Laura Hwang is the director of Linyi Investments and chairperson of the Singapore Dance Theatre. Hwang made waves in the local banking industry when she was the first Singaporean managing director of international merchant bank Arbuthnot Latham Asia in 1984, breaking the glass ceiling in what was traditionally a male-dominated industry.

The financial services veteran is also known for her efforts in advocating the arts as well as women’s rights. The community leader successfully motivated changes to the Women’s Charter, and helped to implement improved legal and support systems for divorced women and families with Maintenance Support Central. Hwang also oversees the Singapore Dance Theatre’s fundraising efforts, which are matched to the dollar by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth.

The former president of the Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations is currently Singapore’s representative to the Asean Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children.