Robogals

CHENG. Passion and enthusiasm.

The Management Association of the Philippines held its 14th MAP International CEO conference at the Shangri-la Makati Ballroom last Sept. 6 with the theme, “The Rise of the Global Asean: The Next Generation Leaders.”

The last speaker in the conference that was attended by 500 CEOS and business executives kept the participants in awe: 27-year-old Australian engineer Marita Cheng, founder of 2Mar Robotics’ Robogals Global. She made it a point to highlight the role of engineering, and the participation of women in her field of expertise.

Her passion has inspired other young women to explore how engineering and technology can be used to redefine the future. Her enthusiasm spreads optimism and hope among young enablers and innovators armed only with big dreams. Robogals have taught 50,000 girls in nine countries thus far.

A recipient of the 2012 Young Australian of the Year award, Cheng is a technology entrepreneur and “women in technology” advocate. When she noticed the low number of girls in her engineering classes at the University of Melbourne, she rounded up her peers, who went with her to schools to teach girls about robotics.

The Q&A at the conference was moderated by Dr. Donald Patrick Lim, chief digital officer of ABS-CBN.

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