CIO Day | Singapore
Navigating Digital Transformation: Strategic Leadership in a Hyper-Connected World
Sofitel City Centre, Singapore
Hosted by Factor
- 220 attendees
- 8 hours
Overview
In this event, explore the pivotal role technology executives play in leading digital transformation across industries. As organisations accelerate their digital agendas, technology executives must balance innovation, cybersecurity, and operational efficiency to drive business outcomes. This event delves into the strategies that empower leaders to foster agility, manage complexity, and align technology with long-term business goals.
What to expect
- Keynote Presentation 20 Minute
- Attendee Lists Direct Access
- Exhibition Stand 3x2
- C-Suite Attendees 150+
What we will cover
- Customer Experience Exploring strategies to elevate customer interactions, personalisation, and engagement, ensuring competitive differentiation and loyalty.
- Operational Productivity Investigating ways to streamline processes and optimise internal operations, reducing inefficiencies and improving overall output.
- Enterprise Agility Focusing on building agility and resilience into business operations to quickly respond to market shifts, disruptions, and emerging opportunities.
- Digital Acceleration Exploring how to accelerate digital transformation efforts to drive growth and adapt to new market demands.
- Cybersecurity Priority Emphasising proactive approaches to cybersecurity, integrating security measures into projects from inception to minimise risk.
- AI Automation Examining how automation and AI are enhancing decision-making, reducing manual tasks, and improving business outcomes.
- Data Analytics Exploring how data-driven insights can guide strategic decisions and improve business outcomes across departments.
- ESG Goals Investigating how CIOs can support organisational sustainability efforts, aligning IT with environmental and social governance (ESG) metrics.
- Talent Development Addressing the challenge of upskilling IT teams and attracting digital talent, focusing on leadership in a tech-driven world.
- C-Suite Collaboration Exploring the evolving role of CIOs as strategic partners within the executive team, driving cross-functional collaboration and innovation.
- Cybersecurity Investments Discussing the increasing need for investments in cybersecurity to protect against evolving threats and secure sensitive business data.
- AI Optimisation Exploring AI's role in optimising business processes, from predictive analytics to automating routine workflows.
Agenda
- Registration and Welcome Coffee(CIO Day Singapore) Welcome to the start of an exciting day! Please join us for registration upon arrival, where you will be greeted by our team and receive your event materials. This is the perfect time to enjoy a cup of coffee, meet fellow delegates, and network before the formal agenda begins. We encourage you to use this opportunity to connect with peers, explore the venue, and settle in for a day filled with insightful discussions and innovative ideas.
- Welcome Address & Introduction by Host(CIO Day Singapore) Join us for the official opening of our event with a warm welcome address from our host, followed by an introduction from our esteemed CEO, Josh Heid. This session will set the stage for the day’s proceedings, highlighting the key themes and objectives of the conference. Josh will also share insights into the evolving landscape of technology and innovation, providing a backdrop for the discussions that will unfold throughout the day.
- Geopolitics in Turbulent Times: What Every Tech Executive Needs to Know About the Shifting Global Order(CIO Day Singapore) [Fireside Chat] As geopolitical tensions escalate and global alliances shift, tech executives face a new kind of risk, one that extends far beyond firewalls and market fluctuations. In this opening fireside chat, former Singaporean diplomat Bilahari Kausikan offers a candid, insider perspective on how power dynamics, national interests, and digital sovereignty are reshaping the global order. With a sharp focus on ASEAN’s pivotal role in balancing global powers, this session will arm tech leaders with the geopolitical fluency needed to navigate an increasingly fractured world. Discussion Points: Tech as a Geopolitical Lever: How emerging technologies like AI and semiconductors are becoming instruments of national strategy and control ASEAN’s Strategic Position: Why Southeast Asia is becoming a key battleground—and bridge—in the US-China tech rivalry Singapore’s Economic Resilience Amid Tariff Turmoil: How escalating US-China tariffs are impacting Singapore’s trade-dependent economy, leading to supply chain disruptions and prompting strategic diversification efforts. CIOs as Strategic Navigators: What leaders need to know to anticipate policy shifts, mitigate cross-border risks, and protect global operations
- The Collective Enterprise, Global Megatrends and The Power of C-Suite Fusion(CIO Day Singapore) In today's complex business environment, misalignment among C-suite executives can lead to significant challenges. Studies indicate that companies with highly aligned executive teams achieve 70% higher performance compared to their less aligned counterparts. Conversely, a lack of alignment can result in inefficiencies, with organisations potentially wasting up to $2.1 million annually due to ineffective processes. Join an expert C-Suite panel as they explore how partnerships among top executives are essential for addressing today’s global megatrends and focus on the importance of collaborative leadership in navigating shifts in technology, governance, and market dynamics, showcasing how integrated strategies can bolster organisational resilience and agility. Discussion Points: Leveraging diverse executive perspectives to tackle complex global challenges. Developing adaptable frameworks to meet governance, technological, and economic shifts. Fostering cross-functional alignment to drive innovation and gain a competitive edge.
