The human touch in a digital era: Culture,technology and capabilities at precursor assurance

Abstract

While technological advancements have reshaped numerous industries, the human factor remains paramount, providing unmatched advisory expertise. A central element of the storyline in this paper is the company Precursor Assurance. This local Singaporean accounting firm exemplifies how technological advancements, and the involvement of humans are seamlessly integrated. With KG Tan as its leader, the company promotes a work environment that values transparency, respect, and trust while emphasising grit and flexibility. The case depicts a scenario wherein technology amplifies human potentials in accounting rather than supplanting them.

Keywords

Digital transformation precursor assurance Singapore innovation digital strategy

Introduction

The accounting field has undergone a significant transformation due to rapid technological advancements, leading to a paradigm shift in traditional practices and facilitating greater efficiency and precision for industry professionals. Artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, cloud computing, and blockchain technologies have ushered in a new era of automation, enabling organisations to streamline routine processes, augment their data analysis capabilities, and elevate the precision of their financial reporting (Han et al., 2023; Jayasuriya and Sims, 2023; Lehner and Knoll, 2023). These technological advancements permit accountants to devote their attention to value-added tasks, including strategic analysis, risk mitigation, and delivering informative analysis to facilitate business decision-making (Savić and Pavlović, 2023).

The thriving entrepreneurial environments and evolving commercial frameworks in Asia present prospects for cooperation between conventional accounting institutions and innovation-led game changers (Liew et al., 2022; Litsareva, 2017). Enterprises specialising in financial technology, regulatory technology, and data analytics are transforming the marketplace by introducing avant-garde solutions and defying conventional business paradigms (Mishra and Valencia, 2023). Through mutually beneficial partnerships, established firms, and startups can create synergies that accelerate industry transformation, foster innovation, and provide clients with value-added services. Asia's accounting sector is undergoing an extensive transformation due to dynamic technological advancements, sustainability imperatives, geopolitical complexity, and security concerns (Seow et al., 2021). To succeed in this rapidly changing environment, local experts must adapt their responsibilities as strategists, use advanced technological solutions, and adopt sustainable methodologies. Accounting professionals can gain valuable insight into and contribute to the advancement of the industry by comprehending and addressing these interconnected ideas.

While technology is crucial in optimising procedures and enhancing productivity, the human factor remains indispensable in delivering a customised and compassionate approach to customer engagements (Feliciano-Cestero et al., 2023; Sutton et al., 2018). Amidst the widespread deployment of automation and AI-based solutions, the distinctive human touch characterises the expertise of professional accountants. It involves the capacity to comprehensively comprehend clients' distinct requirements, communicate proficiently, and yield insightful inputs that surpass the limitations of technology (Caputo et al., 2023; Schlegel and Kraus, 2023). Through interpersonal interaction, professionals cultivate trust, establish impactful connections, and ascertain that their clients perceive themselves as adequately comprehended and valued. Even with the automation of mundane tasks, accountants can still retain advisory expertise that technology cannot replicate. Their wealth of knowledge, extensive professional experience, and keen discernment are indispensable when deciphering complex financial data, ascertaining potential hazards, and furnishing astute guidance. The interpersonal approach permits experts to provide personalised guidance that considers individual clients' objectives, principles, and ambitions.

In addition, the interpersonal element fosters efficient interchange and partnership with clients. While technology presents convenience in data exchange and virtual communication, developing personal connections and establishing cordiality is paramount for the prosperity of firm and client relationships. Individuals who exhibit exceptional proficiency in utilising technology while preserving interpersonal connections can guarantee that clients possess a sense of support, enlightenment, and assurance when planning and making decisions (Yigitbasioglu et al., 2023). It is imperative to note that integrating technology and the personal touch in the accounting profession is critical (Kruskopf et al., 2020). This constitutes a beneficial humanised deployment of technology where technology augments efficacy and precision while accountants contribute essential human skills such as empathy, expertise, and flexibility (Yigitbasioglu et al., 2023). By adopting such an approach, accounting firms can capitalise on the advantages conferred by technological progress while upholding the distinctive attributes that render human interactions indispensable.

This paper outlines a case study conducted on Precursor Assurance, a renowned accounting firm in Singapore which serves as a practical example of how technology integration can be implemented with a humanistic approach. The trajectory of the company's evolution is defined by the odyssey of its founder Tan Khoon Guan (KG), and his visionary acumen, which has been instrumental in steering the organisation towards an astute assimilation of human sensibilities and digital strategies amidst a labyrinthine landscape of complexities.

