The opportunity to shine

Siwan Lu, Principal at Zurich Insurance Group’s Global Ventures, is set to join some very illustrious company.

She has been selected by the World Economic Forum (WEF) to join its prestigious Young Global Leaders program and potentially rub shoulders with alumni that include Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand; Emmanuel Macron, President of France; Mark Zuckerberg, founder and CEO of Meta (formerly Facebook); and Joe Gebbia, co-founder of Airbnb.

But this is not about a high-profile networking opportunity. Siwan will be using her talents and experience to help Young Global Leaders shape a more inclusive and sustainable future, while also partaking in a unique leadership development program.

The WEF created the Forum of Young Global Leaders back in 2004. Its aim is to help the world meet increasingly complex and interdependent problems by creating a diverse community of the world’s next generation of leaders from all walks of life and from every region of the world. And then help these young people become more responsible, strategic and impactful leaders. They include civic and business innovators, entrepreneurs, technology pioneers, educators, activists, artists, journalists, and many more.

More than 1,400 people have taken part in the program since 2004 and, as part of the 2022 cohort, Siwan will join up to another 120 young leaders on a three-year tailored leadership development program. She will gain access to new insights, skills and connections, as well as taking part in executive education modules at leading universities. Siwan will also get to work on developing practical solutions to complex and global challenges, while also making a difference in local communities.

“I am humbled by the opportunity and excited to build meaningful personal relationships and a true understanding of the great work led by other fellows,” says Siwan. “It will continue to challenge my thinking and give me a platform to learn more on causes I care about, such as education and social equality. By the end of it, I want to experience how the tech, corporate and public sectors can work together on big problems.”

But this is more than an elite training program as Siwan will be expected to use her own talent and influence as a force for good. The program will help Siwan to scale-up, amplify and accelerate her impact so she can make a greater difference in her communities and beyond.

This is something that really excites Siwan as someone who likes to challenge the status quo, shatter stereotypes and champion diversity and inclusion.

“I intend to bring an open ear and an open mind to the program. To first understand, then act. Beyond that, I want to bring my global perspective, hands-on attitude, and knowledge learnt from Zurich and the industry to the table.”

Siwan’s global perspective comes from being born and raised in mainland China and attending college in Hong Kong. But she has extensive international professional experience in the U.S., Switzerland, Germany, Hong Kong and mainland China, particularly in the fields of business and product development, venture investment, international partnerships, digitalization and strategy.

“The Forum of Young Global Leaders is a fantastic platform for honing the leadership skills of young talent from around the world, promoting sustainability and diversity and turning ideas into action that will help make the world a better place,” says Zurich’s Group CEO, Mario Greco. “At Zurich, we are proud that Siwan has been chosen to join this group of talented young leaders and are convinced she will shine and grow tremendously on this program.”

“This is a thoroughly deserved opportunity for Siwan,” says Jack Howell, CEO of Zurich Global Ventures. “She is an entrepreneurial, global-minded and results-driven business leader, but she also cares deeply about social justice, social equality and education. She will thrive in this new environment, and I look forward to seeing her develop innovative solutions that bring to life her ideas and support her personal causes.”