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Innovation and agility are key to staying competitive - EY’s Andrew Tan

He highlights the critical role of digital transformation in ensuring business sustainability, driven by a focus on innovation and adaptability.

Businesses in Singapore have embraced digital transformation as essential for sustainability, integrating it across all functions to meet the demands of remote work, e-commerce, and cybersecurity. By adopting innovative technologies and customer-centric strategies, companies can stay competitive in a fast-evolving market.

Sharing his valuable expertise is Andrew Tan, Consulting Partner at Ernst and Young Advisory Pte. Ltd., where he leads digital and emerging technology innovation in Southeast Asia. He strongly advocates behaviour-driven digital service delivery, leveraging customer empathy, design thinking, digital storytelling, and user-centric strategies to enhance service quality and drive customer adoption. His approach has guided numerous organisations to execute technology transformation initiatives.

Prior to his role, Tan was a managing director at a multinational digital consultancy, driving business strategy and growth across Singapore, Australia, and Thailand. He also led a research centre at an Australian university, fostering mobile innovation and industrial collaborations with the public and private sectors.

As a judge at the SBR Technology Excellence Awards 2025, Tan discussed the evolving digital transformation in Singapore, emphasising innovation, agility, and leadership in driving business success and resilience.

In your view, what are the most significant changes in the way businesses in Singapore are approaching digital transformation today compared to just a few years ago?

In recent years, businesses in Singapore have transitioned from viewing digital transformation as an optional strategy to recognising it as essential for long-term sustainability and survival. Digital initiatives are no longer confined to IT departments but are embedded across all business functions, promoting a more integrated approach.

Driving this shift toward digital transformation is remote work and e-commerce, as businesses adopt innovative technologies and rethink their operations to stay competitive. There is also a stronger emphasis on customer-centric solutions and data-driven decision-making, and they are more aware of digital risks and paying greater attention to cybersecurity and data privacy.

What strategies have been most effective in building resilience in digital transformation projects, especially during challenges?

Building resilience in digital transformation projects requires a combination of flexibility, continuous learning, and strong leadership.

One effective strategy is to adopt an agile methodology, which allows for iterative development and quick adjustments to evolving circumstances. Investing in continuous employee training, learning, and development ensures that the workforce is equipped with the skills needed to adapt to new technologies, whilst fostering a culture of innovation and open communication helps to identify and address challenges early. It is also critical to have a robust risk management plan in place so that potential disruptions can be anticipated and addressed efficiently and effectively. Lastly, strong partnerships with technology providers and consultants can provide valuable support and insights.

In what ways can companies keep up with the constant stream of emerging innovations and stay ahead of the competition?

To stay ahead of the competition, companies must prioritise innovation and agility. This requires staying informed of emerging technology trends through industry conferences, publications, and networking with peers. Investing in research and development alongside fostering an organisational culture that embraces experimentation and risk-taking can lead to breakthrough innovations. Similarly, collaborating with startups and institutes of higher learning can offer fresh perspectives and access to cutting-edge technologies. In addition, leveraging data analytics to gain insights into market trends and customer preferences can help companies make informed decisions and stay ahead of the curve.

In your experience, what characteristics do successful leaders possess when championing technological change?

Successful leaders championing technological change possess a clear vision, are able to align technological initiatives with broader business goals, and have the ability to communicate their objectives effectively to their teams. These leaders are adaptable, open to new ideas, and willing to embrace change and take calculated risks. They also prioritise continuous learning both for themselves and their teams, fostering a culture of growth. Resilient and persistent, successful leaders remain steadfast in the face of challenges and setbacks. They are empathetic, understand the human aspect of technological change, and provide the necessary resources and support to help their teams navigate any transition smoothly.

How do you see AI evolving over the next decade, and how will it impact both business operations and customer experiences in Singapore?

Over the next decade, it is expected that artificial intelligence (AI) will become deeply embedded in business operations and customer experiences, driving advancements in automation, decision-making, and personalisation.

In Singapore, AI will play a crucial role in sectors such as health care, finance, and logistics, where it can help to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery. In the same vein, its widespread adoption will also raise ethical and regulatory considerations, necessitating a balanced approach to ensure responsible and transparent use of AI technologies.

What are the key criteria and expectations you have for this year’s nomination entries, and how do you believe these criteria reflect the evolving trends and innovations in the technology industry?

For this year’s nomination entries, I am looking for submissions that demonstrate a clear and measurable impact on business performance and customer satisfaction. Innovation and originality are key criteria, with a focus on how the projects leverage emerging technologies to solve real-world problems. I also expect to see evidence of scalability, adaptability, and sustainability. Additionally, I value entries that showcase strong leadership and collaboration, highlighting the importance of teamwork and cross-functional efforts in driving technological change.

These criteria reflect the evolving trends in the technology industry, where innovation, impact, and sustainability are paramount to achieve success and stay competitive.

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