Adapting to change and embracing innovation

In 1999, a budding professional named Tan Khoon Guan (KG) embarked on a path that would indelibly leave an impression on his career. During this particular period, he had the opportunity to be a member of Arthur Andersen, which he highly regards as an exceptionally delightful experience. The environment's vibrancy, the team's eagerness to cultivate an outstanding workplace, and the open and transparent communication all contributed to an exceptional experience for his professional development. His ambition was to move up as a partner in the firm and to remain there for the rest of his career. Unexpectedly, with the downfall of Enron in 2002, his life and the work of the industry underwent a profound transformation leaving parts of the industry upended and in chaos. Amidst the fluctuating terrain, Arthur Andersen (inextricably involved with the Enron collapse and obstruction of justice) made the move to merge with Ernst & Young. At that juncture, KG exercised his discretion by discontinuing his involvement in audit work and venturing into a novel domain. He assumed the responsibility of a pre-sales representative, executing software demonstrations, and providing customer support. This alteration in career path constituted the initial stride towards a sequence of professional shifts.

Preceding this occasion, KG exhibited a consistent record of professional accomplishment, retaining a position of pre-sales representative, for 7 months. After this alteration, he encountered a periodic movement across employment every 8 months to 1 year. This job-hopping phase left him disoriented; his friends even dubbed him a ‘serial job hopper’. Nonetheless, it was a time of exploration as he sought to unearth his genuine professional calling. Despite the frequent changes, he found comfort in the support of people who crossed his path and whose advice contributed significantly to his professional development. In 2006, a crucial turning point was reached. KG established his accounting firm, called KG Tan & Co PAC. This marked an essential phase in his professional career. He found the determination and direction he sought in the company he founded, which is now called Precursor Assurance. The company provided him a platform to showcase his skills and build his status. His career in this position spans over a decade, representing his most extended service. Figure 1 summarises KG's career path.

Figure 1.

KG’s professional journey.

His enduring appreciation for the experience that has brought him to the present juncture is matched by his eagerness to embrace the possibilities that lie ahead in his association with Precursor Assurance. However, the question remained on him: Why did he have difficulty finding long-term employment after his time at Arthur Andersen? What factors contributed to his ability to remain in his current position? Could it be because Precursor Assurance is a product of his intellectual origin and therefore holds a special place in his heart, much like a beloved offspring? Or did his professional career seamlessly follow a passion he possessed? Over time, KG embarked on a journey of self-reflection and eventually found the answer. It dawned on him that his innate inclination abhors an excess of stability, and he thrives in a milieu that puts him in control and allows him to move things forward.

Looking back at and analysing his post-Arthur Andersen career, Mr Tan noticed a recurring trend. Despite his initial zeal for projects and concepts at his previous jobs, his colleagues, and managers had ultimate control over the direction of projects and the pace of progress. In the professional landscape, while alignment with his colleagues' pace was at times necessary, the predominant challenge was the ambiguity of subsequent endeavours. The cessation of a project was less about a deceleration and more about navigating the uncharted waters ahead. Such uncertainties engendered a profound unease, highlighting the imperative for a distinct career strategy. He became restless because he no longer had autonomy and control. This is where Precursor Assurance differs from his previous employment. The company allows him to embrace new perspectives and encourages the urge to venture into uncharted territory. It allows him to take control, contribute original ideas, achieve favourable results, and endure setbacks. Successes are a source of great satisfaction, while failures provide invaluable opportunities for personal development and career advancement. Over the past decade, KG has been fortunate to experience a practical, hands-on training program representing an invaluable and unparallelled opportunity that transcends financial value. The pursuit continues to inspire a sense of excitement in him as each day that passes offers new prospects for expansion and exploration.

Cultivating a value-driven organisational culture

KG upholds transparency, respect, and trust as core principles of his company, Precursor Assurance. KG internalised the invaluable importance of an open and straightforward corporate culture during the formative years of his career at Andersen. Among the core principles of this approach is a prompt resolution of issues through clear and direct communication. KG believes transparency is essential to the business and should never be undervalued. Of equal importance is the value placed on respect. For KG, respect goes beyond the organisational hierarchy. Recognising and valuing each individual's contribution is essential to creating an environment conducive to the unfettered dissemination of ideas and information. Coupled with transparency, this shared appreciation leads to meaningful dialogues that form the basis for collaborative progress and ingenuity.

