Women, Trust, and the New AI Reality
8 March 2026, Hong Kong: In celebration of the International Women’s Day, the GSMA APAC is inviting submissions for the Women Digital Leadership Award 2026, to be presented at M360 ASEAN 2026 on 10 September at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur. The award highlights women’s leadership and innovation in AI and digital technology across Asia-Pacific, addressing challenges such as under-representation and algorithmic bias.
“I spoke recently with a senior AI engineer at a major mobile operator in Asia. Her team trains the models to detect scams and fraud across the network — systems that millions rely on every day. Yet she told me that when she presents findings or flags concerns about algorithmic bias, she’s still sometimes asked whether she “checked her assumptions with a more technical colleague. She is the technical colleague. She built the system. But her expertise is still questioned in ways her male peers rarely experience”.
– Christina Cheung, Marketing Director, APAC, GSMA.
Stories like hers aren’t rare. Across MNOs in Asia-Pacific, women are driving some of the most advanced AI and network innovations, while still pushing against the same old expectations.
Looking back at 2025
Last year’s winners showed the strength of women’s leadership in digital technology:
- Tara Neal — Insight on AI, digital trust, gender bias.
- Muntaha Asim — Championing women’s voices in digital safety.
- Katherine Ng — Advancing responsible tech for SMEs.
- Chanita Craythorne — Highlighting online harms affecting women and girls.
Why this year matters
As AI becomes central to telecom operations, customer safety, cyber defense, and digital services, women remain under‑represented in technical roles, governance, and leadership. Research shows women face higher automation risk and less access to emerging AI‑driven opportunities — yet they are also leading key innovations across network resilience, scam prevention, health tech, and service design.
What we’re inviting in 2026
To mark International Women’s Day, GSMA APAC invites submissions on: Women, Trust, and the New AI Reality
Formats:
- Articles, research insights, case studies
- Short videos or podcasts
- Personal reflections from AI, network, or policy work
Some suggested topics: AI for safer online spaces for women; Gaps in current digital systems; Job impacts and opportunities in the AI economy; Women‑led innovations across digital services; Experiences deploying or regulating AI in APAC. But we want to hear from your experience, and no topic is off limits
Why you should apply
This award recognizes insight and leadership — not job titles. Last year’s winners gained visibility and new opportunities to shape digital transformation. In 2026, it could be you or someone you nominate.
What happens next
Selected submissions will appear on the GSMA APAC #ChangeTheFace blog. The Top entries will be recognized at the Digital Nation Awards of M360 ASEAN 2026 on 10 September 2026 in Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur.
This award is part of a wider effort to ensure women lead the development, deployment, and governance of AI across APAC.
Submission period has ended. Thanks everyone for your participation.