- From Outages to Outsmarting: How Verizon AIOps and DBIR Insights Empower CIOs to Maximize Value and Security(CIO Day Singapore) In today’s volatile digital landscape, CIOs are under immense pressure to deliver both operational excellence and robust cybersecurity. Drawing on the latest findings from the 2025 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR), this presentation explores how the convergence of Verizon’s AIOps platform and real-world threat intelligence enables technology leaders to extract maximum business value from their IT investments while proactively defending against evolving cyber risks. Attendees will understand how AIOps automates complex IT operations, accelerates incident detection and response, and provides predictive analytics that minimize costly downtime and optimize resource allocation.
- Networking Morning Tea & Executive Roundtable(CIO Day Singapore) Join us for a morning tea where you can engage in meaningful 1:1 discussions with industry peers and vendors. This session is designed to foster collaboration and exchange insights in a relaxed, informal setting. Whether you're looking to forge new partnerships, discuss industry challenges, or share innovative ideas, this networking opportunity is an ideal platform to connect and conceive potential solutions with fellow professionals.
- Building a Resilient Strategy with SASE(Resilient SASE) Strategies in implementing SASE to unify networking and security in the cloud.
- Enabling Digital Transformation Through Hybrid IT(Hybrid Transformation) Leverage hybrid IT for seamless digital transformation and efficiency.
- Agility in Operations(Rapid Innovation) Innovate rapidly, improving agility in a dynamic market environment.
- Driving Sustainable Growth Through IT How CIOs can lead innovation while balancing short-term operational needs with long-term growth objectives.
- Strengthening Digital Transformation Through Proactive Threat Management(Secure Networks) A session on integrating threat detection and response into digital transformation strategies
- Tech Stack Optimisation for Better ROI(Digital Acceleration) Discussion on optimising technology investments for better ROI and agility in operations.
- Winning the AI Arms Race in Cyber(CIO Day Singapore) AI is rapidly transforming the cyber threat landscape, with adversaries—from script kiddies to nation-state actors—leveraging AI to scale and automate attacks. Security operations leaders must adapt, using AI-driven defense strategies to stay ahead. This session explores how organisations can harness AI to enhance detection, response, and resilience. Learn key techniques for integrating AI into security operations, mitigating emerging risks, and ensuring AI works for you—not against you.
- Effective Strategies for Demonstrating ROI(CIO Day Singapore) Securing the budget for IT initiatives requires more than just presenting technical details; it demands a clear demonstration of the return on investment (ROI). By aligning IT strategies with business goals, IT leaders can effectively communicate value to decision-makers. Understanding the needs and expectations of key stakeholders, positioning IT as a strategic enabler, and ensuring that technology investments are closely tied to business outcomes are crucial in securing the necessary funding. Discussion Points: Understanding the expectations of decision-makers and tailoring your ROI presentation to address their key priorities and concerns. Highlighting IT as a strategic enabler that supports business goals by driving efficiency, innovation, and competitive advantage. Demonstrating how IT investments align with the company’s overall business strategy, contributing to long-term success and measurable outcomes.
