Deloitte Southeast Asia’s Cheong Chew Wai outlines how to scale digital initiatives with trust and purpose

He shared that developing differentiated business models, products, and services is going to be essential to stand out on the global stage.

Singapore’s tech industry remains a cornerstone of the city-state’s economic transformation, with the digital economy expanding significantly and organisations accelerating their adoption of technology, including artificial intelligence (AI) tools for productivity and competitiveness. This idea is shared by Deloitte Southeast Asia Technology & Transformation Partner Cheong Chew Wai, whose extensive business and technology experience has allowed him to lead a broad range of engagements.

Specialising in business, operations, and digital transformation, Chew Wai has supported numerous clients, including those in the public sector, on their digital transformation journeys to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency. This, in turn, has enabled organisations to deliver stronger outcomes for customers, citizens, and communities, while achieving sustainable operational and business impact.

As one of the distinguished judges in the Singapore Business Review Technology Excellence Awards 2026, Chew Wai shared his insights on the ever-evolving tech landscape in Singapore, as well as the opportunities it presents companies in terms of scaling their respective businesses and enhancing their business services.

With your extensive experience, how would you describe the current direction of Singapore’s technology ecosystem as companies pursue deeper digital integration?

Singapore’s technology ecosystem now places more emphasis on how digital capabilities are used, instead of simply chasing the next new technology. Many organisations are moving past small pilots and starting to use technology such as AI in practical ways that improve day-to-day decision-making, operational efficiency, and overall service experience. At the same time, cybersecurity has become a much more visible concern, especially as companies rely more on cloud platforms and AI-driven systems.

Looking ahead, the real differentiator will be how well technology is aligned with business priorities and embedded into operations to empower people to work confidently with these tools. This measured approach positions Singapore to build a sustainable, trusted, and high-value digital ecosystem capable of delivering meaningful impact for businesses and users alike.

What role do you see emerging technologies playing in advancing operational efficiency and service delivery across key sectors in Singapore?

In Singapore, emerging technologies play a very practical role in helping organisations address productivity constraints whilst improving service delivery and user experience. Across sectors like finance, logistics, healthcare, and the public sector, technologies such as AI, automation, and data analytics are being applied to streamline operations, reduce manual effort, and improve turnaround times. The impact is most evident where technology enhances not only reliability and consistency but also the overall experience for customers and users — making interactions faster, more convenient, and more intuitive.

What differentiates organisations that succeed is their focus on solving real operational challenges rather than adopting technology for novelty. At the same time, widespread adoption relies heavily on robust cybersecurity, data protection, and governance practices to maintain trust. When applied thoughtfully, emerging technologies can become a foundation for scalable, trusted, and high-quality service delivery, helping organisations in Singapore remain competitive and responsive in an increasingly digital economy.

How can data and digital platforms enhance organisational agility and enable more responsive decision-making in a fast-changing environment?

In today’s world, data and digital platforms are essential for organisations to remain agile in a fast-changing environment. By providing real-time insights and a single source of truth, these platforms allow leaders to make informed decisions quickly and with greater confidence. Advanced analytics and AI can highlight emerging trends, risks, and opportunities, enabling organisations to anticipate changes rather than simply react to them.

They also support collaboration across teams, breaking down silos and making it easier to adjust processes or strategies when conditions shift. Organisations that combine these capabilities with strong data governance and a culture of data-driven decision-making can respond more effectively to market shifts, improving both resilience and adaptability amidst an increasingly complex business environment.

In your view, what factors are most important for companies seeking to scale their digital initiatives sustainably and with long-term impact?

Companies seeking to scale their digital initiatives sustainably need to start with clear alignment between their technology investments and business objectives. Initiatives are most successful when they are embedded into core operations, rather than treated as isolated projects. Strong governance, data management, and cybersecurity are critical enablers for the successful use of such initiatives, ensuring that scaling does not compromise trust or operational integrity.

Building organisational capability is equally important. This includes fostering leadership commitment and workforce readiness so that employees can adopt and leverage new technologies effectively. Companies that combine strategic clarity, robust foundations, and a culture of continuous learning are best positioned to achieve long-term impact. When done well, digital initiatives can become more than just tools for efficiency—they can also be a source of sustained value creation and resilience.

Looking ahead, what are the most significant transformation opportunities that Singapore-based companies should prioritise to remain competitive globally?

I see huge opportunities for Singapore-based companies to grow by expanding beyond local markets and actively engaging in regional and global ecosystems. The companies that succeed will most likely be those that use digital platforms and strategic partnerships not just to access new markets, but to accelerate innovation and strengthen their capabilities in ways that they cannot do alone. Developing differentiated business models, products, and services will be essential to stand out on the global stage.

Additionally, being able to quickly understand and respond to evolving customer needs will be a critical advantage — data and digital platforms play a key role in this. Embracing agile, platform-based approaches allows companies to scale efficiently whilst remaining flexible in the face of changing market dynamics. From my perspective, those who prioritise these ecosystem-driven and innovation-focused opportunities will be best positioned to grow, compete, and make a lasting impact globally.

As a judge for the Singapore Business Review Technology Excellence Awards 2026, what key qualities will you look for to assess the technology impact and excellence of the nominees?

I will look for initiatives that demonstrate thoughtful application of technology to address real-world challenges, creating meaningful impact for the business, customers, and the community we live in. Projects that show clear innovation and measurable results — whether in operations, customer experience, or broader societal benefits—will also stand out from the rest. Finally, I value initiatives that are scalable, sustainable, and capable of delivering lasting value over time.