How women can build the future of business in Singapore

GENDER balance is not only a women's issue, it is a business issue. A recent study from the McKinsey Global Institute estimates that women in the Asia-Pacific, if given equal opportunities at work, would create additional gross domestic product (GDP) equivalent to an economy the combined size of Germany and Austria each year. But looking beyond economic gains, when women lead, they are also active role models of change and progress for their communities.

Take the story of Raena Lim, co-founder of Style Theory, Singapore's first day-to-day fashion rental subscription platform. She and her partner Chris Halim harnessed the power of technology and data innovation to change women's lifestyle for the better by addressing one common problem that many women face - having a wardrobe full of clothes, yet feeling that they have nothing to wear.

Through continuous learning and adapting to market, as well as consumer research and marketing experimentation, she managed to find the right product fit that truly addresses customers' needs and desires. Today, Style Theory has a growing team of 150 staff, with an expanding community and following in both Singapore and Indonesia - all in less than three years. They are also touted to be the biggest fashion rental subscription platform in South-east Asia.