The highlight reel

Inspiring people. Influencing change. Engaging our clients. Since its establishment in 2009, Breaking Barriers has hosted almost 70 different events in Asia, including seminars on art, business successes, leadership, current affairs, history, and diversity issues.

Recent highlights from our networking platform for diverse professional talent include:

  • Hong Kong: We hosted a panel focusing on the protection, empowerment, and advancement of women and girls. Speakers included Clifford Hart, U.S. Consul General to Hong Kong and Macau; Professor Peter Mathieson, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hong Kong; Belinda Greer, CEO of the English Schools Foundation; Heather McCann, Associate General Counsel & Director at Bank of America Merrill Lynch; and Archana Kotecha, Head of Legal for Liberty Asia. The panel explored how individuals, business, and society can tackle gender-based abuse, improve educational opportunities, and create a workplace that opens doors for everyone without discrimination.

  • Singapore: We invited clients to hear Vijay Santhanam, an inspirational speaker who shared his story of fighting back after a stroke and how the lessons he learned apply across business and everyday living. Another event featured Carolyn Kan, the owner of Carrie K. She shared her experience of pursuing her dream to become a jewelry designer following a successful career in the advertising industry.

  • Tokyo: We teamed up with Goldman Sachs Co., Ltd. to host a panel session discussing the business and cultural issues affecting the LGBT community in Japan. We aimed to raise awareness on the topic and to inspire businesses to create an inclusive environment of diverse talent. The panel, moderated by our partner Eugene Chen, included Naosuke Fujita, Managing Director and Head of Legal Department at Goldman Sachs Japan; Laurence W. Bates, Senior Managing Director of the LIXIL Group Corporation; Hiroki Inaba, Vice President and Senior Legal Counsel of Goldman Sachs Japan; and Asako Kawamura, Consultant at EY Japan.

  • Ulaanbaatar: We hosted a training session for female clients and other members of the community on communication leadership and managing crucial conversations, providing them practical tips and tools to on professional development of career.


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