Leading with Purpose: Driving Financial Inclusion in Southeast Asia

Her career has taken her across countries, functions and leadership roles, giving her a perspective shaped by adaptability, continuous learning and purposeful leadership. We speak with Aileen about her career journey, the experiences at NBS that continue to influence her leadership, and the lessons she has learnt along the way.


What are three ways your NBS experience and alumni network have contributed to your career growth? 

A Lifelong Professional Network
The NBS alumni community provides an invaluable network of professionals across various industries and geographies. These relationships have broadened my perspectives, created key opportunities for collaboration, and supported my professional growth throughout different stages of my career.

Mrs Aileen Goh (third from right) at the NBS Alumni and Students networking event in Jakarta.

A Continuous Learning Mindset
NBS instilled in me a strong foundation of curiosity. In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, the ability to continuously learn and adapt has been critical in helping me lead teams, navigate market disruptions, and embrace new opportunities.

A Global Perspective
The diverse student body and international outlook at NBS helped me develop a global mindset early in my career. This has been particularly valuable in my regional leadership roles across Southeast Asia, where understanding different cultural and market dynamics is essential.

What are your top three career achievements?

Leading Mastercard’s Indonesia Business
Driving sustainable growth and strengthening critical partnerships with financial institutions, fintechs, merchants, regulators, and government stakeholders in one of the region’s largest digital economies. 

Developing People and High-Performing Teams
Building strong, cohesive teams while actively creating opportunities for individuals to grow into leadership positions and realise their full potential. 

Supporting Financial Inclusion
Spearheading digital transformation initiatives that bring secure, convenient, and innovative payment solutions to more consumers and businesses across Southeast Asia.

 

What are the most valuable lessons you’ve learned along your career journey?

Relationships matter
Business success is entirely built on trust, collaboration, and meaningful, authentic connections developed over time.

Adaptability is a competitive advantage
The willingness to continuously learn, evolve, and actively embrace change is critical for long-term career success. 

Lead with integrity and purpose
Consistently doing the right thing and staying true to your values builds enduring credibility and trust with customers, partners, and teams alike.

 

What advice would you give to current NBS students and young alumni in the early stages of their careers?
First, stay curious and invest in continuous learning. The business landscape is changing rapidly, and your ability to adapt to new paradigms will be one of your greatest strengths.

Second, seek opportunities to stretch yourself. Real professional growth often comes from taking on challenging, unfamiliar assignments that develop new skill sets and broaden your horizons.

Third, build genuine relationships. Your network is one of the most valuable assets you will have throughout your professional life. Invest time in helping others and nurturing meaningful connections rather than just collecting contacts.

What drives your passion to volunteer for your alma mater, and how do you strike a balance between community building and leading Mastercard Indonesia?

Serving as an NBS Alumni Advisory Board member provides a wonderful opportunity to volunteer meaningfully and give back to my alma mater. I am deeply passionate about community building within our global alumni network. Whether I am mentoring students, sharing my knowledge, or supporting alumni events, helping the next generation navigate their career journeys is incredibly rewarding.

Managing these commitments alongside a demanding corporate leadership role isn’t about achieving a perfect daily balance; it is about being highly intentional with my priorities. I focus on being fully present in whatever I am doing, whether leading my team, guiding students, or spending quality time with family. Making time for personal wellbeing and occasionally stepping back to reflect is what ultimately keeps me energised, grounded, and effective both professionally and personally.

Mrs Aileen Goh (right) sharing her insights on Indonesia’s economic landscape
at the NBS Alumni Connect 2026 event in Jakarta.