We at SIG: Meet Julie from Suzhou

Surely you have been waiting – here it is: a brand-new article in our “We at SIG” series. Today, Julie Liu, Associate Director of Tech Center Asia-Pacific, from Suzhou tells us about her everyday life, special moments and her experience with the Women Acceleration Program. Read for yourself.

Julie works at the Global Technology Asia-Pacific (GTAP) department and started her SIG journey in January 2021. She has an eight-year-old daughter.

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Tell us about your role. What is it like?

Julie Liu: I am not directly involved in Research and Development (R&D) of equipment and packaging materials, but in an operational role. I am responsible for the Technology Service Department, including filling trials and lab test, and the site management of the SIG R&D Center Suzhou, such as facilities and administration. At the Center, I am called the “housekeeper”, providing trail and testing service to our R&D team and customers, logistical support to the entire staff, and ensuring that our customers and visitors have a great experience when they visit us in Suzhou.

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How has your SIG journey been so far?

Julie: Exciting! Before I joined SIG, I had been working in the field service area for over 12 years in one company. My work at SIG is completely different, including the expansion of the SIG R&D Center Suzhou, various major events in the Center, new product development and trials with customers, etc. It opens a new world for me to learn, to try and to celebrate every successful moment. SIG does not set limits to the career of its employees, you can always find opportunities to challenge yourself, to try and explore your potential.

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Do you have a special SIG moment you want to share?

Julie: Over the past three years, there have been many special moments with my team, whether it was the Center expansion, the pilot plant relocation, or the Innovation Day events. When we faced difficulties and challenging tasks, our team members showed great team spirit and ownership to proactively help each other achieve common goals. They have been hard working, professional, focused, and proactive. I am very proud of my team.

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Anything you would like to share about the Women Acceleration Program?

Julie: It is a wonderful program. It helps to build a broad network for women leaders at SIG and to reflect and know oneself better. The women have been very transparent and open. The interesting thing is that you can find many women who face the same problems, we laughed and realized that we are not “fighting” alone.?

I participated in the second run of the program, which is now finished. But we, the participating women leaders, can think about how to help more women in our region and area through similar methods to build and develop more women leaders.

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What do you like to do when you're not working?

Julie: Because of the long daily commute (120 km to and from work), I do not have the opportunity to cook at home during the week. However, on weekends, I spend at least one day cooking for my family, from buying fresh raw ingredients at the market in the morning to preparing them and cooking. I really enjoy spending time with my family, and it is a good way to relax.

I also like to play badminton and have been playing at least once a week for many years. Very good to relieve pressure.