Standard Chartered partners with Microsoft to empower women in tech

The MoU aims to drive awareness, advocacy, influence and thought leadership for female participation regardless of abilities in technology. It also aims to provide access to opportunities in tech through acquiring digital skills and connected communities.

Another goal is to create a strong ecosystem and community of women leaders in AI and technology, to contribute and accelerate national digital transformation and innovation. The MoU also eyes enhancing employability for women, fostering a more equitable workforce.

Under this 12-month programme, all Standard Chartered employees, especially women, will gain access to upskilling courses focused on AI and technology, opportunities to participate in hackathons or skills challenges, and mentorship and coaching courses for young women in tech.

Microsoft will provide free virtual training days leading to AI Fundamentals certifications for women employees in the bank, valuable networking and speaking engagements at Microsoft events, panel discussions, and podcasts, and leveraging Microsoft technology platforms for hackathons.

Michele Wee, CEO of Standard Chartered Vietnam, said “At Standard Chartered, we champion a gender-balanced workforce, with women comprising 70 per cent of our employees. The collaboration with Microsoft is an important step in empowering the bank’s women employees to excel in tech careers, and in mentoring the next generation of female tech leaders. This collaboration aligns with our commitment to promoting inclusive economic growth, especially in the frontier markets where we operate."

“At Microsoft, we aspire to help every person, no matter their gender, ethnicity or backgrounds, to succeed in the digital age. Which is why Code; Without Barriers was created across APAC. We’re excited to have Standard Chartered Vietnam join us in this initiative to empower a new generation of women in tech and foster a more diverse and inclusive digital economy of Vietnam,” said Nguyen Quynh Tram, country general manager of Microsoft Vietnam.

During the signing ceremony, Standard Chartered Vietnam’s CTO Nguyen Ngoc Lan Anh participated in a panel discussion titled "Diversity, Responsibility, and Innovation with AI in the Workplace", sharing her valuable insights.

"By lifting women's participation in technology, we can unlock new perspectives and the full potential of this sector. As a woman in a leadership position within the tech industry, I understand the challenges and opportunities that exist. Through this programme, I'm eager to mentor and support young women, equipping them with the skills and confidence to thrive in their careers," she said.

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