Simon Tan

Achieving complete accuracy from AI remains challenging, yet its adoption appears inevitable. Lenovo's Singapore GM Nigel Lee shares how the company navigates this balance between innovation and the responsibility in the development and deployment of AI #AIEthics #ResponsibleAI #FutureOfWork 

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Working no more no less. I feel sad that people have that opinion - do what I am paid to do & not any more than that. Hope this young person realises that work done determines performance grading. And then, performance grading is relative. His/her grading determines amount of annual increment (if any), profit-sharing bonuses, promotion opportunities et al. Someone is gonna be a rightly unhappy camper in 2, 3, 5 or so years when he/she is in a dead-end job, not much pay increment or constantly being "let go" upon contract expiry whereas their hardworking peers power ahead in life. I am not saying work til you drop or continue with exploitative employers who squeeze every ounce from you. Know your limits. Find a happy balance. But do your very best each time. If u can do more, volunteer to do more. Grab every opportunity to grow, learn, try, shine. Agree? https://lnkd.in/gNz9vrf9

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FieldAssist recently hosted a webinar on "CPG RTM Transformation in Southeast Asia," where experts dived into the evolving landscape of the FMCG sector. The session was packed with insights on how different Southeast Asian markets present unique opportunities, the growing complexity of distributor networks, and the pivotal role technology plays in enhancing sales execution and data control. 1. 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲-𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬: - Traditional trade in Indonesia. - Growing convenience stores in the Philippines. - Leveraging tourism in Thailand for FMCG sales. 2. 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐬: Modern retailers are offering discounts, disrupting traditional distributor networks and cutting margins. 3. 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥 & 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: Stricter data control has led to a heavier reliance on promotions, impacting distributor management and efficiency. 4. 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬: Mini markets are on the rise, while hypermarkets decline, driving changes in FMCG stocking and promotion strategies. 5. 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐝: Overburdened sales teams are now sharing responsibilities with other functions to focus more on core sales activities. 6. 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐫: Technology should support business strategies, automating data collection so sales teams can focus on customer engagement. Catch the full conversation here: https://lnkd.in/gyMYyJMf 🎥 #CPG #RTMTransformation #SoutheastAsia #FMCG #FieldAssist #Tech #BusinessTransformation Neeraj Bhargava Shivika Mansata Ser Patrick De Dios Nikhil Aggarwal Chitransh Jain Divir Tiwari Shivangi Gohri Shresth Nehra

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Desco Electronic Recyclers, a leader in sustainable e-waste management, has announced the success of its participation at the Dell Technologies Forum held recently at the Kyalami International Convention Centre. In partnership with the e-Waste Recycling Authority (ERA), a non-profit company (NPC), the event attracted about 3000 leaders and decision-makers from Dell’s global supply chain. It provided Desco with a unique platform to showcase its innovative e-waste recycling initiatives. 🗑 🚮

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How do you do #Transformation from online inspiration into real-world actions? Join me at #TechWeekSingapore eCommerce Expo Asia 2024 - Asia's Leading Summit for eCommerce Leaders between 9th - 10th October 2024 at Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore as we uncover the strategies that bridge the gap between digital engagement and in-store conversions. #DigitalTransformation #BusinessTransformation The panel “Building a Seamless O2O Journey: From Online Inspiration to In-Store Conversion,” will delve into how brands can craft unified, #customercentric #experiences and unpack the complexities of creating a truly seamless #O2O (Online to Offline) journey that does not just engage customers online, but the #RetailExcellence converts that interest into tangible, commercial results. I will be sharing insights drawn from my time in Samsung Electronics, NVIDIA, and Sony, where I drove market share through #productstrategies, built regional #eCommerce frameworks, and scaled revenue across #marketplaces, #D2C, and #omnichannel, through innovative #GoToMarket initiatives, alongside these exceptional industry leaders: • Ajay Sunder, Vice President Consulting, OneByZero (Moderator) • Kitty Chiu, Strategic Partner, SOLIDEA by SOLIDEA Calzificio Pinelli • Danny Ho, Executive Director & CFO, Sa Sa International Holdings Limited Event #eCommerceExpoAsia (#ECEA) Details: • Date: 9th October, 2024 • Time: 15:10 - 15:55 (GMT +8) • Location: eCommerce Centre Stage, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore This is not just about connecting online and offline—it is about rethinking how brands interact with customers at every touchpoint. (Someone once told me that, to a consumer, there is no line!) How do we merge data, technology, and human experience to create O2O journeys that drive real commercial impact (think $$$)? I invite you to join the conversation, either in person (Feel free to register at https://lnkd.in/gcMhd5Tv) or your thoughts ahead of the event, here in the comments!!! What’s the biggest challenge you see in creating a seamless O2O strategy? Let’s start the conversation and explore the future of #RetailInnovation and improve #CustomerExperience together.