- [Fireside Chat] How to Build High-Performing IT Teams with Effective Leadership Strategies(CIO Day Singapore) Building a high-performing IT team is crucial for any organisation's success in the digital age. Effective leadership plays a pivotal role in recruiting top talent, fostering a collaborative and innovative culture, and driving continuous improvement. This session will explore key strategies for IT leaders to develop and sustain high-performing teams, ensuring they are equipped to meet the dynamic challenges of the industry. Discussion Points: Identify and leverage skills that contribute to high performance, implementing strategies to attract and retain top IT professionals. Encourage teamwork and cross-functional collaboration to enhance innovation and productivity, and establish clear expectations and metrics for accountability. Know when to provide direction and when to empower team members to take ownership, fostering an environment where initiative and innovation thrive while maintaining strategic alignment.
- Lunch Break - Peer Connect & Invite Only Executive Roundtable(CIO Day Singapore) Take a well-deserved break and enjoy a delicious lunch while networking with your peers and industry leaders. This session is an excellent opportunity for attendees to build relationships, exchange ideas, and discuss collaborative opportunities in a casual and friendly atmosphere. It's the perfect setting to reconnect with colleagues, meet new faces, and engage in deep dives into the day's topics or explore new trends affecting your industry.
- Cost-Effective Data Management and Storage Solutions(Data Solutions) Discussion on managing growing data volumes with cost-effective, scalable, and sustainable storage and management solutions.
- AI in Operational Decision-Making(AI Insights) How AI-driven insights can enhance real-time decision-making, improve operational efficiency, and drive innovation across departments.
- Prioritising Employee Experience in IT Strategies Developing IT strategies that prioritise employee satisfaction, productivity, and collaboration through advanced tools and platforms.
- Enhancing Cloud Security Posture Best practices for securing multi-cloud environments, addressing compliance, and mitigating evolving threats in the cloud.
- Edge Computing and IoT Integration(ESG Goals) Leveraging edge computing to enhance IoT capabilities, reduce latency, and improve real-time decision-making in critical operations.
- Modernising Legacy Systems for Agility(Legacy Modernisation) Exploring strategies to transition from legacy systems to modern architectures, ensuring scalability and flexibility for evolving business needs.
- Strategies for Achieving Success in Cross-Industry Digital Transformation(CIO Day Singapore) In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, successful digital transformation is critical across all industries. This session will delve into strategies for achieving success in cross-industry digital transformation. Drawing from extensive experience across IT, automotive, logistics, and facility services sectors, the discussion will explore universal principles, effective leadership strategies, and insightful case studies. Participants will gain practical insights into navigating technological adoption, fostering innovation, and overcoming organizational challenges to drive sustainable digital change. Join us to discover how to align technology initiatives with business goals, optimize operational efficiency, and create value in a digital-first world. Discussion Points: Understanding the core principles that underpin successful digital transformation initiatives, applicable across diverse industry landscapes. Exploring the role of leadership in driving digital innovation, fostering a culture of change, and aligning organisational strategies with technological advancements. Analysing case studies from various industries to highlight best practices, challenges encountered, and lessons learned in implementing cross-industry digital transformation strategies.
- Harnessing AI and Machine Learning for Proactive Cybersecurity(CIO Day Singapore) As the cybersecurity risk landscape evolves, the integration of advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes crucial for fortifying enterprise defenses. By building robust cybersecurity frameworks and adopting a risk-based approach to managing AI-related risks, organisations can enhance their resilience against emerging threats. These strategies are vital in ensuring that businesses not only detect and respond to cyber risks more effectively but also maintain continuity and security in a rapidly changing digital environment. Discussion Points: AI is transforming both cyber threats and defenses. As attackers use AI to enhance their methods, organisations must adapt by using AI-driven tools to stay ahead and effectively counter evolving threats. A strong cybersecurity framework is essential for protecting against advanced threats. Integrating AI tools helps improve threat detection, response, and overall resilience, ensuring comprehensive defense strategies. AI introduces new risks that need careful management. Organisations should assess these risks and ensure AI applications are secure and aligned with their overall risk management strategies to maximise benefits and minimise vulnerabilities.