Trust is the fundamental basis of its organisational values. Trust promotes transparent communication, the free expression of ideas, and the building of stable relationships. When trust, respect, and transparency come together, any possibility of clandestine motives or hidden agendas is eliminated. This triumvirate is at the core of Precursor Assurance's culture, creating a conducive environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to the best of their ability. KG frequently reflects on the path to improvement – for both employees and clients. While Precursor Assurance has different resources than the better-known multinational companies, the company strives to foster a workplace culture that emphasises employee satisfaction and a friendly work dynamic. This creates a relaxed, pleasant atmosphere that allows for open communication. The goal is to create a work environment with a welcoming atmosphere and liveliness in which everyone feels comfortable.

To date, Precursor Assurance has shown a discernible propensity for progression. At the outset, while some aspects of the development of the individual were present, the arrangement was somewhat chaotic. Precursor Assurance improved its employees' skills and abilities by recognising the need for a holistic view. The company has been implementing a holistic approach that linked effective leadership, streamlined organisational operations, employee well-being, and rigorous training to provide a more cohesive and connected perspective on the organisational terrain. The accreditation of the People Developer by the Standards, Productivity, and Innovation Board (SPRING) in Singapore was an endorsement and validation of the significant progress made.¹ KG is known for its relentless pursuit of change and is recognised for its persistent efforts to introduce innovative concepts into the organisation. Fortunately, most of these concepts have yielded beneficial results and positive changes. When changes, advancements, or conversions are pending, a comprehensive plan is shared with the team. They explain the need and the expected constructive impact. Throughout the journey, this approach has secured the support of colleagues, regardless of the inevitable challenges that arise along the way. Employees understand the overall goal behind the actions and demonstrate a willingness to participate in improving the work environment that benefits the whole.

As KG eagerly communicated with the group, there was an atmosphere of anticipation. With typical enthusiasm, he reflected on the recognition he had received for his team's efforts, saying that the pursuit of recognition had never been his or his team's primary motivation. Recognition can be a form of validation, but the satisfaction of making a positive difference in people's lives is authentic. KG and his team explained that they focused on refining their work and the depth of their experience through interaction with others. They acknowledged that time is a constant factor that presents a challenge. With only 24 h a day, they were faced with time constraints and decided to use the best resources and sustainable solutions within their means. The team, led by KG, had a limited budget. Therefore, they had to set the cadence of their steps, anticipating the obstacles that may arise. Table 1 shows the dimensions of organisational culture at Precursor Assurance.

Table 1.

Precursor Assurance Organisational Culture Dimensions.

Organisational culture dimension	Description
Transparency, respect, and trust	• The quality of transparency is deemed essential, as it promotes candid and forthright exchange
	• The virtue of reverence supersedes hierarchical structures, fostering a milieu conducive to the unrestrained exchange of thoughts and perspectives
	• Trust is the cornerstone of the corporate culture, allowing for transparent collaboration and strong relationships
People development and change	• The institution embarked on a voyage towards developing its workforce by closely interweaving elements such as efficient leadership, streamlined processes, employee welfare, and comprehensive training programs
People development and change	• Collaboratively introducing innovative concepts and exchanging design models with peers to facilitate transformation
Improving lives and satisfaction	• The impetus behind the actions is driven by the aspiration to enhance the quality of life for the staff and clientele
	• Validation is provided through recognition; however, true contentment is derived from positively contributing to customer satisfaction
	• The team's fervour and exuberance propel their pursuit of sustainable solutions, sustaining their ardour and vigour even in the face of challenges

Vision of technological advancement and human empowerment in accounting

KG explained that his company's journey in technology started with the collaboration with a technology provider. The strategic alliance was the optimal approach, with one party contributing its Accounting expertise and the other leveraging its technological capabilities. Over a year, Precursor Assurance pursued this path rigorously, eventually achieving accreditation and an award from the collaboration; however, the acquisition of its partner company resulted in a setback for Precursor Assurance.

