No Ceiling

In finance, advocacy, and the arts, three extraordinary women share their journeys of self-discovery—and their impact on others along the way.

- Words: Alvin Wong and Karishma Tulsidas

PEGGY QUEK

CEO of AIA International Wealth

Pegg Quek is no stranger to a challenge. Her latest endeavour sees her at the helm of AIA International Wealth (AIA IW), the insurer’s newly established wealth division catering to ultra-high-net-worth clients across domestic and regional markets. Launched in 2023, the venture requires not just leadership but the ability to build a high-performing team from the ground up—an undertaking that plays to Quek’s strengths.

“My early years in finance revealed a defining pattern: I was consistently drawn to roles that involved building businesses from scratch. That’s when I realised my true passion lies in driving growth—creating something from nothing, assembling dynamic teams, and forging lasting relationships,” she reflects.

With expertise honed over three decades working in international banking before joining AIA in 2020, Quek is more than well-positioned for the role. In an industry where women remain underrepresented in C-suite positions—only about 20 per cent in Singapore, according to reports—she exemplifies how tenacity, strategic vision, and a spirit of adventure can propel one forward, regardless of profession.

“I can’t say I’ve faced specific gender-related challenges, but I’ve learnt to recognise and align myself with corporate cultures that prioritise performance and results over office politics or unhealthy work environments,” she says.

What were your immediate thoughts when you learned of your appointment as CEO of AIA IW?

I was both humbled and energised. With Asia’s affluent population projected to surge 61 per cent to 28.2 million by 2026, the market potential is immense. As the first insurer to pioneer this, AIA IW offers a specially curated suite of insurance solutions, leveraging AIA’s deep expertise in wealth management and insurance to cater to the specific financial needs of our clients.