#IWD2025: Sushi King Malaysia's Elaine Chiew on driving tangible change in marketing leadership

The marketing industry is a dynamic, ever-shifting landscape where trends, technologies and creative ideas collide to shape the future of how brands connect with the world. As this vibrant industry evolves, it is crucial that the people behind it are equally forward-thinking, embracing change and pushing boundaries to lead the way.

While female leaders are steadily rising to the top, there's still much work to be done to accelerate gender equality and ensure that every voice has an opportunity to be heard. This International Women's Day, A+M celebrates the voices of women who are making waves in Malaysia's marketing landscape, breaking barriers and paving the way for the future generation of leaders.

Hear from Elaine Chiew, general manager for marketing, Sushi King Malaysia on what she has to say: 

Don't miss: International Women’s Day: What 'accelerate action' means to MY marketing leaders  

A+M: What does ‘accelerate action’ mean to you?

Chiew: We’ve heard a lot about gender equality and the benefits that come with it, but we have yet to see many initiatives that really go beyond conversations to drive change. 'Accelerate action’ to me, highlights the urgency of a significant shift from just creating awareness to real tangible actions that sees women professionals with merits get promoted to leadership positions, get paid equally and fairly, and are well supported to enable them to stay in the workforce and advance their careers.

A+M: What’s one bold step the marketing industry needs to take now to accelerate gender equality?

Chiew: I think stronger emphasis on measurement and transparent reporting on representation in leadership, pay equity, diversity of workforce, inclusive policies will move the dial. Take environmental sustainability as an example, which is currently receiving a lot more attention. There are just more tangible metrics to quantify and measure environmental impact, making it easier to set targets, track and demand for progress.

A+M: What advice would you give to other wom"en in marketing who want to push for change and make a bigger impact at their workplace?

Chiew: I received this advice from a male ex-boss when I was fresh in a leadership position. He very kindly reminded me of the different challenges and pressures female leaders naturally face compared to men at work. He suggested that I find another female leader who has experienced it all as a mentor to help navigate the transition. So, in short, I think the advice is not to do it all on your own.

Seek out allies and mentors who makes you feel supported and energised in your journey.

Join us this coming 21 May for #Content360, an extravaganza centered around three core thematic pillars: Challenging the norm; Conquering Media Fragmentation; and Unlocking Imagination. Immerse yourself in learning to curate content with creativity, critical thinking, and confidence with us at Content360!   

Related articles:  
#IWD2025: Pos Malaysia's Fiona Liao on what it takes to progress women in leadership  
#IWD2025: Secret Recipe's Evelyn Lee on being the change you want to see  
#IWD2025: FrieslandCampina's Imun Lim on driving inclusive leadership