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At Lenovo, we are committed to building a future where AI not only empowers businesses but also uplifts communities through real-world impact. In line with our vision for “Smarter AI for All,” Lenovo Singapore is focused on equipping Singapore’s workforce with critical AI skills to help them stay competitive and adaptable in today’s evolving landscape. AI Upskilling students and professionals reflects this commitment through our industry and knowledge partners. By providing access to practical AI education and hands-on training, we are taking steps toward a more inclusive and AI-enabled workforce that can leverage smarter technology to solve complex challenges across industries. With a rapidly changing job market, such initiatives ensure that AI’s benefits are accessible, impactful, and tailored to the needs of Singapore's workforce. Together, we’re not just creating technology but fostering a smarter, more resilient future for all. https://lnkd.in/g9F_kuJ4

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Why is there such a big gap between the strategic narrative and operating reality in telcos? Sharing my personal experience yesterday with Starhub. Starhub calls itself a quad-play operator but can’t even combine two plays in its customer experience. 📞 Recently, I had a billing issue with both mobile and TV services. The call center’s response? “Dear Sir, I am from the mobile department, I cannot help you with the TV package change.” 📺 Then came the survey asking me to rate my “wonderful” experience with the agent, who urged, “Please give me a good rating 🤔 .An AI tool could’ve flagged this as a detractor-level conversation, but the survey was automated, lacking context. 📡 My roaming didn’t work because there was a lag between 2 systems at the telco, so I switched to another telco’s eSIM, only to find out they weren’t much better. Circles Life made me download an extra app, Jetpac, with a $1 promo that had no clear activation status. I downloaded it twice and lost the promo! 🤷‍♂️ Instead of making customers choose the least bad option, telcos should: 🛠️ Integrate their backend data with CX agents for a seamless customer experience. 🤖 Use gen AI to understand sentiments and improve customer interactions. 💬 Ensure clear communication in offers with instant activations even if its a new service like eSIM else be disrupted by agile players like Airalo Do you agree, Share your thoughts! 💬 #Telco #eSIM #CustomerExperience #AI

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“Never let a good crisis go to waste.” - Sir Winston Churchill Marketing genius in online advertising stems from a combination of creativity, strategic thinking, and an in-depth understanding of the digital landscape. Here are some key elements that contribute to effective online advertising: 1. Audience Understanding: A deep knowledge of the target audience, including their preferences, behaviors, and pain points, allows marketers to tailor messages that resonate. 2. Compelling Storytelling: Crafting engaging narratives that connect emotionally with the audience can make ads memorable and impactful, driving higher engagement. 3. Data-Driven Decisions: Utilizing analytics to track performance, understand user behavior, and optimize campaigns based on real-time data can significantly enhance effectiveness. 4. Creativity and Innovation: Out-of-the-box thinking and unique concepts can set a campaign apart from competitors, capturing attention in a crowded digital space. 5. Personalization: Tailoring ads to individual preferences, such as using dynamic content or retargeting strategies, increases relevance and boosts conversion rates. 6. Multi-Channel Approach: Leveraging various platforms (social media, search engines, email, etc.) ensures a broader reach and allows for cross-promotion of content. 7. Clear Call to Action (CTA): A strong and clear CTA guides the audience on what to do next, whether it’s making a purchase, signing up, or learning more. 8. A/B Testing: Continuously testing different ad variations helps identify what works best, allowing for optimization based on audience response. 9. Leveraging Trends: Staying updated on current trends and cultural moments enables marketers to create timely and relevant content that resonates with the audience. 10. Building Relationships: Engaging with customers through social media and other channels fosters loyalty and encourages word-of-mouth marketing. By combining the above elements, marketers can create campaigns that not only capture attention but also drive results and foster long-term relationships with their audience.

