Transforming Workplace Wellness: Insights from the FemTech Association Asia Connect Conference

Last week, I attended FemTech Association Asia Connect Conference. It was a melting pot of innovation, hosting over 100 trailblazers—from founders to investors, medical experts, and leading organizations—all united in enhancing employee wellbeing.

As an early-stage founder dedicated to accelerating hashtag#gender equality through the lens of women’s health, I found myself surrounded by a community that not only shares my mission but amplifies it. The energy was palpable. A striking revelation came from Larisa Beckhouse of hashtag#Cigna, who shared that APAC’s vitality score lags behind the global average. More concerning is that women’s scores are even lower as compared to men, with stress and burnout as critical factors. This isn’t just a wellness issue—it’s a call to action for employers. The cost of ignoring employee wellbeing? Beyond the moral implications, there’s a tangible impact on the bottom line. Presenteeism and lost productivity are not just numbers; they represent a significant drain on resources. By 2025, it’s estimated that women in Asia could contribute an additional $4.5 trillion to the GDP, which would be a 12% increase over Asia’s projected GDP at that time. The potential to attract and retain women in the workforce is huge, equally the missed opportunity of not being engaged with them is costly!

The question we must ask is: “How can employers integrate women’s health into the workplace?” Nicola Gerber highlighted the importance of active listening to employee needs. It’s not just about asking questions—it’s about asking the right questions. 🚀My reflections: With so much talk about the future of work, it’s time we consider how to align our work environments with life’s transitions. Can we design a work ecosystem that not only acknowledges but also celebrates and supports women’s health and vitality?

Stay tuned as I continue to challenge norms and transform perspectives on women’s health and vitality in the workplace.

Thank you and grateful to the inspirational speakers, founders, doctors and investors I have met during the event! Not forgetting Lindsay DAVIS and Maaike Steinebach

Mabel Yen Ngoc Nguyen, PhD Christine Deschemin Mayra Hurtado 🐝 Bhajinder Kaur Andrea Tan Mayank Gurnani, MD MBA MSc Alvin Tay Alvin Chin Wesley Jinho Kim