WOMEN WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Claire Chiang: "On Top of the World"

Claire Chiang is a leader in the business world and puts women's issues on top of her agenda.

As the executive director of the Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts, she not only conceptualized a unique business model in the hospitality industry, she created a spin off called Banyan Tree Gallery-- a platform to create gainful employment for villagers in the region through the sale of ancient indigenous handicrafts.

Her business insight led her to become a member of the all-male Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce in 1995-making her one of the first two women to be admitted.

"I was uncomfortable and they were too, but the work overtook the gender concern," says a robust Chiang.

"Women soften the agenda and help businessmen see other aspects of life and look at diverse ways of doing business," she adds.

She openly says if she were a man, she would have probably reached the top through the express route-but being a woman, drove her to perform better.

"Quit whining, do it and show that you can do it well, and better," says Chiang.

Besides her business achievements, she is an advocate for women's rights, family life and the underprivileged in society.

Chiang is a big fan of looking at the big picture view and says in order to be really successful, one needs to have a macro perspective.