Rebecca Sin is Head of Equities Products in Asia Pacific at a Fintech company. Outside of work, Rebecca is the co-Chair of WiFA’s Mentor Mentee Program (MMP), the Co-Chair of Asia’s Women in ETFs (WE), a mentor for the Fruits in Suits (FinS) Association in Hong Kong and on the board of Hong Kong’s Young Investors Society. During her 2021 WiFA Spotlight Series interview, she discusses her motivations, advice to her younger self, and much more.
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself
I’m originally from Canada but have worked in Tokyo, London and now Hong Kong. I was an equity trader for many years and have recently switched to the fintech space where I am responsible for the Equities business in Asia.
I am also the Co-Chair of WiFA’s Mentor Mentee Program (MMP), the Co-Chair of Asia’s Women in ETFs (WE), a mentor for the Fruits in Suits (FinS) Association in Hong Kong and on the board of Hong Kong’s Young Investors Society. I am passionate about gender diversity and equality. It is important that everyone has access to the same opportunities, and is treated equally and fairly in the workplace. Feeling valued is essential and benefits both the business and the individual.
2. Think back to when you were starting out your career. What advice would you give your younger self?
There is a time and place for everything. Stand up for what you believe in, but also find allies in and outside of your organisation, who can provide you with guidance, support and mentorship. Taking control of your future becomes much easier when someone shows you how to best overcome the barriers in the work place. Always believe in yourself but also, work really hard to show others why you deserve to be there. Maintain a positive attitude at all times as what may seem like a challenge initially, could turn into an opportunity. Don’t be scared and take risks. Take time to ponder the feedback. Find good people to work with. If you can trust and like the people you work with, it makes the job a lot more fun and worthwhile, especially since the hours in finance are very long. Lastly, be YOU. Stand up for what you believe in, and trust in your own ability. Have confidence in your own skills and stay true to yourself.
3. What has kept you motivated to succeed this past year?
2020 was a challenging year for everyone, but you need to always believe in yourself and never give up. No matter how hard things get, they can always get worse, so it’s important to be thankful for the small things in life. Stay positive, be optimistic and keep trying. Don’t expect change to happen overnight. It takes time, patience, dedication and lots of hard work. Whether it’s your career, personal life or fitness for example, you must keep trying every single day and sometimes, it will take years before you see the results, so don’t be discouraged right away and persevere.
4. Aside from work, what are your other passions?
I love to cook and am a certified cuisine and pastry chef from Alain Ducasse’s Culinary School. I also love to play football, so I can usually be found either at the gym, football pitch or in the kitchen when I am not working.