W O M E N O F T H E F U T U R E

LUCY CHOW AUTHOR CHANGING THE GAME: DISCOVER HOW ESPORTS AND GAMING ARE REDEFINING BUSINESS, CAREERS, EDUCATION AND THE FUTURE

‘‘ Don’t let anyone dim your light just because it’s

L shining in their eyes.”

L ucy Chow’s story is an inspirational tale of aspiration, perseverance, and transformative impact on the world of technology. Her journey began with frugality. As the first generation in her family to attend university, Lucy bore witness to the depth of her parents’ sacrifice to secure a brighter future for their children.

Reflecting on her beginnings, she recalls: “My Dad revealed to me that my very small annual salary was more than he had ever made in a year, ever. And he raised three kids and single- handedly sponsored more than ten family members to become Canadian citizens over the years.” Lucy’s childhood lessons ignited her passion for empowering others.

Redefining the Game: Lucy’s Advocate for the Digital Transformation From an early age, Lucy understood the power of technology as a transformative force. Now, as one of the OG tech investors in the UAE, she has a unique lens through which to view its potential.

“I invest in entrepreneurs who think outside the box and beyond traditional solutions,” Lucy says. “By providing startup capital, I actively support innovation and innovators.”

1 W O M E N O F T H E F U T U R E DUBAI, UAE

Lucy’s influence extends beyond her role as an idea hubs, small group rooms, and cave spaces,” many others to inspire and advocate for a more investor. Through her published book, ‘Changing Lucy explains. The goal is to create a learning equitable future.” The Game,’ she highlights the importance of experience that fuses innovation and creativity, digital technologies, particularly in gaming, for focusing on passion and purpose. Breaking Barriers the future of work. “Gaming is now a bigger However, this journey toward equality isn’t industry than movies and sports combined,” she Sowing Seeds of Innovation without its obstacles. Lucy acknowledges that points out. Her book explores how gaming and The span of Lucy’s investments in startups is as the funding given to female founders is “dismal” esports have become integral parts of our digital diverse as it is wide-ranging, including sectors despite over a decade of investing in diverse world, dispelling the stigma associated with them such as edutech, healthtech, foodtech, agritech, teams and women in tech. This, she recognizes, and highlighting the myriad skill sets needed in gaming, and fintech. “I always say that it is is a perennial problem that is only seeing this booming industry. humbling for me to have entrepreneurs share slight improvements. their life dreams with me,” she confides. Empowering Female Tech Entrepreneurs: Yet, Lucy remains unyielding. Through An Unwavering Commitment Having resided in the UAE for 16 years, she initiatives like 2022FemaleAngels and her work actively contributes to the growth of the UAE’s with the Global Women Leaders Committee of Lucy has consistently used her position to uplift startup ecosystem, a remarkable feat considering the WBAF, she’s focused on improving access to others, particularly women in the tech industry. the nascent state of entrepreneurship when she finance, amplifying success stories, connecting She serves as the Secretary General of the began. This entrepreneurial development reflects global business networks, and providing global Global Women Leaders Committee of the World her tenacity and desire to make a lasting impact, mentors. By diversifying the early-stage Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF), a theme that permeates her approach to her investment landscape, she hopes to drive more aiming to foster female tech entrepreneurs work and life. funding toward female/diverse teams. worldwide. She is an executive committee member and advisor for 2022FemaleAngels, an Lucy stands firm as an advocate, an inspiration, Trends and Transformation ambassador for Women in Games, a founding and a guiding light for the next generation, her member of the Asian Impact Leaders Network Lucy’s foresight extends beyond her resilience underscoring her belief that with and The Capital Dubai, a Solidarity Circle investments; she’s also keenly aware of courage, determination, and the right resources, Member of UNHCR, and a board trustee for the upcoming trends in her industry. She envisions women can overcome barriers and transform the American School of Dubai. the gaming and esports sector developing a new world. Through her work and influence, Lucy tourism niche. Esports hotels are predicted to continues to champion the positive impact of Lucy is an advocate and capacity builder be the next big thing, possibly emerging first in technology on the world, one startup at a time. focused on digital transformation as it applies to the Middle East. Always seeking to challenge businesses and education. Her mission is clear: the status quo, Lucy uses her platforms to create to connect these women with domain experts opportunities and connect others. and resources that can help them thrive. She’s a tireless advocate for innovation, aspiring Why Lucy Believes in the Power of to share her knowledge with organizations like Technology UN Women and the World Economic Forum. Her goal? To support the drive for the future According to her, the transformative power in key sectors, providing a voice to those who of technology lies in its ability to make vital might otherwise be unheard. services like education more accessible and engaging. “With cheap broadband, improved The True Measure of Success infrastructure, among others, there is a high possibility that education will become “Don’t let anyone dim your light just because it’s more accessible and simpler for students and shining in their eyes.” Lucy’s words are not just teachers,” she affirms. an epitome of her resilience but also a testament to her philosophy. When asked how she Lucy envisions a future where immersive defines success, Lucy says, “If I can influence or technologies such as VR can transform somehow encourage someone to make a positive education. “Instead of teaching students the life change, that makes me happy.” To Lucy, history of ancient Greece from a textbook, they success isn’t limited to self-achievement; it’s also can just put on the VR headset and experience about inspiring others to create their own. Greece for themselves,” she envisions. One of Lucy’s most fervent hopes is equality for As a Board Trustee of the American School of the next generation of women. She envisions Dubai, she cAuthorhairs the Facilities Committee, a Women of the Future Emerging Tech more funding for female founders and a group responsible for developing a state-of-the- www.linkedin.com/in/lucylschow greater presence of women in the gaming/ art Design and Innovation Center for Public lucylschow esports sector. She doesn’t seek to set herself Purpose. “The new facility will include an R&D lucychowdxb up as a role model, but she’s passionate about Lab, messy prototyping areas, a robotics studio, using her platform to “lend my voice to those of lucychowauthor.com 2