GIVE TO GAIN: EMPOWERING WOMEN, CONNECTING REGIONS, AND REDEFINING DIPLOMACY THROUGH COMMUNITY AND COLLABORATION
As co-founder and leader of the Latin American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore, Ms Angela Torres stands as a dynamic force in advancing cross-regional dialogue between Latin America and Southeast Asia. With a career shaped by international exposure, entrepreneurial drive, and a strong sense of social responsibility, she has successfully built an institution that not only facilitates trade and investment but also champions inclusivity and community-building. Under her leadership, LatAmCham has evolved into a vital platform connecting diverse economies while empowering individuals—particularly women—to reclaim professional identities and opportunities.
In a thoughtful conversation with IN Diplomacy, the discussion unfolds around the 2026 International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain,” and its resonance within diplomacy, leadership, and international cooperation. The dialogue moves fluidly across themes of global connectivity, the importance of inclusive economic participation, and the evolving role of chambers of commerce in strengthening ties between regions. At its core, the exchange reflects on how personal values and professional initiatives intersect to create meaningful, long-term impact.
Her early life in Medellín, Colombia, a city marked by both privilege and disparity, played a defining role in shaping her worldview. Benefiting from quality education and international opportunities, she developed a deep awareness of inequality and a corresponding sense of responsibility. This duality fostered a commitment to “giving back,” which would later become central to her leadership philosophy. Her exposure to different cultures and systems of governance cultivated a global mindset, one that values collaboration, adaptability, and mutual growth.
Her professional journey reflects a seamless blending of diplomacy, business leadership, and community engagement. Founding LatAmCham was not merely an institutional endeavour but a mission-driven initiative aimed at bridging continents. “The inspiration was to create an enduring legacy that bridges continents and empowers individuals,” she reflects. Through her work, she has navigated complex economic landscapes, fostered bilateral and multilateral partnerships, and championed the role of dialogue in facilitating sustainable development. Her leadership demonstrates how economic diplomacy can be both strategic and deeply human-centric.
A central theme of the conversation is the meaning of “Give to Gain.” For Ms Torres, it is not an abstract concept but a lived experience. In Singapore, she encountered many expatriate women who had paused their careers. Through LatAmCham, she created pathways for these women to re-engage professionally as volunteers, offering them networks and opportunities. “By providing this platform, I’ve witnessed profound personal and professional growth,” she notes, highlighting how empowerment often begins with inclusion. This initiative underscores the broader principle that investing in people ultimately strengthens institutions and economies.
She emphasises that effective diplomacy is rooted in dialogue and mutual respect, particularly in regions as diverse as Latin America and Southeast Asia. “When diverse regions unite, the potential for growth and innovation multiplies,” she observes, pointing to the increasing relevance of cross-regional collaboration in sectors such as fintech and digital mobility.
In reflecting on regional and bilateral relations, Ms Torres highlights the tangible outcomes of LatAmCham’s work. The organisation has facilitated joint ventures, supported market entry strategies, and enabled businesses to expand across the Pacific. Latin America, once perceived as a distant frontier, is now emerging as a strategic partner for Southeast Asian economies. This transformation, she suggests, is driven by shared ambitions in innovation and economic diversification, as well as by platforms that actively connect stakeholders across borders.
Balancing her role as a leader with her responsibilities as a mother of four has also been a defining aspect of her journey. Drawing on her experiences in Denmark, where family support systems are deeply embedded, she has cultivated a model of leadership that embraces both professional commitment and personal fulfilment. “This balance has gifted me with independent, resourceful children,” she reflects, illustrating how personal and professional spheres can reinforce one another when approached with intention and support.
In closing, Ms Torres’s reflections return to the essence of diplomacy—connection, collaboration, and continuity. She advocates for a leadership model grounded in empathy and shared responsibility, urging women in business and entrepreneurship to embrace both their professional ambitions and their roles within the family and society. Her message is clear: diplomacy, like leadership, is most effective when it is inclusive, purposeful, and rooted in giving. In a world facing complex global challenges, her journey offers a compelling reminder that meaningful gains are often the result of what we choose to give.