Despite this unfortunate event, KG and his team remained steadfast in their determination to achieve a positive outcome. They saw this event as an opportunity to gather and refine knowledge, change their approach, adapt to circumstances, and explore alternative ways to move forward. This led them to develop technological solutions and establish links with reliable allies who agreed with their views and principles. Exercising control over resources was essential while ensuring they were consistent with overall goals. The strategic decision to engage with a company based in India, founded by Madhu, marked a turning point. Recognising the paramount importance of aligning Madhu with the purpose and vision of Precursor Assurance's technology roadmap, Precursor offered him an equity stake in the SG technology unit. Additionally, the company also enlisted him as their Chief Technology Officer (CTO), ensuring his complete focus on the outlined roadmap. This move reinforced the belief that persistence and a positive attitude open doors to innovative perspectives.

As KG pointed out, one of the most essential principles of their journey was their collective effort. He expressed his admiration for his team's tireless commitment and loyalty. He expressed that transparency played a critical role in his company. He would openly communicate his intentions while openly admitting any obstacles. He also instilled confidence in his team by communicating a clear vision of a promising horizon. The sense of confidence and a shared vision were the impetus that propelled them toward their goal. Consistent communication and evaluating the effectiveness of various strategies had become an integral part of their shared culture in Precursor Assurance. KG also emphasised the importance of digital transformation in today's world, especially in light of the significant costs associated with labour and real estate in Singapore. In his observation, digital transformation is being embraced not only by accounting firms but also by small and medium-sized businesses. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that integrating aspects of digitalisation, technology and innovation into a broader strategy can be intimidating. Therefore, he said, a comprehensible and well-structured strategy is essential. The lack of such an approach can lead to a disorganised hodgepodge of software applications that cannot effectively communicate with each other, leading to more complications and concerns.

Planning for digital innovation, according to KG, is similar to planning a community. One must conceive the layout, the essential elements, and all the details therein. Without such prudent planning, one must pay more attention to the intricacies of commercial procedures and activities. Herein lies where their team intervened, furnishing patrons with a meticulously designed itinerary aligned with their requisites. One of the most enjoyable experiences KG had been when they presented their solutions to accounting firms. The teams conscientiously explained the proposed approach and demonstrated potential successes. The team was delighted to receive positive client feedback confirming that their wishes had come true. KG said these recognitions and appreciation made the journey even more rewarding. KG and his team believed that, in addition to the appreciation of successes, the recognition of failures is also essential. He emphasised that the absence of mistakes could indicate a lack of ambition and insufficient exposure to risks and challenges. They viewed mistakes as a means of acquiring knowledge, recognising them, processing the knowledge gained, and then moving forward.

Within the dynamic spheres of technology and accounting, KG conceived a realm that transcended technology – a thriving society based on three fundamental principles (i.e., transparency, respect, and trust). He envisioned a virtual platform where various technology providers work synergistically to create unparalleled solutions. His strategy aimed to eliminate the fragmentation of the accounting industry by bringing together different players such as stakeholders, associations, and educational institutions in the accounting industry. The embodiment of camaraderie between competitors transformed into allies that facilitated harmonisation in an otherwise diversified industry. KG saw technology as a means to progress and improve the quality of human existence. He believed that digital collaborative tools capable of communicating with each other were essential to creating an industry that thrived on community participation. He foresaw a future where manual coordination would be obsolete and replaced by seamless communication between applications. Despite the challenges and pace of technological development, KG viewed each milestone as a step toward the goal - a brighter, technologically advanced future.

According to KG, adaptability was considered the most essential virtue of man. Human's innate ability to seize any situation and find ways to adapt proved fundamental to the progress of society. He saw technology as a helper that expanded human potential rather than a substitute that displaced it. While acknowledging the value of automation, he held that it could not replace the human element, especially in advisory positions. Amid the prevalence of technology, the indispensable value of human intuition and understanding remains. KG's outlook on accountants' future went beyond traditional accounting boundaries. He saw accountants as skilled financial professionals and consultants who leverage technological advances to enhance their skills and deliver customised business diagnostic solutions. He recognised that progress sometimes comes with loss, but these losses are indispensable for substantial advancements. Balancing embracing technological progress and preserving humanity's fundamental values was paramount for him.

As a leader, KG faced the constant challenge of inspiring and engaging diverse groups of people, especially his employees. He emphasised the importance of analytics as an essential skill in today's age of vast information proliferation. In addition to the ability to analyse data, communicating effectively and conveying clear messages was a critical factor in his success as an accountant and consultant. Numerous awards, including the prestigious Singapore Accountancy Award and the Nanyang Outstanding Young Alumni Award from Nanyang Technological University, evidenced his tireless commitment to technological advancement and exceptional service. KG and his team's journey at Precursor Assurance with technology and accounting was rooted in a belief in improving human life and fostering a thriving, united community. Along the way, they were driven to make a positive difference, appreciate every milestone, and be grateful for every recognition. Table 2 shows Precursor Assurance's approaches to innovation and technology.

