Intelligent CIO APAC Issue 49 | Page 38

TALKING

‘‘ business the business . IT modernization practices should be an organization-wide effort , with a clear definition of needs , goals and vision outlined in tandem with CIOs and leading decision-makers across departments . If transformation is carried out in siloes , businesses may risk the project becoming larger than necessary , or incur wasted costs while drifting away from the original purpose .

Singapore-owned BreadTalk Group is a great example of a player in the food and beverage sector where Kyndryl in partnership with AWS deployed a single point of IT infrastructure control for BreadTalk Group by using AWS cloud to streamline the running of diverse applications across business areas , built on various cloud platforms and on-premise environments .
In an era of intense change , BreadTalk Group recognized the need to upgrade its technological infrastructure to enhance its workforce efficiency after expanding into 16 markets globally , fortifying security measures and bolstering operational control for the organization and its employees .
I ’ d encourage businesses operating in Singapore and Southeast Asia not only to recognize the value of getting on board the digital transformation train to improve processes or solve a business or customerfacing problem but rather pay attention to technologies available to them to ensure sustainable business growth and competitive advantage in the increasingly digitized global market .
Leaders must also understand that these technological advancements are not ends in themselves but rather tools designed to support organizational growth and enhance performance . insights for leaders when collaborating with IT service providers and consultants .
This method facilitates the identification of suitable technological solutions to address existing gaps , leading to tangible outcomes such as innovation and increased competitiveness in the industry .
Embracing modernization in this manner aligns technology investments with overarching business goals , ensuring that resources are effectively utilized to drive sustained success .
Cultivating a Culture of Change from Within
Additionally , with new technologies and solutions introduced , building a belief among employees is another crucial step to take in implementing successful digital transformation for those operating in Southeast Asia .
The region is a melting pot of cultures , diverse business practices and digital infrastructures which pose both exciting opportunities and complex challenges .
To adopt and benefit from technological changes , employees must feel inspired to embrace innovation and learn .
This mindset will support leaders in fully maximizing their organization ’ s innovation initiatives and contribute to Singapore and the region ’ s smart city ambitions .
Ultimately , embracing digital transformation can be intimidating for organizations that are new to this domain .
Having a structured checklist of the tools , devices , or practices that the business lacks can offer invaluable
However , with the steady growth of innovation in Singapore and Southeast Asia , I ’ d urge businesses and their leaders to not shy away from asserting their need for fundamental support and guidance in adapting to emerging technologies such as AI , IoT , and intricate data analytics . Work with specialists who can act as intermediaries between the organization and evolving digital trends , to effectively utilize these technologies for sustainable growth and innovation .
As tech continues being the enabler of innovations , organizations should take the opportunity to elevate their businesses to boost their productivity and efficiencies and enhance the employee experience . Digital transformation will always be the gateway to adapt and thrive in the ever-changing Southeast Asian digital landscape – and every organization and industry has a role in contributing to the region ’ s tech-driven future that cannot be overstated . p
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