Wai San Wong — Senior Manager, Policy, APAC
From Singapore and currently living there.
Before joining BSA | The Software Alliance in 2022, I spent my entire career working for the Singapore government, primarily for the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) — now known as the Infocomm Media Development Authority — and the Personal Data Protection Commission.
The first project I worked on at the IDA was the Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network, which brought broadband fiber connections to every Singaporean home and business. I’ve worked on issues that range from the very foundations of the tech stack, including physical infrastructure like ducts, manholes, and central offices, to the data level that deals with intangibles like privacy, cybersecurity, and AI.
I graduated from the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom with a degree in natural science, and I hold the CIPP/E credential from the IAPP.
What/who inspired you to pursue the career you have today?
I kind of fell into it. When my friend suggested I join his team working on the Nationwide Broadband Network, I did, and I never looked back. Tech is such an exciting field, and tech policy, in particular, is ever-evolving and super satisfying.
What attracted you to work at BSA?
The opportunity to represent the industry point of view. Having been in the Singapore government all my working life, I heard “Oh, you’re in government, you’ll never understand” a lot! BSA gave me the chance to cross over to the other side to understand that.
What’s the most unique part about working at BSA?
Working with colleagues around the world and the seamless way we collaborate. I especially love how we tag teams across time zones. For example, I might start working on a document here in APAC and hand it over to the team at the end of my day…which is when the magic happens. Someone in Brussels might work on it in my late evening, while another colleague in Washington looks at it while I’m asleep. When I’m up, I’ll respond to the changes, and our document is ready for members. It feels so well-oiled, it’s amazing.
What’s the most meaningful piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Two related pieces of advice resonate: “A small step is better than no step” and “Perfection is the enemy of good.” Sometimes, I’m too focused on perfecting things, and it’s hard to even start. But sometimes, all you need to do is start, and then the rest will follow. And sometimes, all that’s needed is good or good enough. Perfection is rarely ever part of the brief.
Do you have any pets, and if so, what do you have?
Do caterpillars count? During the COVID lockdown period, I started rearing caterpillars as a fun thing to do with my kids. We’d bring some in from the garden and ensure they had plenty of leaves to feast on. It’s very relaxing to watch a lime caterpillar munch on a leaf; sometimes, you can even hear it through the walls of its plastic box. But the best part is when the butterfly emerges from its cocoon. Lime and plain tiger butterflies especially spend a long time drying their wings, so that’s a great opportunity to encourage them to perch on your finger to see them up close. It’s such a lovely sight watching them fly away after we release them.
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
I usually try unique and out-there flavors. Stuff I’ve tried includes salted egg, pineapple tart, and even chrysanthemum sorbet. But I find myself returning to cookies and cream as a comforting treat.
What’s one thing on your bucket list?
Going to Antarctica! I’ve visited six continents and would love to check off the last one, too.
If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?
Wu Zetian, the first female emperor of China. After her husband’s death, she managed to gain power and control the court, eventually ruling in her own right. I’d love to ask her how she did it during those deeply patriarchal and male-centric times. Her journey from concubine to empress is nothing short of extraordinary. I’d be fascinated to hear how she learned the intricacies of the political system, how she maneuvered to control it, and ultimately, how she made it work in her favor. I would also be curious to taste the food she ate during the Tang Dynasty!
Caterpillar rearing – nice way to “spread your wings”. Butterfly watching is one of best idyllic things to do!