HP Inc triumphs at SBR Management Excellence Awards 2024 with two accolades

The company was honoured for the success of its HP Smart Tank Development Team and its Principal Engineer, Teo Cherng Linn.

HP Inc. won the Team of the Year - Computer Hardware and Innovator of the Year - Computer Hardware categories at the SBR Management Excellence Awards 2024, which reflect the company’s commitment to innovation and business growth.

Driving innovation in printing

HP Smart Tank Development Team has launched its next-generation Smart Tank 580/5100, 520, 210 Printer Series, targeting the home ink market—a segment of approximately 15 million units annually. With a strategic goal to gain market share, the team has successfully propelled HP from a 15% market share to No. 2 in the ink tank category, growing by 6 points in the last year.

Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19 and global supply chain disruptions, the team demonstrated exceptional resilience. From the onset of product development in January 2021, the Singapore-based team utilised virtual tools like JIRA and MIRO to collaborate across global teams in the U.S., China, and India. Remote testing and innovative problem-solving were key to overcoming technical hurdles, including redesigning software and addressing the global semiconductor shortage.

Furthermore, the Smart Tank 580/5100 series was built with both environmental and customer-first principles. The printers are the first to feature spill-free ink refilling and a unique low ink detection system. The product is also environmentally conscious, with over 45% of the plastic material sourced from recycled content. The team further innovated with cost-saving solutions, including a patented design for eliminating expensive paper-size sensing components.

Under the leadership of the Singapore-based team, HP’s Smart Tank printers have enhanced customer satisfaction—with a score of 82 (high for the category)—and delivered significant commercial success. By launching ahead of competitors, the team achieved a 30% reduction in development time whilst maintaining a focus on innovation, sustainability, and operational efficiency.

The team’s collaborative spirit, adaptability, and relentless drive have made the HP Smart Tank 580/5100, 520, 210 series a market leader and set new benchmarks for the company, which earned them the Team of the Year - Computer Hardware accolade.
Strategic vision amidst evolving market trends

As the print industry continues to evolve with trends like digitisation, hybrid work, and increased competition, HP remains at the forefront of innovation. A key figure in this drive is Teo Cherng Linn, whose leadership and innovative approach have been instrumental in advancing HP’s product and business strategies.

With 24 years of experience at HP, Cherng Linn has a deep-rooted background in R&D. His impressive portfolio includes 20 patents and 16 defensive publications, showcasing his dedication to pioneering ideas and securing HP’s competitive edge in the market.

Cherng Linn’s ability to bridge technological advancements with business strategy stems from his understanding of customer needs and market dynamics. His approach is characterised by a blend of deep insights and innovative thinking, which has consistently delivered successful outcomes for HP.

One of Cherng Linn’s key contributions has been his leadership in the development of the Smart Tank platform, a product category that has seen significant growth under his guidance. 

Cherng Linn also embarked on field trips to Indonesia and India to further understand local market requirements. In Indonesia, he worked closely with stakeholders to navigate complex government regulations and devise solutions to supply chain challenges. In India, he identified market-specific needs and developed a modular concept to enable rapid solution deployment.

Moreover, Cherng Linn’s influence extends beyond product development. As a member of HP’s Patent Review Board, he shapes the company’s patent portfolio by providing technical assessments and feedback. His proactive role in fostering innovation within HP also includes launching a bimonthly technical newsletter that has generated new ideas and aligned teams across HP labs. Aside from these, he regularly hosts technical deep dive sessions to share insights and promote competitive awareness, driving a culture of continuous innovation.

Cherng Linn’s leadership was recognised with the Innovator of the Year - Computer Hardware accolade. His work and efforts have not only driven market success but have also built a stronger, more collaborative innovation culture at HP. 
The SBR Management Excellence Awards recognises the most exceptional business leaders, innovators, teams, and initiatives that drive growth and make a positive impact on both the business operations and its workforce in Singapore.

The awards programme, now in its 10th year, acknowledges positive change and honours those who have successfully propelled their companies to new heights of success whilst fostering a nurturing environment that positively influences their employees.

The SBR Management Excellence Awards is presented by Singapore Business Review Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2025 awards programme and be acclaimed for your company's employee engagements and management initiatives, please contact Julie Anne Nuñez at [email protected].