Meet Rohana, our almighty Program Manager at Accelerating Asia!

Where is your hometown?

Perth, Australia

What brings you to Singapore?

The opportunity to join the Accelerating Asia team and work on the ASEAN Smart Cities Accelerator that is supporting startups reimagining our cities and developing solutions to smart city problems.

What are some of your previous working experiences?

I started off ironing shirts in primary school at a per shirt rate and quickly found an efficient method so I could maximise my income per hour.

Since then, I’ve managed program development and South East Asian engagement for Screenwest, WA’s screen funding agency and built staff capacity under the Australian Government’s AVI program at Bali’s first creative hub.

Before that I advised CEDA, Australia’s leading economic and social policy organisation on media, communications and content creation and managed university international partnerships, contracts and processes.

Why did you decide to join Accelerating Asia?

Their vision that entrepreneurs are one of humanity’s greatest catalyst for positive change. I think that founders can have real impact in creating smart cities solutions. Also, I like that it’s an independent accelerator that works with partners across sectors and the ecosystem.

What are you most excited for when you come onboard?

Connecting the dots between startups, ecosystems and governments to make future cities more liveable and to work with startups from across ASEAN and accelerate their growth.

What do you like to do for fun?

I enjoy cooking, I find it very relaxing but I never follow recipes so don’t ask me to bake a cake.

What are your favorite books?

Scoop by Evelyn Waugh

Just Kids by Patti Smith

The Museum of Modern Love by Heather Rose

What is your binge-worthy TV show/series?

I’m stuck in the 90s/2000s when it comes to bingeing - the West Wing is an old favourite. Right now, I’m also watching David Letterman’s My Next Guest Needs No Introduction.

What is your hidden talent?

Photography - I was given a polaroid last year which I’m learning how to use.

What is your secret superpower?

Remembering random events/dates and birthdays.

What is on your travel bucket list?

Visit the Galapagos Islands

What is an achievement that you’re proud of?

Learning how to Scuba dive when I was 15.

What is one thing that is unexpected of you?

I’m superstitious, you won’t see me walking under a ladder or crossing the path of a black cat.

Connect with Rohana on LinkedIn!