Seow engaging with Shell retailers at the recent Shell National Mobility Conference.
WOMEN empowerment is a crucial force driving industries forward, breaking barriers and reshaping leadership across various sectors.
In the energy and mobility industry, women continue to make remarkable strides, proving that innovation and leadership are not bound by gender.
At Shell, this commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is not just a corporate initiative — it is a core principle that fosters growth, innovation and progress.
“I believe in creating opportunities for women to grow, learn and lead,” Seow says.
One of those capable women leaders who was motivated by the company’s culture and took part in the transformation in Malaysia is Shell Mobility Malaysia general manager Seow Lee Ming.
With over 22 years of experience in the energy sector, Seow, a trailblazer, proves that leadership is about impact, not gender.
“As a chemical engineer fresh out of university, I was drawn to the energy sector because it’s where innovation meets real-world impact.
“I’ve never looked back - it’s been a journey of constant learning, growth and the joy of seeing how our work directly improves people’s lives through mobility,” Seow said.
As the first female to hold her position, she leads a team of 120 in mobility business, involving over 1,000 stations and serving a million customers daily.
A passion for innovation and leadership
Seow’s journey in the energy sector was inspired by her love for science and technology. “I’ve always been fascinated by how science and technology can transform the way we live,” she shared.
A first-class honours graduate in chemical engineering from the University of Birmingham, she went on to earn a Master’s in Management Studies from the University of Cambridge.
Her career at Shell, spanning local, regional and global leadership roles, has been marked by groundbreaking achievements, including expanding the company’s footprint beyond China and South-East Asia.
“Leadership isn’t about gender—it’s about vision, empathy and the ability to deliver results,” Seow explained.
With a strong commercial acumen and strategic foresight, she has driven some of Shell’s most transformative projects.
Driving innovation in Malaysia’s mobility sector
Under Seow’s leadership, Shell Mobility Malaysia has revolutionised the industry.
From accelerating digital transformation to introducing high-performance EV charging infrastructure, she is playing a crucial role in shaping the future of mobility.
“I’m passionate about bringing innovation to life,” she highlighted. Through initiatives like the Shell Recharge High-Performance Charging (HPC) Network and the Next Generation Site System, she has contributed to enhancing customer experience and redefining sustainability in mobility.
A key milestone in her career is the collaboration with Porsche to establish a cross-border EV charging network connecting Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. “It’s about making travel seamless and sustainable.
“The Shell Recharge HPC Network is a game-changer. By connecting Thailand to Singapore through Malaysia, we’re addressing one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption - range anxiety.
“I’m especially proud of our highest-altitude EV charging hub at 1,865m, recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records.
“It’s a symbol of our commitment to innovation and sustainability and it’s making EV travel more accessible and convenient for everyone.”
Asked about her long-term vision for advancing sustainable mobility solutions in Malaysia, she said: “My vision is simple yet ambitious: to deliver more energy with less emissions.
“I want to see Malaysia lead in sustainable mobility and I’m committed to driving initiatives like solar energy and rainwater harvesting at our sites.”
She added, “It’s about creating a future where mobility is not just efficient but also environmentally responsible.”
With Malaysia’s transport and energy landscape evolving into a multi-energy ecosystem, she explained that the shift toward sustainability and innovation is inevitable and she is excited to collaborate with original equipment manufacturers (OEM), policymakers and industry experts to ensure Shell remains at the forefront of this transformation.
Seow during an engagement with Shell retailers and site heroes at a Shell station in Kota Kemuning.
Championing women in leadership
Seow’s role extends beyond business transformation — she is an advocate for gender diversity. At Shell, she champions initiatives that create equal opportunities for women, fostering a culture where talent thrives irrespective of gender.
She shared that empowering women is close to her heart.“I believe in creating opportunities for women to grow, learn and lead.
“By fostering gender-balanced teams and providing platforms for skill-building and exposure, I hope to inspire women to step into leadership roles.
“It’s about lifting each other up and creating a culture where everyone can thrive,” she pointed out.
She attributed her success to authenticity, courage and humility. “Be true to yourself, embrace challenges and never stop learning,” she emphasised.
Seow mentioned that mentorship plays a vital role in leadership development and she actively supports Shell’s leadership programmes.
“I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who believed in me and gave me opportunities to grow.
“Their support has been instrumental in my journey and I’m committed to paying it forward by creating similar opportunities for other women.
“It’s about building a culture where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed,” she said.
Building a legacy
Seow’s career is a testament to resilience and determination. She was the first Asian female global brand manager and then, the first Asian female general manager for Asia OEMs in Shanghai, leading strategic partnerships with global automotive giants like Hyundai, Toyota and Geely.
“In every new role I embarked on, it allowed me to roll up my sleeves and be hands-on. Shell provides an ecosystem of equal opportunity and I hope to inspire others to achieve even greater heights,” she mentioned.
Her leadership style, shaped by her international experience, emphasises inclusivity and collaboration.
She shared that working across different cultures in China and South-East Asia has been one of most enriching experiences in her career.
“It taught me the value of inclusivity, adaptability and humility.
“I’ve learned to listen deeply, communicate clearly and appreciate the diverse perspectives that each individual brings. These experiences have made me a more empathic and effective leader.”
One of her proudest moments is leading a team that is shaping Malaysia’s mobility landscape.
“Seeing our work come to life and knowing it’s shaping the future of mobility in Malaysia is deeply fulfilling,” she said.
Seow’s vision for the future is clear: to drive sustainable mobility solutions while nurturing a new generation of leaders.
Inspiring future leaders
For women aspiring to leadership roles, Seow offered words of encouragement: “Believe in yourself and take the leap.”
She encouraged women to embrace “Confidence, Courage and Curiosity”.
She urged young professionals to embrace challenges and create opportunities with their unique perspectives.
“Don’t wait for the perfect moment - create it.”
As Malaysia’s transport and energy sectors evolve, Seow remains at the forefront, shaping a future where innovation and inclusivity go hand in hand.
“The world needs more women leaders and you have what it takes to be one.”
