What do you do and what is it about your job that gets you out of bed in the morning?
I am passionate about the use of biometrics to correctly identify and verify a person especially in the area of digital identity. My interest in biometrics dates back 25 years ago, and has propelled me to be involved in many security-related projects involving governments and nation-wide deployments across multiple countries, particularly at the 9/11 tragedy which saw sudden huge demand and opportunities that humbled me. It gives me great satisfaction to see how biometrics can improve security by identifying individuals accurately and enhance the verification of a person’s physical identity, whether it is in passport issuance, in national identity systems (physical and digital), border control, law enforcement, or finance. Orchestrating a brighter world using biometrics is why I do what I do.
One of the things I enjoy is thinking of creative ideas and solutions that helps to solve a client’s problem. In 1995, automated border control gates were unheard of and, together with Singapore immigration, we introduced the first automated gates using biometrics to reduce manpower while improving accuracy, consistency and speed. I have also helped to pioneer the seamless onboarding process for various financial institutions using biometrics. These represent just a few of the many firsts that I have been involved in.
Being trained in fingerprint, facial and iris technologies with NEC, I am delighted to be part of a company who are ranked number 1 globally by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology for its speed and accuracy in biometrics technologies. NEC technologies, especially facial matching, are developed to be able to identify a person regardless of gender or ethnic group, which ties in to my firm belief that all people are created equal and should have equal opportunities to reach their full potential.
How did you get to where you are today?
Growing up, my parents were my role models. Each day their lives exemplified their teaching. They told us that the sky is our limit and they installed values of honesty and integrity in us. Dad is a firm believer that every family is a building block of society. Who we are and what we stand for will either give and add to society or otherwise. I am indebted to the mentors whom I can turn to any time, they helped me see my blind spots and oversights. I am very blessed to have forged many friendships internationally and surrounded by so many who have encouraged, inspired, and spurred me on. I am most grateful for my loving family and the friends in my path. These are the people who accept me for who I am and bring out the best in me.
What is the most important lesson you have learned along the way?
Life’s goals should not be focused on achievements, relationships are just as important, if not more! I learnt much early on in life never to achieve at the expense of others. This has a lot to do with one’s perspective! How to always see the good in others and how together we can do a whole lot more to the betterment of our company and ultimately benefiting our society. Though I must add sometimes I do find myself in sticky situations and how many times I have had to dig deep into myself, bounce off my confidantes, including my supportive husband, and navigate out of them without hurting anyone nor myself. There are a couple of times I have failed regretfully, yet those are the times that have seen the greatest growth in me as a person.
What’s your pitch to CEOs in the identity space? What do you suggest they START / STOP / CONTINUE doing and why?
Start recognising that all people are created equal and to involve a diversity of minds to create the best products and solutions. The biometric technology that I am involved in, we use diverse groups of people to train the engine such that it’s not biased towards a certain color or people group. CEOs should deliberately put in place measures to support every vulnerable group to create a workplace environment where all individuals can fully express themselves without fear of discrimination. Individuality and uniqueness of diverse employees are important as well as a corporate culture where everyone can work and participate to their full potential.
Stop thinking that, by having the best team to create identity products and solutions which recognizes the “elite group” or the “best breed”, they will they find the most profit from it. In fact, they will find the most revenue by having a identity solution which has an inclusive mindset and a diverse group of people creating together. With the diversity, the solution can reach more and expand to more use cases. They should continue hearing the voices of diverse groups for their research and development and not have an echo chamber of researchers that think the same way so as to produce creative and innovative products.
Continue to reach out to a diverse community of partners to forge strong alliances as no company can work on its own. The community needs each other to sustain its business and to expand and diversify into different areas. Business is about networking and reaching out for more, more clients, more use cases, more collaborations, more allies.
Do not have an echo chamber of researchers that think the same way so as to produce creative and innovative products
In one sentence, why does diversity matter to you?
Diversity is the beauty and uniqueness that every individual brings about his/her beauty and strength and together as a group, Diversity is power, and more.
What book/film/piece of art would you recommend to your fellow members? Why?
Hacksaw Ridge is the movie. “Lord, help me get one more” Desmond continued to save one life at a time. One day at a time, one task at a time, one person at a time. It is believing what the Lord will help us achieve our goal one step at a time.
What advice would you give to the teenage ‘you’?
There is no short cut in life. Every person who is at the top has had to spill their own blood, sweat and tears to get there. Failure is the mother of success! Never let failure drive you to the ground. Instead, get up and grow from these life lessons. When you overcome, you will be bigger and stronger.
Follow Helen on Twitter @HelenChua18 and LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/helenchua.