Women Who Move Us Forward
Vivienne Vu of ASW Vietnam, Sarmila Devi Chandrsekar of ASW Malaysia, and Marian Rose Espina of ASW Philippines inspire through their hard work, collaboration, and commitment to excellence. Their stories represent the incredible women of ASW Global.
Can you tell us about your role and what do you enjoy most about your work?
Vivienne: I work as an Accounts Payable Officer, where I track monthly costs, process invoices, and ensure expenses are correctly recorded at month end. I work closely with different teams to make sure everything is accurate and on time. I enjoy the sense of responsibility in my role and knowing that my work supports smooth business operations.
Sarmila: I began my journey with ASW at (our client partner) Inovayt Wealth as a fresh graduate in February 2024, and I have recently celebrated my two-year anniversary with the company. I currently work as a Financial Planning Administrator with Inovayt Wealth.
Marian: I am an EML-BAS Team Leader for nearly 7 years now. By September this 2026, I will be on my 12th year with the company, starting as a Data Entry Agent. I enjoy the opportunity to work with diverse personalities and support each team member’s growth.
Outside of work, what are your hobbies or interests?
Vivienne: I enjoy spending quality time with my family. Simple things like sharing meals or catching up on each other’s day help me relax and recharge. Having a good balance between work and family is important to me.
Sarmila: I enjoy cooking, baking, travelling, and playing sports. I discovered my passion for cooking at the age of 12, and I now love cooking and baking for my loved ones.
I also started travelling with my dad when I was 13, and we’ve enjoyed exploring different cultures, traditions, and cuisines in each country we’ve visited. On weekends, I love spending time playing badminton or pickleball.
Marian: I am the mother of an amazing daughter, who will turn into a woman this March. I love staying at home, doing household chores, and looking after our fur babies, too. Whenever we have the time, we love going out for coffee together as a family.
(To Vivienne) Congratulations on being one of our 5-Year Loyalty Awardees! What achievements are you most proud of during your time here?
Vivienne: Thank you. I am most proud of being someone the team can depend on. Over the years, I have consistently met deadlines, maintained accuracy, and kept a professional approach, even during busy periods. Building trust and working well with others has been a rewarding part of my journey here.
(To Sarmila) Great job on being one of ASW’s Client Spotlight Awardees! can you share the feedback you received from your client about your work?
Sarmila: I would first like to sincerely thank my manager, Matthew Gibbs, for trusting me with these responsibilities, especially when I joined as a fresh graduate with no prior corporate experience. His support and confidence have meant a great deal to me.
I was truly honoured by the feedback from my client, who expressed their appreciation for my reliability and the strong professional growth I have demonstrated. This has been incredibly motivating and has significantly boosted my confidence in my role. I’m also very grateful to my team and advisers for their ongoing support and guidance since day one.
(To Marian) Cheers to you for also being one of ASW’s Client Spotlight Awardees! What motivates you to consistently deliver high-quality work?
Marian: Seeing my team members develop their skills, overcome challenges, and achieve their goals inspires me to give my best every day. Knowing that my contribution helps create a positive experience for both the team and our clients drives me to consistently aim for excellence.
March is International Women’s Month. Can you tell us about a woman who inspires you and why?
Vivienne: Two women who inspire me the most are my mother and my mother-in-law. My mother has always put her family first. Her care, sacrifices, and quiet strength have shaped my values and the way I approach both life and work.
My mother-in-law was a kind and caring person who always treated me with warmth and respect. She was highly responsible in her work and well respected in both society and the medical field. The impact she had on others continues to inspire me.
Sarmila: My late mother was a wonderful woman with a big heart, and she continues to inspire me through her kindness and values. She always reminded me to be kind, helpful, strong, independent, and to stay humble, no matter what life brings.
One of her dreams was to see me become a successful person. Today, I hope she would be proud of the person I am becoming. On this International Women’s Day, I would like to honour this recognition in her memory.
Marian: That woman would be my sister. She guided me as I grew up—teaching me Mathematics, English, and many of the fundamentals I still carry with me today. I remember feeling so proud of myself during those moments, and I’ve always looked up to her for that.
Through the hardships she faced in life, she taught me what it truly means to be strong. Her resilience became an example I continue to draw strength from. This strong will is something we both inherited from our parents, who showed us the value of perseverance and courage.
What moments or experiences make you feel most empowered in your everyday life?
Viviene: When I am trusted to do my job and when my efforts are recognised. Completing my work on time, solving problems, and balancing my responsibilities at work and at home help me feel confident and motivated each day.
Sarmila: When I see how far I’ve grown, both personally and professionally. Knowing that I started my career as a fresh graduate and have since built confidence, skills, and trust in my role reminds me of my own strength. Moments where I can contribute meaningfully to my team, support clients effectively, and continue learning each day give me a strong sense of purpose and empowerment.
Marian: As a woman, I feel empowered in my daily life by managing my work, my home, and motherhood—even when things get a little chaotic!
