A woman with a vision for change!

Technology has helped to simplify and enhance our everyday life – for men and women – and continues to be an important industry. Yet, while there are many success stories of women excelling in tech, there continues to be that belief that women will never shine in tech.

This edition of Life at ADVANCE.AI shares the story of our ADVANCE.AI's Malaysia Country Lead, Tammy Tan, how she simply had a vision of success and went to get it! Get to know her sparkling personality, her secret to beating naysayers, and how she brings ADVANCE.AI to Malaysia and beyond.

1) Tell us – who is Tammy Tan as an individual?

Tammy Tan is a complete introvert, though I know many would love to disagree as they find me rather more of an extrovert with my high energy. I like understanding our customers' stories by talking to them, but I am much more subtle when I'm not at work. One thing I can truly say, though: I am and always will be a proud Malaysian.

2) Did education shape your personality, giving you the perspectives needed to excel in tech?

I got my bachelor's with Majors in Finance and Economics from Curtin University. As part of the program, I was required to spend two of my graduation years in Malaysia and the final year in Perth, Australia. In all honesty, this was the best decision I've ever made.

There, I was able to learn some very valuable lessons that have influenced the way I live my life. Going to Australia alone, residing on campus, and immersing myself in a completely new culture gave me a lot of wonderful opportunities and enabled me to develop a variety of viewpoints based on my observations. For example, In Malaysian culture, we have eateries open all around the clock since we are very serious foodies, while in Perth, everything is closed by 9 pm! At first, this was such a big cultural shock for me but the environment there is so welcoming to different religions that it somehow felt like a home away from home! So yes, education, or rather, the experience and cultural immersion really shaped my growth as a person.

3) What brought you to tech, and what made you stay and pursue your career in this industry?

The ability of technology to enhance lives is the one aspect that most appeals to me.

I've been in this field for nearly 14–15 years, and I consider myself fortunate to have had the chance to collaborate and work with some of the best in the business. What made me pursue a career in tech? Right now, I'm talking about artificial intelligence, which will have a major impact on how many emerging economies over the coming years and it will be essential in determining how effectively services are implemented and provided. You see, you may find it amusing if I told you my passion for discussing various verification solutions, etc., but the truth is, we all need a better and more secure life and that is enabled by more efficient and transparent transactional processes for the people. Well, and the fact that tech continues to be one of the highest-paying industries. Haha!

4) As a woman in tech, what's the role of tech in your life?

Can you really leave home without a cell phone? I think the answer is a hard no for most of us. That's how technology has taken over our lives. In this era, a person would rather be going out underdressed for an occasion than be outside the house without a mobile phone – I think for some of us, we feel rather 'naked' without our phones. Isn't it surprising that something so small can have such a big impact on our lives? Sometimes, it still surprises me how much of my life is on my phone, and my dependency on it! Do you want to know the route? Maps! Do you want to pay for something? Digital wallets! How convenient life is becoming?! I can't wait to see it evolve further, and how tech will make it even more efficient for the upcoming generations.

5) What is that one life lesson you have learned in your career journey for which you are grateful?

The life lesson which I have learned in all these years is probably: never burn bridges.

Because you never really know what is going to happen to you in the future. The industry, even though it is expanding at a phenomenal rate, is actually a global village. So even though it's one of the biggest industries out there, it's still a very small space. So, as they say, make good networks here. Sometimes, it's not always about work, you end up making friends for life. We're all social animals, building networks and relationships makes us complete. Whether in hard times or good, this is an indispensable lesson for me.

6) Who or what has been your source of inspiration while working in this industry?

When I was younger, I always envisioned myself as the businesswoman, whom you know, who is entrusted with making and breaking decisions, and in charge of big deals and transactions. That vision has kind of influenced the choice of the field for my majors in school.

As I move towards living my dream, my passion for spreading awareness about financial literacy has grown too. I realized that many people, even when we are so dependent on technology, still have no adequate means to use technology to access basic financial services. And even more, people can't make financial transactions in a secure ecosystem. Without resources, these people are vulnerable and can become bait for unsavory characters like the loan sharks, who can make life a living hell for lenders. Technology can help financial inclusion. Technology also gives us the opportunity to have greater insight into the unbanked population. With the help of technology, we can all be empowered.

7) How has it been for you to work as a woman in a male-dominated industry? And how do you stay motivated?

I have to be very honest with you. When I started my journey in this industry, it was quite a struggle to make my own space because of the stereotypical ideologies people have about technology being more "fitted" for the male population. But every hurdle I faced along the way has acted as fuel for me to work harder each day! I am so glad that now, women are well-represented and recognized at the leadership level in the tech industry. So many new opportunities have opened up, and it goes to prove that when a woman sets her eyes on something, she is definitely going to get it!

On my stressful days, I prefer to work out and burn the stress away. I usually prefer to start my day with a run. It fills you up with this great energy at the start of the day and keeps you feeling energetic!

8) What's the best part of working with ADVANCE.AI ?

"Change is inevitable, growth is optional" by John C.Maxwell clearly defines my fear as well as something I have learned very recently post my joining ADVANCE.AI.

Many of us fear change, yet change will always happen and it's crucial how it can impact and influence us. Do we take the change in a positive way or do we perceive it as something negative? I feel I have become more open to accepting changes with a positive perspective, because everything moves so fast here. It also helps that everyone is so welcoming. Even though it's just been 5-6 months since I started working here, I have never felt like I have been an outsider, even on the very first day!

Having such vibrant people around really creates a very positive working environment. I have been blessed to have a team who is always up for anything! They are so resourceful, and they are challenging themselves on daily basis. People would always try to help you out even when they are out of their comfort zones, which is so motivating. It encourages you to bring your A-game to work every day. The feeling of growing together and conquering together is the foundation of ADVANCE.AI!

Got a passion for technology like Tammy? Embark on your tech career now by checking out our current open roles at https://hubs.ly/Q010_r3D0 or send your CVs to [email protected]; we will reach out to you for suitable positions.