Ep 35: Chye Neo Chong - ex-MD of IBM Malaysia

Chye Neo Chong is the former Managing Director of IBM Malaysia
with over 30 years in the information technology industry, and
current independent director at Hong Leong Financial Group and
Bursa Malaysia. 





Chye was appointed to the role of MD in 2015, becoming the first
woman to helm the company in its 57-year history in Malaysia and
was also awarded the CEO Champion Award by Talentcorp in 2015 and
recognised by the Malaysian Business publication as one of
Malaysia’s Women of Influence in April 2018.





Highlights:


1:36: Growing up with 5 siblings (including an elder twin
sister!)

3:22: Why Chye studied computer science at University of
Science, Malaysia

4:47: Working as a software development engineer in Penang

10:26: How Chye managed to get so many work opportunities
coming her way (without applying for them!)

12:06: Why Chye turned down the opportunity to be the MD/CEO
of IBM Malaysia in 2007

14:36: Does Chye regret her decision to reject the position
of CEO?

16:08: Taking 2 sabbaticals at the peak of her career

19:03: What am I worth without my (work) title?

23:33: Staying relevant while being on year-long sabbaticals

25:26: Returning to IBM & becoming MD/CEO of IBM Malaysia
(the first woman to do so in its 57-year history in Malaysia!)

32:49: Leaving a legacy behind

38:32: Chye’s succession plan

40:20: The best way to ask for a salary increase

42:07: How do you find out that you’re being paid what you’re
worth?

42:59: Networking with people 

44:54: What value can you bring as a young person to a CEO?

46:33: Reinventing the wheel at IBM

49:45: Why Chye took early retirement






Show notes: www.sothisismywhy.com/35





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