Janet Ang

Chairperson, Public Transport Council, Singapore Polytechnic, NUS-ISS, SBF Foundation & SISTIC

BBA, Class of 1982

Janet Ang’s spirit of giving back to the community had early on been shaped by her mother’s selflessness, as a dedicated teacher who went beyond the classroom to support her students. Receiving a scholarship to study at NUS Business School solidified her resolve to contribute back to her alma mater and the community, a commitment she carried into her professional and public service roles, including establishing the NUS Business School Alumni Association (NUSBSA) – Janet Ang Bursary. 

Janet’s career was marked by both successes and significant hurdles. One of the most challenging aspects of her journey was breaking into the male-dominated technology industry in the 1980s. There were times when Janet was the only woman in meetings, particularly in leadership settings at IBM across Singapore, China, and Japan. Despite these challenges, she rose to become Managing Director of IBM Singapore twice, leading the company through critical phases of technological advancement and strengthening client relationships. Her resilience and strategic thinking were further showcased during her international assignments in Japan and China, where she led major initiatives and managed complex projects requiring the navigation of diverse market conditions. Janet’s ability to thrive in these environments underscored her adaptability and established her as a trailblazer, paving the way for greater gender diversity in the industry. 

Leading regional operations came with its own set of challenges, especially that of cultural differences across countries. However, Janet was committed to continuously learning about these cultures and embracing different perspectives in order to foster an inclusive work environment. Her experiences working in different cultural contexts not only solidified her reputation as a versatile leader but also reinforced her belief in resilience and adaptability—cornerstones of her leadership style. Janet was determined not just to belong but to lead and inspire, demonstrating that leadership is about creating impact across boundaries. 

For Janet, NUS Business School was more than an academic institution—it was the foundation where she developed vital leadership skills and reinforced her commitment to community service. The OCBC Scholarship she received allowed her to fully engage in her education without financial stress, empowering her to participate in student-led initiatives that honed her teamwork and leadership abilities. These experiences proved invaluable in her corporate career and beyond. Today, Janet continues to nurture this bond with NUS by mentoring students and supporting them through the NUSBSA–Janet Ang Bursary, ensuring future generations have the same opportunities that shaped her journey. 

Janet’s leadership journey is grounded in her personal experiences and her dedication to societal progress. As the first woman to chair Singapore’s Public Transport Council, she has played a critical role in striking a delicate balance between financial sustainability of the public transport system and keeping fares affordable especially for the vulnerable, and fostering a caring and inclusive commuting culture. Under Janet’s leadership, NUS-ISS made significant progress in shaping a competitive digital workforce for Singapore and beyond. She led a comprehensive rebranding, introducing a refreshed name and logo that better reflects the institute’s focus on accelerating digital excellence. NUS-ISS launched innovative Blended Learning Programmes and fostered deeper industry connections, notably through the creation of the GovTech Digital Academy and partnerships with organisations like VISA and IBF. 

Her impact extends beyond her professional accomplishments—Janet is an advocate for women in leadership and access to education. By establishing the NUSBSA–Janet Ang Bursary and the NUSBSA—Maria Tan Kim Lan Bursary (in her late Mother’s name), she aims to ensure future generations benefit from the opportunities that shaped her own journey.