APIC 2025: Empowering Women in Asia’s Chemical Industry
For Immediate Release
New York, NY - Women in Chemicals, a global organization dedicated to advancing the careers of women in the chemical industry held its first event in Asia Pacific. Hosted in partnership with the Asia Petrochemical Industry Conference (APIC) and the Petrochemical Industry Club, the panel and reception was sponsored by Brenntag and ICIS. This session brought together nearly 100 influential leaders, experts, and advocates from across the chemical industry, united by a shared commitment to advancing gender diversity, leadership, and inclusion.
The Power of Women’s Voices in Chemicals
Moderated by Amber Thichangthong, Executive Director of Women in Chemicals, the session featured a diverse group of speakers representing various sectors within the chemical industry, including:
Khunying Thongtip Ratanarat, Member of PEIT Foundation Board and Independent Consultant in Oil, Gas, and Petrochemical Business
Anusara Suthikulavet, President & CEO, UBE Thailand
Sandy Leong, Vice President Key Account APAC, Brenntag
Malini Hariharan, Market Strategy Director at ICIS
These leaders shared their insights on overcoming career challenges, balancing professional and personal responsibilities, and navigating cultural norms in the Asia-Pacific region. Key themes discussed included:
Cultural Barriers: Panelists highlighted the persistent cultural expectations that women face, particularly in Asia, and the impact of traditional gender roles on career advancement. Speakers noted that in many regions, women are still seen primarily as caregivers, balancing dual roles at home and work. They discussed how cultural norms often position men as decision-makers, both in families and workplaces, which can hinder women’s leadership opportunities. One panelist emphasized the disparity in educational investments between male and female children in some households. Another panelist shared how even in professional settings, clients often directed their conversations to male colleagues, ignoring female leaders. Data shared by Malini during the session revealed stark differences in female leadership representation across Asia-Pacific: Japan reported only 13% of women in managerial roles, while South Korea stood at 15%. Singapore showed a more balanced picture with 40%, and Thailand stood out with 37% of leadership roles held by women, despite having gender-equal recruitment policies. UBE Chemicals Thailand exceeds Thailand’s average with more than 40% of women represented at managerial levels or higher.
Leadership and Confidence: Panelists shared personal stories of navigating leadership roles in a male-dominated industry. One speaker recounted being the only woman in her company’s leadership team and learning to assert her voice despite cultural expectations. Another spoke about the transformative power of mentorship, recalling how a mentor's guidance helped her navigate complex corporate dynamics and gain the confidence to pursue higher positions. Networking was also emphasized, with speakers sharing how authentic connections, both in-person and online, have played a vital role in their career advancement.
Inclusivity and Flexibility: Speakers emphasized the role of companies in creating inclusive environments. One panelist highlighted her company’s active support of flexible work arrangements, allowing her teams to maintain a work-life balance while advancing in their careers. I
Quiet vs. Loud Confidence: A thought-provoking debate by the panelists explored whether women should demonstrate confidence subtly or boldly, reflecting diverse cultural and generational perspectives within Asia. One speaker shared how she learned to navigate this balance by being "quietly confident" in meetings, using strong preparation and clear facts to assert her views without confrontation. Another shared a contrasting perspective, advocating for women to confidently take the stage and make their voices heard.
Final Takeaways from the Panelists
At the conclusion of the session, each panelist shared a key takeaway for the audience:
"Confidence and hard work are your strongest allies. Show your value through your actions and let that speak for you."
"Embrace challenges and take every opportunity to learn. Growth comes from facing the unknown."
"Networking is about authentic relationships. Build friendships, not just contacts."
"Never underestimate your own potential. Speak up, share your ideas, and don’t be afraid to lead."
Recognizing Partnership and Innovation
This impactful session was made possible through the collaboration of the APIC 2025 planning team, whose dedication and innovative approach created an inclusive platform for discussing gender diversity and empowerment in the chemical industry.
Women in Chemicals extends its gratitude to the APIC 2025 organizers Veerapat, Somchai (Ton) and Weruka as well as the Petrochemical Industry Club and all supporting partners, including Brentag and ICIS, for their unwavering support.
A Platform for Continued Conversations
As Women in Chemicals continues its mission to promote gender equity in the chemical industry, this session at APIC 2025 stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and open dialogue. For companies and organizations that want to be leaders in driving gender equity, contact us at partnerships@womeninchemicals.com.
