Rooted in Singapore: Nurturing the Tech Start-up Ecosystem and Empowering Women in Tech
Making Singapore home
After 6 amazing, life transforming years with UiPath, in February 2022, I have decided, to take a well-deserved break and to pursue other work and life adventures.
The first decision which I had to make was where to live. I almost instantly decided to continue to live in Singapore. The decision was a very smooth and natural process for me, and in this article, you will read more about the reasons why I have decided to call Singapore home.
From a work perspective, I was drawn to Singapore thriving tech & AI scene and Southeast Asia’s startup ecosystem potential. I knew that I want to continue to work within the tech, AI space, contributing with my experience and knowledge to the expansion of the local tech startup ecosystem, for all these reasons Singapore was the best place to be.
“So how did you manage to continue to live and work in Singapore?” This is one of the most frequent question which I get. So here is my story…
My TechPass and ONE Pass experiences
Between 2017-2022, during my UiPath tenure, I used to hold an Employment Pass. After deciding to leave UiPath, I had to find other avenues to support my objective of living and working long term in Singapore. Early 2022, I have applied to a TechPass visa, which is a Singapore Government program supporting professionals working in tech, to work and live in Singapore. You can read more about the requirements and the application for the TechPass visa here.
In February 2022, I have received my TechPass visa, for 2+2 years, which allowed me to continue to live in Singapore, start my own consulting company: Global Digital Ventures, and also continue to act as a mentor for the tech startup community in Singapore.
After 2 years, in 2024, I realised that I envision my life and work being based in Singapore, for a long period of time; with time flying so fast I have been looking for additional options to continue my long term stay in Singapore. Coincidently at the beginning of 2023, EDB has launched a Government program called ONE Pass to support diverse global talent live and work from Singapore, with a timeline of 5+5 years validity.
Being more suitable for my work and lifelong term plans, around February 2024 I have applied for this new visa, and received in after less than 1 month. For those interested in applying for ONE Pass, you can read more details about the application process and requirements here, also please feel free to write me separately and happy to share my experience in greater details.
This opportunity allowed me to become deeply involved in the tech startup ecosystem, connecting with VCs, angel investors, accelerators, incubators, startup founders, universities, as well as Government institutions and contribute to global and regional startup growth initiatives and programmes.
The application process for the ONE Pass was a smooth process for me. I gathered all the necessary documents within a few days, applied online via the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website, and received a response in about a month. The website was easy to follow, and I could submit everything required without an external agency’s help.
This new visa aligned much better with my interest to continue to support the growth of the tech startup ecosystem in Singapore, as well as bridging European startups keen to access Singapore and the SEA region, and Singapore startups looking to expand globally.
Connecting with Singapore women in tech communities on a deeper level
In February 2022, after leaving UiPath, I felt compelled to contribute to the tech startup ecosystem in Singapore in a more meaningful and long lasting manner. In this way, I joined the Singapore chapter of Girls in Tech, a nonprofit network with a presence in more than 30 countries – first as a board member, later becoming co-managing director. Drawing from my experience, my goal was to continue to nurture the next generation of tech female talent.
When Girls in Tech closed its doors in July 2024, together with my colleagues, we saw an opportunity to continue promoting equality in the tech space, launching a local non-profit organisation called “Sponsors in Tech – Empowering Her Tech Journey”. The organisation aims to be a leading platform for girls and women in tech careers through providing networking opportunities, mentorship initiatives, and upskilling pathways with programmes that focus on emerging technologies such as Generative AI, data analytics and cybersecurity.
Over the past six months, raising awareness for Sponsors in Tech has been an exciting journey. We’ve collaborated with diverse partners to organize programs that share women-in-tech success stories in Singapore and foster meaningful connections among them. Our focus is on showcasing visible success stories and role models within the community. By nurturing a supportive network, we empower women to build confidence, navigate their careers, and pursue fulfilling lives with passion and purpose.
You can connect with Sponsors in Tech here and for any suggestions of collaboration or partnership, you can write me directly at: malina@sponsorsintech.com.
Always an unofficial ambassador for Singapore
Going back to Europe one time per year and traveling quite extensively, I usually get in touch with many Europeans friends and colleagues who are curious about the tech scene and the way of life in Singapore. From my conversations, I realised, that tech professionals are often interested in Singapore as a place to found a startup, join an investment community, or oversee business expansion across APAC. For people bringing their family and children here, Singapore also offers an amazing, very stable, family-oriented environment.
I consider myself an ambassador for people considering of moving to Singapore and always happy to share from my own professional and personal experience; if you have any specific questions, do not hesitate to write me separately.
Hope this has been helpful and you can read my entire story in the original articles published by EDB Singapore and by Singapore Global Networks Singapore.
