unwritten rules of workplace culture across Asia and Australia
Building cultural fluency: how to adapt your communication style strategically based on context
How to have the hard conversations upward such as pushback, self-advocacy, recognition, building trust, etc.
Why your cultural wiring might be exactly what Asia-facing careers are looking for 🌏
This is an honest, warm interactive conversation among speakers who've lived it and can tell you what actually helped.
Come as you are. Leave with more clarity on who you want to be. ✨
Light refreshments provided. Limited spots! RSVP to secure yours. 🥢
🗣️ Our Speakers
Li Si Wong - Originally from Singapore and now based in Melbourne, Li Si Wong is a seasoned business leader with nearly two decades of experience spanning the Southeast Asian and Australian markets. Over the past 11 years in Australia, she has established herself as a trusted executive, blending deep cross-cultural fluency with a sharp expertise in team leadership and corporate governance. Li Si is recognized for her ability to navigate complex boardrooms and bridge the gap between two of the world's most dynamic financial hubs.
Alice Hong - Global product and strategy leader who has built a versatile career across Australia, Singapore, and London, informed by additional lived experience in China and the United States. She began her career in management consulting before pivoting into the Singaporean tech ecosystem, where she led the scaling of a fintech product across Southeast Asia. Following a successful tenure at Meta, Alice relocated to London to join the fast-growing AI media company, Alkimi. As a key member of the leadership team, she currently oversees product development and growth, driving innovation at the intersection of AI and media.
Nilesh Menon - Melbourne-based Sales Executive at Outsized, a curated talent partner connecting leading financial services institutions and consulting firms with elite independent specialists. With over five years of experience spanning consulting, financial services, and high-growth scale-ups, Nilesh specializes in optimizing modern workforce strategies and deploying agile talent solutions to drive complex, high-impact business initiatives.
👥 Who is AsiaX Circle?
AsiaX Circle is a leadership and networking community focused on fostering deeper economic and cultural connectivity across the Asia-Pacific. Based in Melbourne, the organization serves as a strategic bridge for emerging and established leaders navigating the Australia-Asia corridor. Through community-led growth and collaborative programming, AsiaX Circle is committed to elevating Asian professional voices and driving regional impact, ensuring that the cross-border exchange of ideas, talent, and capital continues to flourish.
👥 More on the Singapore Global Network - Your friend from Singapore
At Singapore Global Network, we are passionate about building connections and creating opportunities for people and businesses. As a team within the Singapore government, we aim to grow Singapore’s overseas networks by building meaningful and lasting relationships with family, friends and partners across the globe.
Whether you are a Singaporean living abroad, someone considering a move to Singapore or just curious to find out more about the opportunities here, we want to help connect you with the right people and resources to get you started.
👥 Who is Expat Playbook?
Melbourne-founded platform dedicated to streamlining the relocation journey between Singapore and Australia. Born out of the lived experiences of global professionals, the organization provides a high-signal "playbook" for navigating the logistical, professional, and cultural nuances of moving across borders. By offering curated resources and a supportive community, Expat Playbook empowers the next generation of global citizens to settle faster and thrive in their new home while maintaining deep ties to their roots.