CDE Women Symposium 2025 was like stepping into a room charged with ambition, creativity, and the quiet power of women leading in their fields. Across disciplines, design, architecture, clean energy, and technology, each story revealed a different facet of what it means for women to build meaningful and impactful careers.

One recurring theme was courage - the willingness to take leaps of faith even when the outcome was uncertain. They described the thrill of seeing their designs come to life, the satisfaction of crafting spaces that tell stories, and the pride in breaking new ground in industries often shaped by male-dominated narratives.

Another thread was adaptability. The speakers had moved fluidly across industries, taken on roles far from their starting points, and treated every new environment as a place to gather skills and perspectives. Their journeys reminded me that women’s careers are often built from a mosaic of experiences, sometimes shaped by opportunity, sometimes by necessity, but always by resilience and resourcefulness.

What struck me most was the shared belief that success is shaped by mindset and adaptability. Their stories showed that it isn’t just expertise that matters, but the willingness to keep learning, to take bold steps into unfamiliar territory, and to stay true to a sense of purpose. It was a reminder that growth often comes from embracing uncertainty and trusting in your ability to figure things out along the way.

Walking away from the symposium, I felt both humbled and energised. The stories I heard were not just accounts of professional milestones, but of women carving space for themselves and others, navigating challenges with courage, and redefining what leadership looks like. They reminded me that the path worth taking is rarely the safest one, but it is the one that keeps you growing.

The CDE Women Symposium 2025 was an inspiring experience. One thing that really stood out to me was how openly the alumni are willing to share their journeys. We get true stories about not only their success but also the harsh realities they face along the way.

Ms. Pui Yng’s sharing of her experience as an industrial design student and immersive experiences curator inspired me to let go of perfectionism. She said we can’t control every little detail or expect perfect outcomes in everything. That really resonated with me because I often feel pressured to get everything exactly right, hoping to tick the boxes for everything.

Her words reminded me that sometimes we have to accept trade-offs to move forward.

Ms. Sum from chemical engineering encouraged us to be brave and take bold steps, even when it feels uncertain. Her honesty about facing fear and doubt was comforting and helped me understand how uncertainty is part of growth.

Overall, the event made me reflect on how being capable women in leadership roles is not about flawless control but about courage, honesty, and trusting the process. It inspired me to be more willing to embrace imperfection and take risks in my own path.