Table 2.

Precursor Assurance's Path to Technological Excellence.

Approaches to innovation and technology	Description
Partnership and adaptation	The odyssey of precursor assurance encompassed allying with a technological purveyor, acclimatising hindrances, and innovating novel approaches to progress
People development and innovation	At precursor assurance, paramount importance is accorded to the development of individuals, fostering innovation and nurturing employee progression
Streamlining services	The SmartCursors marketplace was established to furnish accounting enterprises with bespoke software applications to assist them in their daily functions and streamline their service offerings
Adaptable approach	Precursor assurance has highlighted the necessity of being flexible and responsive to the industry's evolving trends while utilising the unique benefits of various applications
Human touch and advisory role	Despite embracing technology, precursor assurance firmly recognises the value of interpersonal relationships and underscores accountants' pivotal role as trusted advisors
Analytics and information overload	Precursor assurance acknowledges the arduous task posed by the influx of data and the indispensability of employing analytical tools to discern meaningful patterns and furnish valuable insights
Recognition and commitment	Precursor assurance commemorates their accomplishments, views errors as valuable educational experiences, and is dedicated to effecting constructive influence

Building a technology ecosystem: making a difference with technology

SmartCursors Marketplace is one of the most consistent efforts undertaken by Precursor Assurance. It is a comprehensive platform offering many cloud-based tools and applications to help accountants and businesses manage and optimise operations effectively. It consolidates a wide range of business activities, from practice management to finance, human resource management, audit, corporate governance, and data analytics (see Table 3 for SmartCursors capabilities). This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple software applications and refines workflows, creating a central hub for managing a wide range of business operations. The platform's cloud-based infrastructure ensures secure data storage that can be accessed from any location, eliminating reliance on physical servers and reducing the likelihood of hardware failures or data loss. This venture represents a remarkable advance for Precursor Assurance. The features that have been developed in the marketplace are tailored to address customer problem areas. One exemplary system feature is document creation automation, which previously required a significant amount of time and effort. A few efficient clicks have simplified the previously complicated process of duplicating, transferring, and archiving documents.

Table 3.

Smart Cursors’ Key Capabilities.

Capability	Description
Cloud-based infrastructure	Ensures secure data storage and accessibility from any location, reducing dependence on physical servers and mitigating risks
Compliance tools and features	Assists in data management to ensure compliance with regulations, reducing the risk of non-compliance penalties
Configurable dashboards and reports	Enables customisation to align with specific business requirements, providing relevant metrics and insights
Enhanced productivity	Automates tasks, reduces manual workloads, and minimises the risk of human errors, improving overall operational efficiency
Improved profitability	Facilitates cost tracking, identifies areas for cost reduction, and provides a comprehensive view of financials for data-driven decisions
Pay-as-you-go pricing	Offers cost flexibility, allowing businesses of all sizes to leverage SmartCursors without significant upfront expenses
Real-time data and insights	Equips decision-makers with up-to-date information, enabling assessment of business performance and swift response to market dynamics
Real-time data visibility	Empowers users to access and analyse critical information on demand, facilitating informed decision-making
Scalability and versatility	Accommodate businesses of varying sizes and evolving requirements, supporting seamless growth and customisation
Streamlined workflows	Eliminates the need for multiple software applications, simplifying and consolidating business operations
Unified platform	Integrates practice management, accounting, human resources, audit, corporate secretarial, and analytics into a centralised hub

This all-in-one solution helps improve work mobility, increase productivity, gain valuable insights through intelligent data analysis, and promote optimal collaboration within the company. This project aimed to establish an application repository that meets the specific needs of accounting firms and offers a set of applications that improve their workflows, provide optimal problem-solving, and promote seamless service. By integrating these applications, interconnectivity could be established to facilitate collaboration and increase operational efficiency. An initiative is underway to expand platform access to more developers to create a resilient ecosystem. Considering their technology framework, KG shared that the main focus is identifying the shortfalls through their SmartCursors. Once identified, these gaps can be addressed through collaboration and smart leveraging of various strengths. Their flexible and decentralised methodology allowed them to respond to emerging market dynamics to capitalise on evolving prospects.

