Meet Sun Lu

How did you get into Artificial Intelligence?

I have a statistical background and I’ve spent most of my career crunching numbers and building models. Getting into AI was a natural progression for me.  

I feel incredibly lucky to be part of the AI Centre of Excellence in AIA Group Office, where I am part of a small but tight-knit team of very talented people. Working alongside them is truly inspiring.

Some people say generative AI marks the start of the fourth Industrial Revolution. Being in my role is like having a front row seat to the most incredible show of the century. The best part is that I get to play a role in how the story unfolds. That's very exciting! 

What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced in your career?

I have many roles in my life: I am a mother of a young child, a wife, a daughter, an immigrant in a new city and a professional in a discipline that is evolving at a speed that has never been seen before. And if that is not enough, I also completed my MBA last year which left me with little spare time. 

It can be a challenge to juggle all my responsibilities, but I’ve learned the importance of prioritising what truly matters and letting go of things that don’t. Occasionally, I carve out moments for myself to pause, reflect, and recharge, allowing me to maintain a sense of balance.

My husband is my biggest supporter in life. He never stops encouraging me to reach for more. When I feel afraid, he reminds me that I can achieve anything I put my mind to. 

Any milestones or achievements, big or small, you're particularly proud of? 

Many years ago, I hired a young woman from a non-technical background for a technical role. She was not the most qualified candidate, but I saw her eagerness to learn and how much she wanted the opportunity. We worked together to build up her technical skills from scratch. She now holds a senior position in a major bank and I'm really proud of her growth and development. 

What qualities are important for someone looking for a career in AI? 

It's important to keep learning and stay grounded when working in a discipline that evolves as fast as AI. We need to balance two things - keeping up to date with new technologies that are emerging daily while focusing on what brings value and how it affects the people around us. If we are only using AI because it’s fun or the cool thing to do, then we risk losing focus. 

If you could create a "dream programme" for young women entering your field, what would it include?

A dream programme for young women should involve a paired support system. It could be with peers or mentors, regardless of gender. From my experience, women can be shy about self-advocating, but they often don't hesitate to do it for others. By having a buddy at work, we can raise awareness of the challenges women face and celebrate achievements when they're due so that we get better support and recognition. 

Is there a message you would like to share with other women?

I’d like to share something that I still try to tell myself every day: There is no shame in asking for help. It is okay to ask for what you need in the workplace, to want to be recognised for your achievements, and to stand up against unfair treatment.