“Embrace Equity” Workshop with ConocoPhillips

August 3, 2023

On August 3, 2023, Synpact hosted an interactive workshop titled “Embracing Equity” in collaboration with ConocoPhillips. The hybrid event, conducted in English, brought together 30 in‑person attendees at the Beijing office and 20 online participants from Tanggu (China), Malaysia, and Singapore. After opening remarks by Lydia Zhou (VP of HR & Communications at ConocoPhillips), Synpact delivered a presentation that clearly distinguished equity from equality and offered actionable approaches for fostering fairness at work. An interactive live poll was then conducted to identify key barriers to an equitable workplace; results showed that the “Double Burden” of balancing work and personal responsibilities was a primary concern, sparking thoughtful dialogue among participants.

A distinctive highlight of the workshop was the participation of external guest speaker Poh‑Yian Koh, China Vice President and Head of Strategic Programs for Asia Pacific and the Middle East at FedEx Express. Inviting a leader from a different industry brought invaluable cross‑sector perspectives, enabling attendees to challenge internal assumptions and gain fresh inspiration. Poh‑Yian shared her personal experiences and data on promotion disparities, encouraging women to embrace confidence and seek candid mentorship. Following her talk, ConocoPhillips employees engaged in cross‑site group discussions, defining equity and brainstorming practical steps at both individual and organizational levels. Key takeaways included embracing diverse viewpoints, avoiding snap judgments, mitigating unconscious bias, and creating safe spaces for active listening and learning from mistakes.