From unconventional beginnings to industry leadership
Mee Mee’s journey into the technology industry was anything but traditional. Trained in statistics with early exposure to engineering, she took an unexpected turn into tech sales 18 years ago, which is a move that defined her career.
“Even after 18 years, I’m still excited about how the industry evolves,” she reflects. “It empowers individuals and businesses to be more effective, and I’ve found my place within this innovation-led space.”
Since joining HP Malaysia, Mee Mee has played a key role in fortifying the brand’s partner ecosystem and supporting the nation’s digital transformation. Her leadership was notably recognised at the Channel Asia Women in ICT Awards 2022, where she was honoured for driving exceptional business growth and pioneering partner market expansion through the HP Amplify programme. The achievements included a reported 300% e-commerce growth and the creation of a sustainable online-to-offline partner pipeline.
Everyday inclusion, real impact
Beyond sales metrics, Mee Mee’s true impact lies in how she leads. For her, inclusion is not a corporate buzzword, but a daily practice that lives in the way decisions are made and voices are heard.
“We empower our team members to contribute ideas during meetings and planning sessions regardless of their job roles and seniority, and we constantly seek different perspectives from employees of various backgrounds to ensure our strategies truly address market challenges and demands,” she says.
She recalls earlier days in channel sales, when success often depended on informal, after-hours networking, which were spaces where women and diverse voices weren’t always included. Today, she’s proud to see a shift: conversations are more open, leadership is more inclusive, and visibility for women in tech is no longer an exception but a growing norm.
Leading change and breaking bias
Mee Mee’s leadership philosophy is anchored in courage. This includes the courage to speak up, challenge bias, and take ownership of outcomes. This mindset, she says, not only empowers women to lead but strengthens the organisation’s culture as a whole.
“I stand for having the courage to share our perspectives and take ownership in shaping outcomes. This openness has created more opportunities for women to step into influential, visible roles, which in turn builds confidence across the workforce.”
Across Southeast Asia, Mee Mee points to encouraging progress, from women managing HP’s operations in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, to more women advancing into engineering, R&D, and other technical fields once considered male-dominated. Structural enablers like flexible work arrangements, mentorship, and leadership training have been key to this evolution.
HP Malaysia’s DEI blueprint in practice
HP’s commitment to gender equity is both ambitious and measurable. Globally, the company has pledged to achieve 50/50 gender representation in leadership and 30% women in technical and engineering roles by 2030. This is a goal that’s already underway in Malaysia.
These aspirations are driven by programmes such as Women Impact Network, a mentorship platform connecting HP’s female employees with senior leaders across markets; and HP Spark & Business Impact Networks (BINs), structured initiatives supporting early-career talent and diverse leadership development.
“These initiatives aren’t just theoretical,” Mee Mee affirms. “They’ve helped us become a Great Place to Work-certified employer, and we’re on track to meet our 2030 goals. By 2023, women already held 33% of director-level roles and 24% of tech and engineering positions globally. And today, more than half of my team are women, showing that gender-diverse leadership isn’t just a target, it’s a reality.”
Her focus on measurable inclusion mirrors HP’s broader transformation as one of Malaysia’s top-ranked technology employers, consistently recognised for its people-first culture and DEI leadership.
Advice for aspiring women in tech
For women looking to enter or advance in technology, Mee Mee’s advice is practical yet empowering: start early, seek mentors, and don’t let fear dictate your growth.
“Getting more women to be interested and succeed in tech starts with youth,” she shares. “I’d love to see more young female students participate in programs like HP Spark, where they can grow in real-world roles and discover their capabilities within the company.”
She also challenges the stereotype that women must choose between career and family. With strong time management, support systems, and self-belief, she believes women can thrive on both fronts.
Having benefited from excellent mentors throughout her own journey, Mee Mee now pays it forward, encouraging her team to raise their hands for new opportunities, even when it means stepping into discomfort. “That’s where growth happens,” she says.
Malaysia’s moment to scale inclusive innovation
As Malaysia deepens its digital ambitions and redefines the future of work, leaders like Mee Mee Hong show that inclusion is not a side initiative but the engine of innovation.
Whether she’s mentoring young talent, guiding HP’s channel partners, or shaping strategy at the national level, her story exemplifies how diversity fuels resilience and creativity.
“Inclusion is not just about representation,” she says. “It’s about rethinking how decisions are made and whose voices are heard.”
In a region where traditional leadership norms have long dominated boardrooms, HP Malaysia’s continued commitment to equity – driven by leaders like Mee Mee – signals a powerful shift toward a more agile, inclusive, and future-ready tech ecosystem.
Mee Mee Hong’s path is a reminder that leadership in technology isn’t defined by titles or tenure, but by the impact one leaves behind. Through her vision, mentorship, and belief in the collective power of people, she is not only driving HP Malaysia’s growth but is shaping the next chapter of what women in tech leadership can look like.
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