**Singapore**: In a historic move, Lee Sze Yeng becomes KPMG Singapore’s first female managing partner, marking a significant milestone for gender representation in accountancy and emphasising the importance of trust, adaptability, and nurturing workplace culture in her leadership philosophy.
In a landmark shift within the professional services sector, Lee Sze Yeng has made history as the first female managing partner at KPMG Singapore, a leading global firm known for its audit, tax, and advisory services. Lee’s appointment not only signifies a significant milestone for gender representation in the industry but also reflects her dedication to reshaping perceptions about accountancy.
KPMG operates globally, providing essential services designed to help businesses navigate complex challenges while promoting sustainable growth. The firm’s considerable influence has been evident in various sectors, as illustrated by its assessment of major sports events in Hong Kong, which showed an estimated economic impact of HKD 2.1 billion in 2017. Furthermore, KPMG has also evaluated the BBC’s economic contributions, underscoring its role in strengthening economies worldwide. On a commitment level, KPMG has notably achieved 100% renewable energy sourcing across all its reporting firms by October 2022.
Having spent over two decades with KPMG, Lee has witnessed the firm’s substantial growth from a team of 500 employees to nearly 4,000, asserting that her career has been defined not just by titles but by a profound belief in the value of people, trust, and constant evolution. Speaking to Her World Singapore, Lee shared that her journey into accountancy was more about practicality than passion, a choice influenced by her father’s guidance and facilitated by a scholarship from KPMG. This pragmatic decision evolved into a fulfilling career amidst several personal challenges.
Lee identifies courage and adaptability as key components of her leadership style. She emphasises the importance of creating an environment where people feel valued and supported. “Accountancy is so much more than ‘bean counting’,” she remarked, highlighting that at its essence, the profession revolves around relationships and trust. Lee recounted a formative experience early in her career when she conquered her fear of heights while conducting a stocktake, illustrating the invaluable lessons learned through challenging situations.
In her perspective, effective leadership extends beyond strategy and operational metrics. Lee advocates for nurturing a “happy and healthy organisation,” where collaboration and well-being are prioritised. She notes that her work culture at KPMG fosters a spirit of curiosity and courage, allowing teams to tackle challenges innovatively. “Leadership is about trust, listening, and understanding the bigger picture,” she expressed, reinforcing her belief in leading with empathy and perspective.
Regarding the unique challenges faced as a woman climbing the corporate ladder, Lee reflected positively on her journey. She remarked that KPMG has been a supportive environment that champions quality and excellence. While acknowledging the pressures of tight deadlines and constant change, she highlighted that her experiences have not been defined by gender but rather by hard work, talent, and a commitment to purpose. Her approach to success intertwines personal growth alongside team empowerment; she articulated that qualities such as empathy and resilience have bolstered her capacity to lead diverse teams.
In her final reflections, Lee shared a guiding principle that underpins her approach to leadership: the importance of embracing change with an open mind. “Change isn’t always easy, but it’s where the most growth happens,” she stated, emphasising that fostering a culture of curiosity and inclusivity remains vital. Through her journey at KPMG, Lee aims to inspire a ripple effect of support and empowerment that encourages not only personal success but also the flourishing of others within the organisation.
Source: Noah Wire Services
