PodChats for FutureCISO: From Bias to Boardroom: How women are leading Asia’s cyber defences
Sun Jan 18 2026
As of 2025, women represent just 24% of the global cybersecurity workforce, with figures in Asia lagging behind at under 20%—a stark reminder of the persistent gender gap in one of the world’s most critical and fast-evolving sectors.
Yet this imbalance also signals immense untapped potential. Across Singapore, India, Japan, and beyond, women professionals are increasingly stepping into roles as threat analysts, chief information security officers, cyber policy advisors, and entrepreneurs—bringing diverse perspectives that strengthen organisational resilience and innovation.
While cultural barriers, limited mentorship, and structural inequities remain, targeted initiatives and shifting workplace norms are beginning to accelerate inclusion.
In an era where cyber threats transcend borders, empowering more women in cybersecurity isn’t just about equity—it’s a strategic imperative for Asia’s digital future.
Jasie Fon, regional vice president of Asia at Ping Identity, shares her journey and experience.
1. What early experiences or role models first sparked your passion for technology and shaped your career direction?
2. How have you turned setbacks or biases into opportunities for growth and resilience?
3. What key decisions helped you balance technical expertise with leadership responsibilities?
4. How do you approach continuous learning and adaptability in such a fast-evolving field like cybersecurity?
5. What is your perspective on work-life integration in high-stakes tech roles, and how do you sustain personal well-being alongside professional ambition?
6. In your experience, what strategies effectively build diverse, collaborative teams while mitigating cultural or gender bias—especially in Asia’s varied business contexts?
7. How has mentorship influenced your journey, and how are you paying it forward to support the next generation of women in tech?
8. What legacy do you hope to leave for future tech professionals, particularly young women entering cybersecurity in Asia?
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As of 2025, women represent just 24% of the global cybersecurity workforce, with figures in Asia lagging behind at under 20%—a stark reminder of the persistent gender gap in one of the world’s most critical and fast-evolving sectors. Yet this imbalance also signals immense untapped potential. Across Singapore, India, Japan, and beyond, women professionals are increasingly stepping into roles as threat analysts, chief information security officers, cyber policy advisors, and entrepreneurs—bringing diverse perspectives that strengthen organisational resilience and innovation. While cultural barriers, limited mentorship, and structural inequities remain, targeted initiatives and shifting workplace norms are beginning to accelerate inclusion. In an era where cyber threats transcend borders, empowering more women in cybersecurity isn’t just about equity—it’s a strategic imperative for Asia’s digital future. Jasie Fon, regional vice president of Asia at Ping Identity, shares her journey and experience. 1. What early experiences or role models first sparked your passion for technology and shaped your career direction? 2. How have you turned setbacks or biases into opportunities for growth and resilience? 3. What key decisions helped you balance technical expertise with leadership responsibilities? 4. How do you approach continuous learning and adaptability in such a fast-evolving field like cybersecurity? 5. What is your perspective on work-life integration in high-stakes tech roles, and how do you sustain personal well-being alongside professional ambition? 6. In your experience, what strategies effectively build diverse, collaborative teams while mitigating cultural or gender bias—especially in Asia’s varied business contexts? 7. How has mentorship influenced your journey, and how are you paying it forward to support the next generation of women in tech? 8. What legacy do you hope to leave for future tech professionals, particularly young women entering cybersecurity in Asia?