It was a bright, sunny Saturday afternoon well spent indoors as the independent jury met with the remarkable finalists for the Women Leadership Awards 2025. Each of these inspiring nominees shared stories of courage, innovation, and leadership. It was an enriching experience to hear about their journeys and the impact they continue to make in their fields.
Celine Wang
Executive Director, Buildings + Cities
Global Interior Design Lead
SJ Group (B+H)
Celine Wang is the Executive Director, Buildings + Cities, and Global Interior Design Lead for the SJ Group. With over 30 years of experience, she specializes in leading large-scale architectural and interior design projects across Canada and China. Since relocating to Shanghai in 2006, Celine has been instrumental in establishing SJ (B+H) as a top-tier leader in Workplace and Hospitality Design, leveraging her unique global perspective to localize international standards for clients like Microsoft, Huawei, and Alibaba.
Her leadership is profoundly inspired by a commitment to fostering talent growth and building vibrant communities. This passion for empowering others and creating meaningful connections is central to her executive role in driving the firm’s global impact and extends to her dedicated service on the CanCham Shanghai board from 2023 to 2025.
Honorary Prof. Polly Ng
Ph.D. EMBA
President & CEO, BWSea Technology Group
Founder & CEO, Global Women Connect (GWC)
Prof. Polly Ng is a passionate firm believer of people, technology and collaboration for value creation and sustainability. She has 25+ years of experience in IT, business intelligence, digital healthcare, offshore engineering and life science industries, serving as a global and regional business leader for Fortune 500 MNCs and Chinese companies. She now leads BWSea Technology Group to develop AI technologies and precision aquaculture solution to make aquaculture simple and sustainable for human happiness.
Polly has founded two impactful NGOs: Global Women Connect (GWC), which uplifts women across all stages of life, and the Hong Kong Youth Service Leader Award, aimed at developing the leaders of tomorrow.
Polly holds a PhD degree with the University of Nottingham UK, a global EMBA degree and a BBA degree with the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and is an Honorary Fellow at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China. Recognized as Outstanding Woman Leader of the Year 2022 (Women Empowerment Council) and ESG She Power Trailblazer 2024 (China Investment Promotion Association), Polly drives innovation, sustainability, and women’s leadership.
Regino Serrano
Head of Digital Technology, Entrepreneurship and agri-food
Economic and Commercial Office of Spain in Shanghai
Regino is Head of Digital Technology and Entrepreneurship at the Economic and Commercial Office of Spain in Shanghai (ICEX), where he also leads the agri-food department. He holds MSc degrees in Telecommunication Engineering and Smart Buildings, both from Madrid UPM, and a Global Executive MBA from CEIBS. Regino brings a multidisciplinary and international perspective to innovation and business, with leadership experience across industrial firms and startups in China, spanning security, energy, IoT, and smart construction. His career has evolved from engineering and product management to COO and general management. In his current public sector role, he bridges China and Spain—supporting Spanish exports and internationalization and attracting Chinese investment to Spain. A mentor and alumni ambassador, Regino advocates for inclusive and diverse leadership. As a father of two daughters, he is personally committed to empowering future women leaders. He believes in listening first, communicating openly, and fostering diverse voices.
Rita Malvone
Rita Malvone is a Certified Diversity Practitioner, an ICF leadership coach, and a corporate culture builder. She is passionate about celebrating and amplifying women in leadership, and has served as the WLA Jury Secretary since 2018. When not celebrating the successes of extraordinary women and IPWS, she can be found actively supporting the Rotary Club of Shanghai and the Shanghai Coaching Circle.
Since launching Rita Malvone and Associates in 2014, she has learned firsthand the challenges and commitments of female leaders, and is driven to coaching women who are struggling to authentically and credibly take their seat at the table. A veteran Shanghailander, Rita has called the city home since relocating in 2011. In her spare time, you can find her enjoying afternoon tea or wandering in the old lanes that still inspire and invigorate her.
She will always find an excuse to wear a fancy hat and lives by the motto: #alwayschoosefabulous.
Add her on wechat: ShanghaiRita
Sirpa Seppänen
Founder and Director of SJS Consulting
Sirpa Seppänen is the Founder and Director of SJS Consulting, advising specialised nutrition, food, and ingredient manufacturers on transforming complex nutrition science into evidence based strategies that unlock business growth. With more than 25 years of international experience in scientific communications and medical affairs —primarily with Unilever and Danone—she has led teams and shaped nutrition science communications across Europe, Asia, and South America before establishing her consultancy.
Sirpa is also an International Coaching Federation accredited executive coach, and a former mentor with the Hong Kong Women’s Foundation. Influenced by her home country Finland – with a high level of gender equality – Sirpa helps professional women to accelerate their development and impact in organisations.
She is inspired by a former manager who had the courage to take bold decisions against the market norm and who encouraged her to focus on everyone’s unique strengths. As a result, she is driven by seeing people develop, grow and deliver beyond what believed they were capable of through strength based people centric leadership.
Stephane Monsallier
CEO & Founder of System in Motion
Stephane Monsallier is a renowned AI expert and keynote speaker who does not believe AI will replace you. Instead, he is committed to empowering knowledge workers with advanced AI tools. He began coding at age 10 and later earned a master’s degree in AI from CentraleSupelec. After a decade in Financial IT, he founded System in Motion in Shanghai in 2004, aiming to modernize corporate Information Systems.
Stephane is deeply involved in Shanghai’s entrepreneurial scene, mentoring tech startups and contributing to La French Tech Shanghai. He focuses on Generative AI, offering real-world insights and forward-thinking strategies. His expertise and passion make him a sought-after speaker, mentor, and advisor in the technology sector.
A special thank you to our Jury Day venue sponsor, Bund FTC, for their generous support of lPWS.
We can’t wait to see you at the WLA Ceremony!
Join us for an afternoon of celebration at The St. Regis Shanghai Jingan, where we will honor this year’s remarkable winners and nominees over a sumptuous buffet lunch with free flow of house wine and beverages.
1. Champion a Meaningful Cause
IPWS is dedicated to empowering women professionals to lead the future. The WLA recognizes the achievements of outstanding female professionals (and supportive men) who are shaping their fields. Let’s change the narrative around women’s accomplishments and inspire others by celebrating those who stand tall for their causes.
2. Build Connections
An afternoon of meaningful conversations and new connections. Meet professionals from diverse industries, finalists, jury members, and the vibrant IPWS community in an atmosphere of inspiration and collaboration.
3. Celebrate with Friends
Celebrate a meaningful occasion with friends and colleagues. Book a group ticket for 5 or 10 people at a special rate and enjoy reserved seating together for an afternoon of connection and inspiration.
4. Gain Inspiration and Leadership Insights
Discover the winners across six categories and hear from our keynote speakers about their journeys to leadership. Their stories are sure to motivate and empower you!
Event Agenda
11:30 – 12:00
Registration
12:00 – 12:10
Welcome Address
12:10 – 13:20
Keynote Speech & announcing winners in 3 WLA categories
13:20 – 14:10
Buffet Lunch & Mingling
14:10 – 15:30
Keynote Speech & announcing winners in 3 WLA categories
15:30 – 15:45
Lucky Draw / Quiz
15:45 – 16:00
Closing Remarks & Group Photo
*IPWS reserves the right to alter the above agenda at its sole discretion.
Don’t miss this memorable evening! We can’t wait to celebrate with you at the WLA ceremony.
Scan the QR code to secure your ticket!
You must be logged in to post a comment.