KG and his team acknowledged entrepreneurs' difficulties when involved in numerous ventures with numerous companies. Therefore, they have incorporated features into their system to establish and facilitate such connections, providing valuable insights into individual influence within and between companies. These analytics better understand users' engagement, value, and needs across personal and collective domains. KG intended to refrain from taking a leadership role or gaining recognition when he embarked on his journey. The real drive behind his ventures is his desire to improve the quality of existence for his employees and customers. This continues to be his primary motivation. Although recognition and endorsements validate their pursuit, KG and his team derive ultimate satisfaction from realising that their conscientious efforts have improved people's lives and provided them with real help.

Discussion questions

• What critical themes can you glean from the case study?

• Can you explain the key catalysts that led KG to make various career changes after leaving Arthur Andersen and elaborate on the reasons for his continued employment at Precursor Assurance?

• To what extent did KG Tan's process of introspection help him understand his career inclinations and gain satisfaction at Precursor Assurance?

• Could you elaborate on how the fundamental values of transparency, respect, and trust have improved the organisational culture at Precursor Assurance and the benefits that have resulted?

• To what extent has KG’s methodology for facilitating change and fostering innovation helped him to be accepted and supported by his colleagues at Precursor Assurance?

• What actions did KG and his team take to overcome the obstacles and difficulties they encountered along the way, and to what extent did their persistence and perseverance play a critical role in their triumphant outcome?

• How does KG see the future of the accounting industry, and to what extent does he believe that technology can complement human skills?

Footnotes

Declaration of conflicting interests

The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Funding

The author(s) received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

ORCID iD

Arif Perdana

Note

Author biographies

Arif Perdana’s work history includes his current position as an Associate Professor at Monash University, specialising in digital strategy and sustainability, data science and analytics, and information systems management. His academic work spans over a decade at various prestigious universities such as Singapore Institute of Technology, Aarhus University, and University of Queensland. Prior to his academic career, Arif worked in the IT services and finance industries and has extensive experience in these sectors. Arif has secured significant funding for his work, including research grants from Singapore institutions, Australian funding agencies, and the Indonesian government and corporations. Some notable research grants and projects include Monash Data Future Institute (MDFI), Whyte Fund, Research Grant Bank Indonesia, and Singapore Institute of Technology Ignition Grants.

Pearpilai Jutasompakorn is an Associate Professor and a Program Leader of the Accountancy program, Business, Communication, and Design Cluster at Singapore Institute of Technology. Her research interests include credit risk management, banking, financial stability and regulation, and FinTech. She has been the principal investigator of several research projects to provide innovative solutions to industry partners. She has been quoted and interviewed by media, including Business Times, Straits Times, Money FM, and Channel News Asia's radio pertaining to finance and credit risk. She also published in industry-relevant and international journals, including the Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions & Money, the Journal of Contemporary Accounting and Economics, the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) journal, and the Pacific Asia Journal of the Association for Information Systems.

Charles Carroll conducts research on social practice and cultural transformation in changing political economies. Employing tools and techniques of visual anthropology he has conducted research on topics as varied as the transformation of mathematical practices of handloom weavers in Lao PDR, to the incorporation of robotics and FinTech practices in the changing industries of Singapore. Dr. Carroll has taught sociology and visual anthropology at the National University of Singapore and applied digital communications and information technology with the Singapore Institute of Technology. Dr. Carroll is the co-founder of the Tourism Studies Working Group at UC Berkeley.

Jawn Lim is an Associate Professor at the Business, Communication, and Design Cluster at Singapore Institute of Technology. He is a design futurist and a business innovation consultant across various industries. At SIT, he serves as the Deputy Cluster Director and University Module Coordinator for the Design Innovation module that 4500 students take annually. He has served as a judge for design, brand, and assistive technology awards. Concurrently, he is the Chief Design Officer at the Singapore Productivity Centre and the founder of the Speculative Futures Singapore Chapter. He was previously a director at a Design Thinking academy, a designer at Pritzker Laureate Frank Gehry's office, and a Design Singapore-Creative Industries scholar. He has held teaching appointments at the Rhode Island School of Design, Nanyang Technological University, and Harvard University. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Architecture) from the National University of Singapore, a Master of Architecture from the Southern California Institute of Architecture, an Advanced Certificate for Executives in Management, Innovation, & Technology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and a Doctor of Design from Harvard.

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