Global Changemakers: MFT CEO joins Women 2020 Summit panel

Over the past years, women have been breaking barriers and bringing in incremental changes in the society, as they lead businesses in different industries. For MFT CEO Mica Tan, her climb to the ladder of success has always been constantly met by challenges, but her mentality to always come prepared has helped her penetrate a corporate world, which was once occupied by men.

Highlighting the extraordinary contributions of women entrepreneurs, Tan joined the panel discussion during the Go Negosyo Women 2020 Summit, in partnership with ASEAN Business Advisory Council Philippines. The Summit focused on the integral role of women in realizing the full potential of businesses for sustainable economic growth. The event was held last March 3 at the World Trade Center.

“I am trying to break the glass ceiling when it comes to private equity. It comes very intimidating. They say it’s a man’s world but I beg to disagree, because it wouldn’t be everything without a woman,” said Tan during the Women of the Future panel discussion.
For her part, Tan’s MFT Group has been creating and making sustainable impact in 10 countries and 20 cities all over the world, focusing on healthcare, financial services, and food and beverage—particularly investing on family or legacy businesses.

The MFT Group investment fund is geared towards expanding its presence in 100 cities outside local borders. Tan said her game plan is ultimately looking for opportunities globally and adopting inspiring strategies.

She said their company aims to copy and achieve Singapore’s aggressive goal in making more women entrepreneurs, by targeting a 20-percent female board directorship across all industries in the said country. With this, Tan also intends to incorporate the aggressive changes in the company’s DNA and practice the strategy in the companies MFT handles.

She is also interested in embracing India in aggressively pushing a five trillion dollar economy, as well as Brunei 2035 goal to achieve greater entrepreneurial success.

“In our little way, we’d like to contribute to the Philippines by introducing different ways in looking into industries and investing in good entrepreneurs,” concluded Tan.

MFT Group’s lady CEO was joined by other global changemakers and tech experts in the panel who are constantly climbing the business ranks. This include She Rina Shahar of Gaia Plas Berhad; Supna Rania Karwanamurthi of Woman of Impact awardee Brunei; Carmina Bayombong of InvestEd; Gay Perez of UP Diliman; Bhavna Suresh of Lamudi Philippines; Khin Lay of Women of Impact awardee Myanmar; and news anchor Daniela Laurel.

Part of the year-long celebration of the 15th anniversary of Go Negosyo, the Summit gathered at least 12,000 women entrepreneurs who have left indelible footprints and impact in the development of the society. The attendees were comprised of Filipina and ASEAN women leaders in business and policy-making, corporate leaders, government enablers, micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs, and youth guests.