Home Credit PH’s CIO is redefining leadership in the tech industry by driving innovation,challenging norms, and paving the way for the next generation of women in IT
Home Credit Philippines (HCPH), the country’s leading consumer finance company, continues to transform the industry through technology, making credit more accessible to Filipinos. Leading this digital evolution is its Chief Information Officer (CIO) Susan Ong, whose strategic leadership has helped reinforce the company’s market position.
Recognized for her impact on innovation, Ong was recently named one of Southeast Asia’s Top CIOs in the prestigious 2024 CIO100 Awards. The recognition highlights her role in advancing IT infrastructure and adopting cutting-edge technologies that enhance system reliability and operational efficiency.
A well-deserved recognition
With over five years as HCPH’s CIO and an extensive career in IT, Ong has played a pivotal role in building one of the most resilient IT infrastructures in the region. Her leadership has driven the adoption of advanced technologies that enhance system reliability and operational efficiency, ensuring seamless financial solutions for millions of Filipinos.
The CIO100 Awards–ASEAN edition celebrates the region’s top technology leaders and teams who push the boundaries of innovation and transformative change across Southeast Asia and Hong Kong. The 2024 winners were honored at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, in a gathering of more than 400 top executives from across the region.
Reflecting on this achievement, Ong dedicated the award to her team, recognizing their relentless drive for innovation and commitment to excellence. “This award is a testament to the dedication and ingenuity of the Home Credit IT team, who have embraced challenges and worked tirelessly to elevate the company to where it is today. At Home Credit, we go beyond industry norms, continuously exploring best-in-class global technologies to drive value for the business. We are honored that the scale of technology we have implemented is being recognized by our industry peers. Our motivation remains the same—delivering meaningful impact through innovation.”
Ong’s strategic vision and ability to harness technology to drive growth continue to set new benchmarks for operational efficiency and technological advancements. Her leadership underscores Home Credit’s commitment to excellence and innovation, empowering more Filipinos with accessible financial solutions.
Championing women in tech
Ong’s recent win is a manifestation of her grace and comfort despite being in a male-dominated industry. This recognition solidified her belief that developing the next generation of women leaders is not just a moral imperative—it is also a business necessity. At Home Credit, where most customers and key decision-makers are women, diverse leadership fosters better decision-making and prevents “groupthink,” leading to more innovative solutions.
As a woman in tech leadership, Ong often advises Filipino women never to feel inferior in a room full of men or among colleagues from different backgrounds. “Hold your ground when it comes to your expertise. However, be willing to listen and stay humble about what you can learn. People will respect you more for it,” she shared. Fortunately, she sees a shift in today’s landscape, where women are increasingly empowered, vocal, and recognized for their capabilities.
Beyond advocating for women, Ong is committed to mentoring both men and women, helping them grow as IT professionals and future leaders. She firmly believes in investing in and promoting talent from within. “Because of this, you will always see me expecting our people to raise the bar. I don’t settle—I coach and challenge them to grow. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our talents take on expanded leadership roles over the past five years.”
Her advice for those looking to build a career in IT is simple yet powerful: “Build a track record of delivering results, keep learning, and expand your network. In IT, what you know today may be obsolete tomorrow, so continuous learning is crucial.”
Breaking barriers in the tech space
Ong’s passion for technology and innovation has been a driving force throughout her career, but her journey into the world of IT began with an unexpected source of inspiration—a movie. Watching WarGames, a 1983 film about a teenager who accidentally hacks into a military supercomputer, sparked her curiosity about computers and their power to shape the world. This fascination led her to pursue a degree in Computer Science at a prominent university, setting the foundation for her career in technology.
Navigating an industry historically dominated by men, Ong encountered moments early in her career when she was the only woman in the room. Rather than feeling self-conscious, she focused on excelling in every role.
As her career progressed, Ong stepped into leadership roles that tested her resilience and strategic thinking. One of the most significant challenges she faced was balancing short-term priorities with long-term vision. Leading the IT function at a company like Home Credit meant driving immediate value while also investing in transformative technologies that could future proof the business. Her approach has always been to do both—to address pressing business needs while ensuring sustainable growth.
Throughout her career, Ong has also learned the importance of fostering a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued. “Differing perspectives in a room can be difficult, but they are not obstacles. They allow us to create stronger solutions. The key is ensuring that everyone operates with the company’s best interests at heart,” she shared.
Having benefited from the guidance of mentors and leaders throughout her journey, Ong now sees it as her responsibility to pay it forward. She remains committed to empowering the next generation of women leaders in tech.
Shaping the future of tech-driven consumer finance
Ong remains focused on driving HCPH toward greater technological excellence. She envisions the company continuously adopting advanced IT solutions to empower more Filipinos with innovative and accessible financial services.
“Technology is constantly evolving, and we must evolve with it. At Home Credit, our goal is to integrate the best global technologies that align with our business needs and maintain our competitive edge—not just in the Philippines, but on a global scale. With the support of my team and the executive committee, I am confident we will continue to lead innovation in the consumer finance sector,” she concluded.
To know more about the latest updates from Home Credit Philippines, visit its official website, www.homecredit.ph, or get the Home Credit App. You may also follow its official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts.