Ep 35: Chye Neo Chong - ex-MD of IBM Malaysia

Chye Neo Chong is the former Managing Director of IBM Malaysia with over 30 years in the information technology industry, and current independent director at Hong Leong Financial Group and Bursa Malaysia. Chye was appointed to the role of MD in 2015, becoming the first woman to helm the company in its 57-year history in Malaysia and was also awarded the CEO Champion Award by Talentcorp in 2015 and recognised by the Malaysian Business publication as one of Malaysia’s Women of Influence in April 2018. Highlights: 1:36: Growing up with 5 siblings (including an elder twin sister!) 3:22: Why Chye studied computer science at University of Science, Malaysia 4:47: Working as a software development engineer in Penang 10:26: How Chye managed to get so many work opportunities coming her way (without applying for them!) 12:06: Why Chye turned down the opportunity to be the MD/CEO of IBM Malaysia in 2007 14:36: Does Chye regret her decision to reject the position of CEO? 16:08: Taking 2 sabbaticals at the peak of her career 19:03: What am I worth without my (work) title? 23:33: Staying relevant while being on year-long sabbaticals 25:26: Returning to IBM & becoming MD/CEO of IBM Malaysia (the first woman to do so in its 57-year history in Malaysia!) 32:49: Leaving a legacy behind 38:32: Chye’s succession plan 40:20: The best way to ask for a salary increase 42:07: How do you find out that you’re being paid what you’re worth? 42:59: Networking with people 44:54: What value can you bring as a young person to a CEO? 46:33: Reinventing the wheel at IBM 49:45: Why Chye took early retirement 📍Show notes: www.sothisismywhy.com/35 💌 Sign up for the weekly STIMY newsletter: https://sothisismywhy.ck.page/ebf231f605​