APAC DAO at UK–Southeast Asia Tech Week 2025: Advocating for Women in Tech

APAC DAO proudly participated in the UK–Southeast Asia Tech Week, a regional initiative that brought together policymakers, tech leaders, and innovators from across the UK and ASEAN to spotlight collaboration and inclusion in the tech industry.

Our Founder, Nicole Nguyen, joined a high-impact panel to discuss a topic close to our mission: bridging the skills gap and increasing gender diversity in tech.

Why It Matters

As Southeast Asia’s digital economy accelerates—across fintech, Web3, AI, and deep tech—there is a growing urgency to ensure that the future of innovation is inclusive, diverse, and equitable.

The conversation highlighted:

• The widening gender gap in tech leadership and technical roles

• The need for tailored education, upskilling programs, and mentorship for women

• How countries like Vietnam are rapidly emerging as fintech and Web3 innovation hubs, yet still face challenges in female participation

 

Nicole emphasized the importance of intentional leadership, cross-sector partnerships, and community-building to empower the next generation of female tech builders.

Vietnam’s Role in the Region

Vietnam, where APAC DAO is headquartered, was spotlighted as one of the most dynamic growth markets in Southeast Asia—with a high rate of crypto adoption, startup creation, and digital transformation. But with that growth comes responsibility: to ensure women are not only included, but leading the charge.

What’s Next?

 

At APAC DAO, we believe innovation cannot happen in silos. We remain committed to:

• Empowering female founders, developers, and product leaders

• Creating mentorship pipelines across our 15+ country communities

• Bridging Southeast Asia’s local talent to global opportunities

 

Whether through regional events, strategic partnerships, or community programs, we will continue to champion inclusion and access across the digital economy.

 

Thank you to the organizers of UK–Southeast Asia Tech Week for opening space for these critical conversations—and to all the amazing women (and allies!) building the future of tech.

 

Stay tuned — this is just the beginning.