Long-time tech executive and Microsoft Singapore managing director Lee Hui Li dies

Business Times

a day ago

[SINGAPORE] Lee Hui Li, managing director of Microsoft Singapore, has died, shortly after going on sabbatical from her role in May.
Her age could not be independently verified.
An obituary seen by The Business Times stated that Lee passed away on Thursday (Jul 24). The wake will be held at the Church of St Ignatius on King's Road from Friday, with the funeral scheduled for Monday, the obituary read.
'Hui Li was a visionary leader whose impact on Microsoft and the broader technology landscape in Singapore was profound. Throughout her career, Hui Li was known not only for her strategic brilliance, but for her warmth, authenticity, and unwavering belief in the potential of others and of Singapore,' a Microsoft spokesperson told BT.
'She mentored countless leaders, built inclusive teams, and inspired all of us to lead with purpose. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Hui Li's family, friends, and colleagues,' the spokesperson said.
Lee was appointed managing director of Microsoft Singapore in March 2022, according to her LinkedIn profile. She had announced a sabbatical in May, without disclosing a reason.
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Before taking on the top Singapore role, Lee was general manager of Asia-Pacific enterprise commercial at Microsoft from July 2021 to March 2022, where she led regional sales and industry teams.
Her career spanned 27 years and included senior roles at IBM, Symantec, Dell, HP and EY, according to her profile.
Lee was based in Singapore and held a degree in economics from the National University of Singapore.
In a December 2024 interview with BT, Lee outlined Microsoft's plans to accelerate artificial intelligence adoption in Singapore through customised, industry-specific solutions for large organisations.
In a separate interview in April that year, she reflected on her experiences as a female, Asian leader in the male-dominated tech sector.
She spoke of her commitment to building a workplace rooted in diversity and inclusivity, and to fostering an environment where differing perspectives are encouraged to challenge groupthink.