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There might be a huge shift to gig work even for office work and it could be the impetus needed to push the whole talent market forward given the need to compete and be better Government policies might catch up to allow for better safety nets to break away from employer based insurance systems The mindset towards work life balance might be the push needed. It similar to how lazy people get more done because they are lazy 😅 Hopefully we manage to discover/ create a working model of work life balance that balances economic, business and individual needs and have them forming a symbiotic flywheel https://lnkd.in/gMAGmnQp

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We will continue to strive to make business simpler for the corporate community. Canon Think Big Leadership Business Series can only get better, more informative and be the thought leader and catalyst for your organization’s DX journey. See you in Canon Think Big 2025 ! #canonThinkBig #DX #AIpowered #BusinessCanBeSimple

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🏅I am now a Registered Management Consultant with Enterprise Singapore.🏅 30+ years of navigating the global business landscape, from boardrooms to bustling markets, have honed my expertise and fueled my passion for solving complex challenges. Each role, each company, has added a unique chapter to my professional story, from orchestrating multi-million dollar projects to mentoring rising talent. This relentless pursuit of excellence led me to the dynamic world of management consulting in Singapore, where I've found a community of like-minded professionals dedicated to collaboration, innovation, and making a lasting impact. Leveraging my extensive experience, I've immersed myself in diverse industries, tackling intricate business problems and guiding companies through transformative change. A key focus has been empowering local SMEs, helping them unlock government grants to fuel their growth and innovation. Now, as a newly registered management consultant in Singapore, I'm not just a problem solver, but a trusted advisor. I bring a wealth of experience, a global perspective, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. My passion for empowering businesses to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape remains as strong as ever. Thrilled to embark on this new chapter, leveraging my expertise to drive growth and innovation for Singaporean businesses. Interested in tapping into Singapore government grants to propel your business forward? Let's connect and explore the possibilities. #managementconsulting #Singapore #SME #businessgrowth #problemsolving #registeredmanagementconsultant #governmentgrants

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Hierarchy of needs. Not unexpected. The "essentials" that were selected by ~8 or 9 out of 10 people are what's required today. Well, if this survey was done in the 30s, refrigerators wouldn't be up there. ;) Am not so sure air-conditioning is essential, though. Ditto for private hire cars / taxis. Are we so cushy in SG that these luxury items have become essential for more than 2/3 of all surveyed?? Conversely, with everything going or gone digital, a smartphone has become an "essential" item. Another interesting observation. ~85% of all surveyed wanted more free time. What does this say about Singaporean lives in general? Are we so busy that there is no chance to kick back, relax & simply do what we want to - as opposed to what we have to? https://lnkd.in/g_NWNNXB

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Building the future of AI at Lenovo. Last month, I had the privilege of joining our SSG senior leadership team in Beijing, hosted by Ken Wong, President of Solutions and Services Group. This event was not just a meeting but a milestone in our journey to harness the power of AI for all. The objective was clear: to capitalise on the power of face-to-face collaboration, refine our 'AI for All' strategy, and innovate our go-to-market approaches. We delved into Lenovo’s AI-powered portfolio, shared success stories, and crafted plans to further accelerate market awareness of our extensive AI services capabilities. At Lenovo, we believe that alignment on leadership goals and fostering a collaborative environment are key to driving innovation. The discussions and brainstorming sessions in Beijing highlighted how crucial it is to have a unified vision. It’s about more than just hardware; it’s about leveraging our comprehensive solutions to add significant value to our customers’ organisations. Our AI for All strategy is designed to empower businesses across various industries, ensuring they stay competitive in an ever-evolving market. By focusing on innovative AI solutions, we’re not just keeping pace with the future—we’re shaping it. How do you see AI transforming your industry, and what challenges do you face in its adoption? #AIForAll #Collaboration #Innovation