- Closing Remarks By Host(CIO Day Singapore)
- End of Day Drinks(CIO Day Singapore) Join us for "End of Day Drinks," a networking session designed to foster connections and camaraderie among attendees. This gathering provides the ideal setting to mingle, exchange insights, and build relationships with industry peers. Raise a glass to a day of fruitful discussions and continue the conversation over refreshing beverages and light snacks. Whether you're keen to expand your professional network or unwind after a day of learning, our End of Day Drinks event offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for meaningful interactions and networking.
Speakers
Zeljko Ivkovic · CIO Asia Pacific, ISS A Zeljko hails from Germany but holds a Croatian passport. His educational journey took him through a major in Computer Science, followed by an MBA from Fudan University in Shanghai. Over the years, he has held various executive positions, gaining diverse experience. He has had the privilege of residing in different parts of the world, spending 6.5 years in Japan, followed by 12 years in China, and now, Singapore. Throughout his journey, he has been actively engaged in the Tech, Automotive & Transport industry, contributing expertise to renowned companies like BOSCH, DB Schenker, and ISS AS. Zeljko's true passion lies in digitalization, innovation, and staying at the forefront of future tech trends. His personal motto is straightforward but effective: "Get the job done." He thrives in collaborative team environments, where he works tirelessly to achieve business goals and drive transformative change.
Adrian Ruzsicska · Chief Information Officer (CIO), Koh Brothers Group
David Tay · Chief Information Officer, Asia, Lendlease David Tay is responsible for Business-Technology partnership to enable digitization and automation for Lendlease integrated business model, consisting of Investment, Development and Construction. He leads teams across Singapore, Malaysia, China and Japan as Technology-partner for the business and operations, based on globalized and standardized platforms and solutions. Prior to this appointment, David was CIO for Beyonics, responsible for the integration of multiple M&A business entities into a single ERP system and to consolidate 4 production facilities into a single 203,000 sq.ft. mega-campus. He is also responsible for the subsequent migration of this on-premise 7-modules ERP to a cloud-based 22-modules ERP that supports the company’s business growth and establish a data platform for Industry 4.0 adoption. David worked for 15 years as Vice President for Software BU and Regional Director for Managed Services/CIO in Diebold Nixdorf. David played a VP – Infrastructure role in setting up a Data Centre that provided IDC, Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery services. He also works at IBM Singapore for 15 years in various technology services groups. David holds a B.Sc (Hons) from the University of Bradford. He is also a Disaster Recovery Certified Expert.
Luis Carlos Cruz Huertas · Executive Director, Head of Automation, Infrastructure for DBS Big Data, AI and Analytics, DBS
Veronica Tan · Director, Safer Cyberspace, Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) Veronica oversees the Safer Cyberspace portfolio in the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA), where she leads the development of cybersecurity risk assessment frameworks to help organisations manage their digital risks. This led to the publication of the Cyber Essentials and Cyber Trust certification as national cybersecurity standards. Veronica takes an active interest in emerging technologies and was previously involved in developing technology roadmaps for emerging tech such as AI and blockchain in the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). She is a Fellow with the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) and volunteers as a resource person to support the university’s Fintech teaching and research activities. Before joining the public sector, Veronica was in a network engineering role, managing carrier-grade networks in a leading ISP.
Callum Dunn · APAC IT Director, Moet Hennessy Callum Dunn is the IT Director for Asia Pacific at Moët Hennessy, where he leads technology strategy across one of the world’s most iconic luxury portfolios. With deep expertise in IT strategy, infrastructure, and business intelligence, Callum brings over a decade of experience delivering impactful digital solutions in the luxury sector. He is passionate about using technology to enhance business performance and customer experience in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
Max Mo · Chief Financial Office, MET Group Max is the Chief Financial Officer of MET Asia Energy. Previously, he was the core founding member of TotalEnergies Renewables – APAC where he led the full spectrum of finance functions. He also leads and is responsible for M&A, group restructuring, operation and compliance matters. Further to this, as a digitalisation advocate, he spearheads and successfully implemented finance digitalisation and automation initiatives. Max is a committee member of the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountant (“ISCA”) Young Professional Advisory Committee. In 2024, he was appointed to the Implementation Committee for Accountancy Workforce Development which was jointly established by Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority and ISCA. He specialises in International Financial Report Standards and is an accounting trainer on renewable energy at ISCA. Max is a Chartered Accountant of Singapore and a Certified Internal Auditor.
