Women are playing a powerful and growing role in shaping the future of technology all across Southeast Asia, especially in the Philippines, where female leaders and innovators are breaking barriers, building businesses, and inspiring the next generation. From startup founders and digital advocates to government tech leaders, these women are making a real impact on the tech landscape.

In this blog, we’ll introduce you to remarkable women in tech from Southeast Asia, share their inspiring stories, and explain why recognizing women in technology matters for everyone, especially young learners and future professionals.

Why Celebrating Women in Tech Matters

Women have historically been underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. But that’s changing — and fast. In the Philippines, businesses with female founders make up nearly one-third of tech startups, showing that women are increasingly building, leading, and scaling tech organizations.

Recognizing these leaders not only highlights their achievements but also inspires others — especially girls and young women — to pursue careers in tech and innovation.

Top Women in Tech From the Philippines

Here are some of the most remarkable women shaping technology and digital transformation in the Philippines today:

1. Mishy Co — Digital Advocate & Tech Educator

Mishy Co is the CEO of The Bureau PH and executive director of GoDigital Pilipinas, an organization focused on improving digital literacy across the country. She advocates for closing digital skill gaps by offering training and certification programs that help Filipinos thrive in a tech-driven world.

Mishy believes that digital skills — from basic software use to understanding emerging tech — are essential for every Filipino, and works with partners across public and private sectors to make tech education more accessible.

2. Chaye Cabal-Revilla — Tech Founder & Business Leader

Chaye Cabal-Revilla serves as CEO of mWell, a fully integrated health tech app in the Philippines, and is also CFO of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation. She has spent decades in industries that were once dominated by men but has risen through the ranks because of her expertise and leadership.

Through her work, Chaye champions tech solutions that respond to real user needs — like fast and convenient health services — showing how technology can directly improve everyday life.

3. Audrey Pe — Young Tech Activist and STEM Advocate

Audrey Pe is one of the youngest tech activists in the Philippines. She founded WiTech (Women in Tech), a nonprofit that aims to inspire youth — especially girls — to pursue tech careers and challenge gender stereotypes in STEM.

Her work focuses on education and community building to help more young people see themselves as future innovators, developers, and tech leaders.

4. Jocelle Batapa-Sigue — Tech Policy Leader & Advocate

Dr. Jocelle Batapa-Sigue is a tech leader who served as Undersecretary for ICT Industry Development under the Philippines’ Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). She has a long history of supporting ICT growth and empowering digital jobs.

Her leadership helped develop tech communities and industry growth nationwide, making space for more women and young tech professionals to contribute meaningfully.

5. Jonha Richman — Entrepreneur & Global Tech Advocate

Jonha Richman is a well-known tech entrepreneur, investor, and advocate for startups and women’s empowerment. Recognized as one of the most influential leaders in the Philippine tech scene, she’s known as the “Most Connected Businesswoman from Asia” and mentors tech founders around the world.

She promotes inclusivity and equal opportunity in the tech industry, encouraging others to succeed and lead boldly.

6. Mikaela Helene Reyes — Startup Founder & Tech Innovator

Mikaela Helene Reyes is co-founder of Parallax, a Manila-based cross-border payments startup that simplifies global transactions — a tech solution driven by real user needs. She was featured on Forbes Asia’s 30 Under 30, recognizing her role in tech innovation.

Her work highlights how young Filipino entrepreneurs are building tech products with regional and global impact.

7. Women in Tech Ambassadors — Broad Contributions Across Fields

Beyond tech founders and executives, there are many Filipino women in tech roles from developers and consultants to research scientists and cybersecurity analysts. The Women in Tech Philippines Ambassadors program highlights leaders like Alenna-Dawn Magpantay, Kaye Celine Palisoc, Jhanice Targa, and Frances Therese Ong — all contributing to tech growth and community building.

These ambassadors help unite women in tech, provide mentorship, and expand networks across industry sectors.

Other Women Making Waves in Tech & Innovation

While the list above focuses on leaders in the tech and digital space, many Filipino women are innovating interlinked industries such as digital media, gaming, and tech-powered entrepreneurship. For example:

• Angelique Uy developed ZAP, a rewards and incentives app that uses data to connect users with partner merchants.

These women show that innovation can come from combining technology with business insights to create real-world solutions.

What This Means for the Future of Tech

The Philippines and Southeast Asia are rapidly evolving tech hubs, and women are an important part of that growth. More female tech founders, leaders, and advocates means a more inclusive tech ecosystem — one that draws on diverse experiences and ideas.

Investing in women in tech leads to broader economic growth, stronger innovation, and better outcomes for communities that benefit from digital solutions. As more women enter tech, the region’s future looks even brighter.

• Women in the Philippines are leading in areas like digital education, health tech, digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and government policy.
• Young activists and ambassadors are helping close the gender gap in tech and inspire the next generation.
• Female tech leaders show how innovation and leadership go hand in hand to grow industries and empower communities.