S4E1: Driving Tech Innovation & Social Impact Across Southeast Asia with Ilaria Chan, Chairperson of Tech for Good Institute

Join us for a jam-packed conversation with Ilaria Chan, Chairperson of Tech For Good Institute and Group Advisor on Tech & Social Impact for Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading superapp! With a background that spans from Hong Kong to Stanford University, Ilaria has navigated a fascinating journey from financial analyst to executive director at Goldman Sachs before transitioning into the tech and social impact sectors. Her work at Grab and co-founding its think tank Tech For Good Institute involves advancing diplomacy, thought leadership, and social impact initiatives across Southeast Asia, as well as being a bridge across key sectors for Asia & USA, making her a key figure in fostering positive change globally.

Ilaria shares the importance of keeping your soul in a high-pressure environment, dives into the Denominator Theory (a powerful concept on making oneself irreplaceable in any career) and explores her transition into the tech world at Grab, despite not having a tech background. As Chairperson of Tech For Good Institute, Ilaria is dedicated to ensuring Southeast Asia isn't left behind in the digital economy. As a board director for humanitarian NGOs, venture capital firms and Stanford's US-China Advisory Council, she advocates for a world that bridges gaps for the underprivileged while astutely navigating geopolitics. She offers unique insights on the opportunities bridging sectors and continents and how we can all contribute to making a substantial impact in our careers and communities!