From Singapore to the world:Homegrown leaders in emerging fields

Three Singaporean leaders blaze trails in global MNCs, from chasing biopharma breakthroughs to redefining construction, and charging ahead with AI innovation.

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Their bold career leaps and relentless determination show how local talent can shine in global corporate leadership roles, fuelled by grit, collaboration, and a thirst for impact. The trio give a glimpse of what it is like to be part of new growth industries, in manufacturing and tradeable services, that Singapore has pivoted towards. These efforts have been led by the Economic Development Board (EDB), which is responsible for planning and rolling out economic and industrial development strategies, together with government agencies and industry partners, to achieve sustainable growth, vibrant businesses and good jobs.

Singaporeans are equipped to take unconventional paths, says Kajima's youngest leader

PHOTO: ADOBE

‘If you are able to contribute meaningfully, there is room to thrive within global platforms.’Luke Wu, managing director at The GEAR, KajimaWhen Luke Wu stepped into a leadership role in one of Japan's oldest and largest construction groups, he did not just take an unconventional path, he redefined what leadership at the firm looks like.

The 34-year-old is the youngest managing director at construction and engineering conglomerate Kajima, which is behind iconic buildings including Parkway Parade, OUB Centre and Resorts World Sentosa.

Four years after joining Kajima in 2021, he rose to oversee The GEAR company, a new business unit within Kajima - the group's first and only overseas research and development (R&D) facility, as well as the firm's regional headquarters.

Wu, who completed his law degree at the National University of Singapore, has always been drawn more to building ventures and ecosystems than to traditional legal practice.