New Asia Council Board Member from Plenary Asia

We are pleased to welcome on board Chi-Ling Looi, CEO, Plenary Asia, as an Asia Council Member:

We asked Chi-Ling a few questions to get to know her a bit better:

If you could personally change or influence one thing within infrastructure and/or energy, what would it be?

Personally, I would want to do anything possible to contribute to the development of a pipeline of ‘bankable’ sustainable infrastructure projects in Asia which also try to meet some of the UN’s sustainable development goals. This would enable the private sector to help to close the ever growing gap between the need for infrastructure and the actual delivery of quality sustainable economic and social infrastructure in the countries that need it most.

Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to yourself at the start of your career?

The advice that I would give to my younger self would be to be professional, brave and above all resilient.  You also should not have to pretend to be anything other than your true self to have an impact, to achieve and be successful. Do not be afraid to ask questions and speak truth (politely!) to power.

What do you hope to bring to this Council?

I hope to bring insight, experience and good humour to the Asia Council. I hope to encourage the participation of more women in the infrastructure and finance industries and to encourage the use of international best practice in the development and delivery of infrastructure in Asia.