If you’ve left the country in the last eight years, chances are you’ve used YouTrip. Co-founded by Caecilia Chu, the platform was the first of its kind in the region and proudly stands as a role model for local entrepreneurs.

After stints working at McKinsey & Company and Citigroup, and helming an e-commerce start-up, Chu turned her eye to redefining cross-border, multi-currency platforms. YouTrip was born shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic and was forged in the crucible of its fires, showing the rest of the world that Singapore had what it took to tango on the international financial stage. In addition to her work promoting financial freedom and peace of mind with YouTrip, Chu serves on the board of directors of iFast Corporation Ltd, the management board of the Institute of Systems Science at the National University of Singapore, and the board of
governors of YouthTechSG.

⁠What drives you as a changemaker?

Growing up in a humble household, I witnessed firsthand how the traditional financial system often overlooks the mass market individual. That inspired my life mission with YouTrip: to build a platform that provides fair, accessible and affordable financial services to everyone, regardless of their background. Every time a user tells me how we’ve made their travel seamless or saved them hard-earned money, it motivates me to continue doing what we do. It’s a constant reminder that with enough courage to challenge the norm, technology can be a powerful equaliser in people’s lives.

Why are financial savviness and travel experience key considerations in 2026?

Today’s travellers are more informed and cost-conscious than ever. This year, financial savviness isn’t just about saving money, it’s about having the right tools to navigate a borderless world without being penalised by hidden costs. The desire for transparency and maximum value is a universal demand. Our expansion into Australia last year is a testament to the global scalability of YouTrip’s business model. It is just the beginning as we work towards empowering more travellers across Asia Pacific with an accessible, seamless payment experience that finally matches the speed of modern travel.

What advice would you give to young women looking to follow in your footsteps by carving out their own space in the wide world of fintech?

Be bold and be the change you want to see. Regardless of your gender, your greatest assets are your unique perspective and your conviction. Fintech is a field that rewards those who challenge the status quo; if you see a systemic problem that you believe you can solve, build the solution yourself.

Why is it important to you that YouTrip is a distinctly Singaporean export?

Singapore is synonymous with excellence, reliability and world-class innovation. We are immensely proud to have pioneered Southeast Asia’s first multi-currency digital wallet right here. Seeing how our homegrown community adores the solution gave us the conviction to take YouTrip to the global stage, empowering travellers to travel smarter and spend more confidently.

⁠⁠Looking forward, what change are you most excited to see in your industry and how can we get there?

I’m excited about a future where financial services are inclusive, seamless and transparent for everyone, regardless of geography or background. To get there, we must continue designing solutions that put users first, leverage technology to remove barriers and challenge legacy systems that add unnecessary cost or complexity.