Henning Dr · Group CIO / Senior Vice President IT, ASMPT Dr Henning Bork is the Group CIO of ASMPT. Responsible for all ASMPT IT functions globally incl. Infrastructure, SAP, Teamcenter, Applications, BI / Analytics and Cybersecurity. ASMPT is a leading supplier for machines for semiconductor backend chip production and electronics production (SMT). ASMPT has a revenue of approx. 2” BN USD and is headquartered in Singapore. Previously (VP Digitalisation & Strategy for SMT Segment) central role in defining corporate Strategy and Implementation for the SMT Segment from ASMPT, responsible for Digitalization of ASM SMT Solutions Segment incl. IT. Strategy (M&A) responsibility included both DEK (machines) and Critical Manufacturing (MES Software) acquisition & integration. He has a PHD in Mechanical Engineering from TU Munich, Germany and graduated fromTU Darmstadt, Germany / UC Berkeley, USA.
John Ang · Group Chief Technology Officer, EtonHouse International Education Group John Ang is the Group Chief Technology Officer at EtonHouse International Education Group, where he leads the organisation’s technology strategy, innovation agenda, and digital transformation roadmap. With a deep commitment to advancing education through technology, John is focused on leveraging emerging tools and scalable solutions to enhance teaching, learning, and operational excellence across the group’s global network. Since stepping into the role in January 2025, he has been driving strategic initiatives that align technology with the group's vision for future-ready education—prioritising innovation, data-informed decision-making, and sustainable digital growth. Based in Singapore, John brings a forward-thinking mindset to the evolving intersection of education and technology.
Partners
- Verizon Business · Gold
- Exabeam · Gold Exabeam is a global cybersecurity leader that delivers AI-driven security operations. High-integrity data ingestion, powerful analytics, and workflow automation power the industry’s most advanced self-hosted and cloud-native security operations platform for threat detection, investigation, and response (TDIR). With a history of leadership in SIEM and UEBA, and a legacy rooted in AI, Exabeam empowers global security teams to combat cyberthreats, mitigate risk, and streamline security operations. Learn more at www.exabeam.com .
- Lark · Gold
- Sophos · Platinum Sophos evolves to meet every new challenge, protecting more than 400,000 organizations of all sizes in more than 150 countries from today’s most advanced cyber threats. Powered by SophosLabs, our cloud-native and AI-enhanced solutions are able to adapt and evolve to secure endpoints and networks against never-before-seen cybercriminal tactics and techniques. Managed through our award-winning, cloud-based platform, Sophos Central, our best-of-breed products work together through our unique Synchronized Security system to share threat intelligence and respond to evolving threats. The Sophos suite of products secures networks and endpoints against automated and active-adversary breaches, ransomware, malware, exploits, data exfiltration, phishing, and more.
- Whatfix · Bronze Whatfix is advancing the “userization” of application technology, by empowering companies to maximize the ROI of digital investments across the application lifecycle. Powered by GenAI, Whatfix’s product suite includes a digital adoption platform, simulated application environments for hands-on training, and no-code application analytics. Whatfix enables organizations to drive user productivity, ensure process compliance, and improve user experience of internal and customer-facing applications. With seven offices across the US, India, UK, Germany, Singapore, and Australia, Whatfix supports 700+ enterprises, including 80+ Fortune 500s like Shell, Microsoft, Schneider Electric, and UPS Supply Chain Solutions. Backed by investors such as Warburg Pincus, Softbank Vision Fund 2, Dragoneer, Peak XV Partners, Eight Roads, and Cisco Investments, software clicks with Whatfix.
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