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Isn't life beautifully unpredictable? I fondly recall my vibrant journey with my colleague Edmund Chan at HP, where we relentlessly pursued excellence and personal growth. Today, our paths have crossed in a different light, with Edmund evolving from a colleague to a valued client. This shift in dynamics is an emblem of enduring professional relationships. It's like an artful dance, ever adaptable and free-flowing. Our shared past enhances our present interactions, cultivating a mutual understanding that's hard to come by. Today, platforms like #LinkedIn are integral for nurturing such relationships. It's not about fleeting connections, but meaningful, long-standing alliances that adapt and flourish with us. As we embrace the week ahead, let's ponder: Think about the professional relationships that have grown with you over time. Have any unexpected alliances stood the test of time and transitioned just like my relationship with Edmund Chan? How these relationships have influenced our professional identities. How have they shaped who we are today? Delve into these questions as you map out your week. Here's to a Monday full of purpose, reflection, and the nurturing of valuable professional relationships! Hit the like button, follow, and comment if you like my post. 😀 https://lnkd.in/g89x-5cT My Superpower: https://bit.ly/3SN6eBL #AskCoachFab #AuthenticFab #Authenticpointsg #AuthenticmomentwithFab #LBFAlumni #SkyHighTower #AmusingFab4949 #ValuableProfessionalRelationship

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Singapore reclaims top spot in world competitiveness ranking after three years We are back where we belong … It is great to see that after four years in doldrums 😉 (well at least consistently under the top 4), Singapore has re-captured the top spot in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking in 2024 – and this against a field of 67 countries! This Ranking evaluates countries around economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency and infrastructure. Economic performance: The only field where Singapore tends to underperform (stagnating at #3). Not least due to its small size, cost of living (e.g. rents) is a major drag and the ability to generate sizeable revenues (outside of financial services) is limited. Government efficiency: Not much to be said about this – for years this has been the envy of many other locations – a stable, business friendly government that quickly addresses negative developments (see the recent corruption and money laundering scandals). Lastly a very smooth transition of power to the 4 Gen Leadership – this is a sweet spot. Business efficiency: The standout criteria for Singapore – a strong and efficient labour market (after all Singapore continues to be very attractive to top notch talent) and excellent management practices. Infrastructure: Maybe this is an area where Singapore has a bit of an unfair advantage to other countries in the field, as the size and location give it a head start. But then a lot has been invested in building and is consistently being invested in maintaining a first-class infrastructure including technical infrastructure. In summary, Singapore is back where it rightfully should be, at top of world competitiveness ranking and one can rest assured that resting on these laurels is not an option for the little red dot – more will consistently be done to further improve and maintain the top spot. Please do reach out, if you would like to learn how I can be of help in achieving your regional goals from Singapore. #singapore #businesscompetitiveness #easeofdoingbusiness #apac #tkasiaconsult https://lnkd.in/gP4pVvv9

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"We're too nice!" A few friends gathered for our usual coffee and catch-up last week. Inevitably, the topic of Dyson came up. "Foreign companies must think that Singapore needs them more than they need us. Maybe this is why they think they can do whatever they want here." The mood was vitriolic. Everyone was more shocked by the attitude of Dyson, than with their decision to retrench.  "No one owes us a living. We get it. But when Dyson treats their workers like this, what's the point of tripartism?" Singapore's Ministry of Manpower's website states that "Tripartism refers to the collaboration among unions, employers and the Government. It is a key competitive advantage for Singapore." In the face of Dyson's seemingly callous disregard for the spirit of tripartism (https://lnkd.in/gWTa2MVh), everyone at our "coffee summit" questioned the continued efficacy of this policy. We know tripartism is not meant to protect us from economic downturns. The economic theory is simple: our small, open economy is too dependent on the free flow of trade and services to hide behind any form of protectionism. In spite of growing economic nationalism, Singapore has fastidiously maintained this policy. What little economics knowledge I possess has taught me the theoretical basis of this policy. But as a Keynesian, I am averse to transposing theoretical constructs to immutable economic policy, not when livelihoods are at stake. Like Keynes, I believe that the real solution is probably found somewhere between balancing the longer-term benefits of free and open markets with the short term good of shielding the local economy from the ravages of unemployment. Tripartism meant decades of hard work by our Government to build up the trust and mutual respect needed to ensure smooth labour relations. This has been a cornerstone social compact. One bad actor can seriously damage it. No one knows why Dyson (a corporate darling in Singapore) seems to have disregarded the spirit of tripartism. Can it be they mistook our government’s pro-business stance to mean that its citizenry and agencies are impotent to responding to their actions? Doing business in Singapore should be seen by corporations as membership to a prestigious club. All are welcome. Membership fees are high, but once in, the benefits and privileges are considerable. But this club has stringent rules, and if any member violates them, there are consequences. Membership may even be revoked.  Perhaps it's time we have a new spirit of Tripartism in Singapore. One where our Government publicly demonstrates to corporations that they will unequivocally support Singaporeans’ interests and take punitive action against those who flout or disregard the spirit of tripartism.  When a key social compact is violated, even admired corporations must learn this key lesson (borrowing from the words of Bruce Springsteen): This is Singapore. Wherever this flag's flown, We take care of our own! #dyson #singapore

