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I am not sure how the rest of the world does it. For me, if it feels right, I dive right in ...
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Yvonne Siow
Co-Founder
PlayPan
Yvonne’s journey into the world of philanthropy and social impact was fueled by a deep-rooted desire to make a meaningful difference. After a successful corporate career, she made the conscious decision to prioritise purpose over promotions and salary, embracing the rewards of giving back to society.
As the Head of OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation (ASEAN) and Co-founder of PlayPan – PlayFor Good, Yvonne is a strong collaborator with a strategic focus on building communities and scaling philanthropic initiatives. Her expertise lies in leveraging corporate solutions and resources to address widespread challenges and alleviate pain points.
Her story
In a pivotal moment that would shape the trajectory of her professional journey, Yvonne Siow found herself at a crossroads. After juggling her marketing responsibilities and philanthropic endeavors for three years, her supervisor recognized the growing impact of her charitable work within the company. In 2014, she was presented with a choice: continue her role in marketing and business development or dedicate herself fully to philanthropy.
Yvonne’s decision to prioritise purpose over professional advancement was a straightforward one. At that juncture in her life, she recognised that finding fulfilment in her work held greater significance than chasing promotions or a higher salary. Although her supervisor warned her about the limited prospects for career growth in the philanthropic sector, Yvonne acknowledged this reality with a lighthearted chuckle, admitting that her professional progression had indeed stagnated over the past decade.
Remarkably, Yvonne has no regret. Despite receiving offers to return to marketing or business development roles within esteemed corporations, she remained steadfastly committed to her philanthropic pursuits, for they brought her genuine happiness and a sense of contentment that transcended traditional measures of success.
Her career
Yvonne Siow’s career has been a remarkable journey driven by a profound commitment to creating positive change. After a successful stint in the corporate world, she made a pivotal decision to prioritize purpose over promotions and salary, embarking on a path that would shape her as a leading figure in philanthropy and social impact initiatives
In her current role as the Head of OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation (ASEAN), Yvonne oversees the philanthropic arm of the organization in Southeast Asian countries. The foundation’s mission is ambitious yet vital: to eliminate poor vision within a single generation by ensuring access to proper vision care. Yvonne’s team collaborates with marginalized communities and government stakeholders across over 100 countries, providing affordable eyeglasses and fostering awareness about the importance of vision care.
Alongside her role at the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, Yvonne co-founded PlayPan – PlayFor Good, an initiative that aims to build community and amplify social impact efforts. As a strong collaborator with a strategic focus, she advocates for brands and businesses to be a force for good, leveraging her diverse experiences in corporate, non-profit, advisory, and board roles. In a remarkable initiative, PlayPan secured a temporary retail space at the soon-to-be-demolished Peace Centre in Singapore for six months. This space serves as a hub for community activities and events, aligning with PlayPan’s mission to repurpose resources for the greater good.
Her passion
In a world where ambition often takes precedence over altruism, Yvonne’’s journey stands as a testament to the power of unwavering passion and purpose. Her path, forged by a deep-rooted desire to create positive change, transcends the boundaries of traditional success.
From her formative years, Yvonne’s altruistic spirit blossomed, leading her to actively participate in volunteer groups and provide companionship to those in need. This early exposure to the transformative impact of giving back ignited a flame within her, one that would guide her towards a life dedicated to philanthropy and social impact initiatives. With each step, Yvonne’s passion has grown more profound, manifesting in her unwavering commitment to eliminating poor vision, building communities, and advocating for businesses to be a force for good.
Through her roles at the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation and PlayPan – PlayFor Good, she has become a driving force, leveraging collective efforts and innovative approaches to create a better world. Yvonne Siow’s journey is a reminder that true fulfillment often lies in the pursuit of purpose over personal gain. Her passion, ignited by a lifelong commitment to giving back, has propelled her towards a path that transcends traditional measures of success, leaving an indelible mark on the lives she has touched and the communities she has uplifted.
Her speaking style
Yvonne’s speaking style is articulate, content-rich, journalistic, passionate, and inspiring – tailored to effectively communicate her vision and mobilise support for philanthropic and social impact initiatives, amplifying the call for a more equitable and socially conscious society.
Keynotes
Yvonne's career
2024 | Award | Markies Singapore
PlayPan wins 2 Gold awards at the Markies Awards 2024
What started out as a passion project to bring communities together to reimagine giving with my bestie Gary Hong is now a multi award-winning ...
2023 | Panellist | Blockchain Association Singapore
Blockchain Association Singapore celebrates Women Leaders in Tech
Our Panellists, Ms Yvonne Siow (Head, ASEAN, OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation), ... all added much colour to a robust discussion about how to create more equity ...
2017 | Feature | Her World
Philanthropist Yvonne Siow on the importance of giving back
Armed with the belief that private corporations should use their resources to effect positive change, Yvonne Siow was instrumental in starting the Essilor Vision Foundation ...
Feature | Page Executive
Conversations with Social Impact Leaders: Yvonne Siow
With the continued focus to integrate ESG into Corporate Strategy & Operations, Page Executive is keen on playing our part to help draw stronger awareness ...
