APAC Awards 2024: AV ICON APAC

• Features

• 17/03/2025

AV has always been about people. While technology is at its core, the true essences of AV are the human connections it enables and the experiences it creates. Few embody this spirit better than Candice Siow, regional director for Southeast Asia (SEA) at Lightware Visual Engineering, who was named AV ICON APAC at this year’s Inavate APAC Awards.

Reflecting on her accolade, Siow comments: “I am deeply grateful for this incredible honour. Receiving this Award is truly humbling, and I am immensely thankful for the recognition. This is a testament to the amazing support system I have, and it is not only a recognition of my professional accomplishments but also a reflection of the incredible mentors and teammates who have stood by me as well as the partners and friends who believed in me.”

Siow has made significant contributions to the industry while spearheading Lightware’s growth across Southeast Asia, and she believes that the first step to success is building a strong foundation with a team of like-minded individuals.

She remarks: “A significant step forward in our regional strategy to accelerate growth and expansion across SEA has been the recruitment of committed professionals and establishing local outreach. At the end of the day, I wanted to create a team that shared the same professional values and put the company’s vision first. It was really important to me that we assembled a team of experienced professionals who share common ground.”

With a forward-thinking mindset, Siow also championed the brand’s decision to establish an experience and training centre in Singapore, recognising the country’s strategic position as a hub for regional business. She notes: “Our top management has been very supportive throughout my journey in setting up this new office facility. Right from the beginning of my journey with Lightware, the decision to establish an experience centre in Singapore was at the top of my priority list. It was crucial for us to show that we are committed to the SEA region by being on the ground and being closer to our customers.”

The art of leadership

Belief in a brand is fundamental — it’s nearly impossible to sell or succeed in a role without genuine conviction in what the brand stands for, let alone lead a team to do so.

For Siow this belief came naturally. Recognising that Lightware’s technology was solid and that the products would be able to speak for themselves, she was able to channel her energy into budling the brand’s presence in SEA. She says: “Lightware felt like the perfect fit for me, thanks to its strong reputation and commitment to delivering high-quality products that meet customer needs. I believe my experience and extensive network in Southeast Asia, particularly in Singapore, will allow me to contribute meaningfully to the company’s goals. My aim is to enhance Lightware’s presence across the region by fostering collaboration with our partners and alliances.”

Her ambitious plans for Lightware definitely reflect her confidence in her leadership abilities. But how did Siow become the remarkable leader she is today? She shares: “I am blessed to have great mentors and to learn alongside capable individuals. My first three mentors possessed unique leadership skills, but they all shared two common traits: sincerity and the ability to lead by example, inspiring me to do my best work.”

Drawing from the guidance of her mentors from her previous roles, she mentions: “I believe my previous experiences have shaped who I am today. To me, leadership is about collaboration and inspiring others to reach their fullest potential. I strive to be direct and work collaboratively with my team members by delegating tasks, leading by example, and ensuring that they know I genuinely care about them.”

When asked about the most important lesson she has learned throughout her leadership journey in AV, she answers: “Humility and sincerity are two guiding principles in my work. I have met many good people and a handful of self-serving individuals, and I’ve come to realise the impact of a positive attitude and behaviour on one’s mental well-being. Our life experiences shape the people we become, and I aspire to create a positive impact on those around me.”

Breaking the glass ceiling For Siow, being a woman in a male-dominated industry was never something she viewed as an obstacle in her career. While acknowledging that there are certain barriers in place, Siow comments: “I recognise that there are specific challenges that women face in the workplace across different industries, not just in AV. As women, we have to learn how to balance our professional responsibilities with our own roles as mothers and wives. It can be difficult at times.”

However, Siow believes that one of the keys to navigating the industry as a woman is to maintain an open mindset. As such, Siow has never allowed her identity as a woman to define or restrict her. Instead, she sees it as a source of strength that highlights her unique way of thinking – one nurtured by creativity, and a curious way of seeing the world around her. She remarks: “To be honest, the AV industry has never limited us, and we’ve been seeing active strides taken by organisations in our industry to foster a sense of solidarity amongst women in AV. At Lightware, for example, we take pride in our gender diversity. But if you’re in a position where you feel limited as a woman, then you have to make your voice louder to be heard. I truly believe that there will always be space for women in AV.”

Big aspirations

Looking ahead, Siow has a clear and strategic vision for Lightware’s future in Southeast Asia. In a region where AV technology is constantly evolving, she sees immense potential for the manufacturer to elevate its brand to greater heights. She elaborates: “My goal is to establish and consolidate Lightware’s presence and partnerships in SEA within the next three years. As we have witnessed the integration of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and interconnected systems, these herald an era of limitless possibilities. To thrive in this rapidly changing landscape, businesses must adopt a forward-thinking mindset, embracing innovation as a catalyst for their endeavours.”

She concludes: “This is precisely what our founder’s vision is as he believes in an open ecosystem whereby new technologies must support lives seamlessly. Hence, to me, the opportunities are there, we just need to be agile to be ahead of the game.”