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Unlocking ASEAN's Potential: Serial Achieva's RTO Fuels Value Creation for Brands In a strategic move to propel its next expansion phase, Serial Achieva Ltd, a reseller and distributor of consumer and enterprise IT products and computer peripherals operating in Malaysia and Thailand, is set to go public via its RTO on SGX next week. The company aims to raise gross proceeds of approximately S$2.5 million through the placement of 12.5 million new shares at S$0.20 each, positioning itself to unlock unparalleled value for the brands it represents: 📦 Seamless Distribution — Over 30 years of navigating import/export controls ensure smooth product distribution. 💼 Strategic Sales Partnerships — Strong local alliances drive effective sales management. 📊 Optimised Inventory Movement — Presence in over 12 ASEAN countries facilitates efficient product flow. 📣 Targeted Brand Promotion — Cost-effective online and offline marketing tailored to local markets. 📜 Regulatory Compliance Expertise — In-depth guidance on tax and legal frameworks across ASEAN. 🚚 Last-Mile Delivery Excellence — Regional footprint enables efficient point-to-point shipments. With its forthcoming RTO, Serial Achieva is poised to unlock the vast potential of the ASEAN region, harnessing its unrivalled capabilities to maximise growth opportunities and revenue streams for the tech brands it represents. Learn more: https://serialachieva.com/ #SerialAchieva #Expertise #Distribution #Sales #InventoryManagement #Marketing

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When we talk about pushing for sustainability in the tech sphere, it's tempting to focus on energy efficiency at a consumer-facing level. But efforts need to be made at every stage of the manufacturing journey to deliver innovative devices responsibly. That's why it's encouraging to see Singapore investing in 'green computing', helping us enjoy the benefits of technology breakthroughs such as AI without placing further burden on the environment. https://lnkd.in/gCbqXhge

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A thought-provoking video on work life balance (WLB), but beyond WLB, it is also about “What’s our purpose of life?” and “Are we being intentional with it?”. With over six years of driving employee engagement effort and coaching clients, I’ve seen many struggle with WLB. Work-Life-Balance is never about compartmentalising work and life; but it should be more analogous to an orchestra, where different instruments play in harmony. Balance is not a static state, but a dynamic equilibrium. Similar to doing yoga pose, where it might look static on the outside, but there are myriad of micro-adjustment that are happening internally. This is reminds me of a refreshing thought introduced by Ms. Miki Tsusaka (CEO of Microsoft Japan) during the EMBA guest lecture, where “Life-Work-Blend” should be the better term of describing Work-Life-Balance. “Work-Life-Balance” in itself implies that work is first, life is second and then finding the balance, which is a tension by itself. In actual fact, we should recognise that work and life are not opposing forces but rather complementary aspects of a fulfilling existence that would allow us to integrate our passions and responsibilities more seamlessly. Ultimately, like what was asked in the video, “If money and livelihood weren’t an issue, what would you really want to do?”, “What is your purpose?” and “Are you satisfied with the choices you are making?”. Also, as a leader, how are we supporting the "Life-Work-Blend" of our team members? #purpose #WLB #engagement #coaching

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