- 11 September 2025
- 9:00am - 6:00pm
- Raffles City Convention Centre, Singapore
AGENDA
08.15
Registration & Welcome Coffee
09.00
Conference Chairperson’s Welcome Remarks
09.15
Panel Discussion: Technology Business Partnering to Drive Business Growth
In a world where everything moves very rapidly, the role of IT and CIO/CTO naturally needs to evolve and develop into technology business partners. IT is now required to champion innovation, advance enterprise business goals and drive enterprise transformation for business growth, efficiency and competitive advantage.
- How the role of IT is changing for the better
- Bridging the divide between business and IT
- Driving a transformative mindset within IT function
- Infusing business acumen into IT function to channel innovation
- Best practices in cultivating business-centric IT
Moderator:
Allan Tan
Group Editor-in-Chief, CXOCIETY
Panelist:
Roshan Kapoor
Senior Vice President – IT, OLAM FOOD INGREDIENTS (ofi)
09.50
Keynote: Optimising Cloud Strategies for Value-First Delivery
Cloud computing has completely transformed IT capabilities to run more effectively thus support the business to grow and innovate faster. Cloud computing is, however, poised to offer even more profound developments in 2026 – from multi-cloud and hybrid cloud dominance, AI-powered cloud, serverless, edge and quantum computing to the rise of autonomous cloud infrastructure, one that is integrated with artificial intelligence and machine learning.
- The changing nature of the cloud in 2026
- Rethinking cloud infrastructure and how to optimise it
- Developing a hybrid and multi-cloud strategy to enhance flexibility and scalability
- How will the new cloud ecosystem redefine IT infrastructure in 2025?
10.15
Panel Discussion: Innovation vs. Keeping the Lights On
The days of just keeping the lights on are gone for today’s IT leaders. Most IT leaders are now under pressure to help the business to drive business changes and propel growth with continuous innovation.
As the epicenter of modern enterprise, CIO/CTO’s role in championing innovation today is often iterated as efforts to help business increase revenue, tap new markets, increase customer engagement or grow new product lines. How should CIOs/CTOs lead innovations that don’t impact current business operations thus overshadow new innovations?
- What to prioritise in 2026?
- Managing the continuous demand for innovation
- Striking the right balance between innovation and operational excellence
- Engaging with ecosystem partners to deliver the most value
- Driving sustainable innovation while maintaining critical enterprise service continuity
Moderator:
Allan Tan
Group Editor-in-Chief, CXOCIETY
10.50
Morning Coffee Break
11.15
Keynote: AI Governance Platforms for Integrating AI in Business
Gartner predicts that by 2028, organisations that implement comprehensive AI governance platforms will experience 40% fewer AI-related ethical incidents compared to those without such systems. This session will share how AI governance platforms will ensure the legal, ethical and operational performance of enterprise AI systems.
- Building AI Trust, Risk and Security Management (TRiSM) framework into AI models
- Assessing risks and ensuring appropriate controls in AI life cycle
- Building AI transparency, trust and accountability with AI governance platforms
- Use cases of AI governance platforms
11.40
Panel Discussion: The Reality Check of GenAI Adoption
2024 saw immense growth of Generative AI (GenAI) adoption where the technology fundamentally changed how businesses get done. However, Gartner analysts predict that at least 30% of generative AI (GenAI) projects will be abandoned after proof of concept by the end of 2025, due to poor data quality, inadequate risk controls, escalating costs or unclear business value.
- Expectations vs. reality
- Assessing the maturity of GenAI model and how to accelerate it
- Ensuring GenAI delivers its promises
- Realising measurable business value for GenAI
- Framework for ethical GenAI development and deployment
12.15
Keynote: Transforming Corporate Functions & Product Innovation with AI & Imperative Governance
As AI reshapes industries, CIOs and CTOs must navigate the dual challenge of optimizing company’s internal functions while driving AI-powered product innovation—responsibly. According to Gartner, by 2026, over 80% of enterprises will have used generative AI APIs or models in production environments, significantly reshaping workflows, and product offerings. Meanwhile, Forrester highlights that organisations prioritising responsible AI practices see 25% higher trust and adoption rates among customers and stakeholders. This session explores how leaders can harness AI and create a strategic roadmap for AI-driven transformation that balances innovation with responsibility.
12.40
Networking Lunch
13.40
Keynote: Ensuring Business and Operational Resilience in 2026
Cybersecurity plays a key role in risk management and business continuity through 2025 and the coming year. The adoption of AI and GenAI, spread of fake news and misinformation, cloud movement and talent crunch are pushing security to the top of IT leaders’ priorities list in 2026. Also, according to Gartner, 44% of C-suites and boards are less confident CISOs can deliver on key priorities. How should CIOs and CISOs protect their organisations from constantly evolving security threats, especially in the era of AI and distorted information?
- Ensuring high-level cyber maturity amidst mounting and persistent cyber threats
- The role of OT Security in business continuity
- Enabling disinformation security to prevent, detect and respond to disinformation campaigns
- Rethinking Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP) and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) to boost operational resilience and incident response
- Enhancing end-user security awareness to strengthen defenses
14.05
Panel Discussion: Modernising Digital Transformation Strategies for Relevance in 2026
Gartner research shows that 89% of boards agree digital is an implicit part of growth strategy, but 81% report they have not made progress toward or achieved their digital business transformation goals. Now that CEOs and the boards expect to see top- or bottom-line benefits from digital investments, how should CIOs and CTOs handle lagging digital transformation efforts and demonstrate business value from technology investments?
- Aligning technology initiatives with business goals to drive digital transformation
- Scaling digital transformation despite organisational barriers
- Balancing innovation and control during digital business transformation
- Sustaining the transformation momentum without overwhelming the teams
- Measuring the outcomes and success of digital strategy
14.40
Fireside Chat: IT Cost Optimisation to Meet Business Transformation Demands
According to Forrester, while most technology executives expect to increase their IT budgets in 2026, it might not be enough to keep up with inflation. The rising costs from AI and cloud spends, security frameworks, supply chains and tech talents will expect CIOs to manage technology investments more carefully to avoid redundancy.
- Growth vs. inflation – budgeting for IT in 2026
- Budgeting for cloud, non-cloud investments, software and technical staff amid increased demand for AI modernisation
- Optimising cloud use and rein in cost
- How to minimise IT operation and fixed costs
- Innovative sourcing and vendor management to reduce IT spend
Moderator:
Allan Tan
Group Editor-in-Chief, CXOCIETY
15.05
Afternoon Coffee Break
C-ENGAGE CONVENTION PLENARY
15.30
Conference Chairperson’s Welcome Remarks
Allan Tan
Group Editor-in-Chief, CXOCIETY
15.35
C-Suite Keynote: Building a Digital-Ready Organisational Culture for Seamless Transformation
A recent Gartner survey reveals that only 48% of digital initiatives meet or exceed their business outcome targets. To thrive in today's digital revolution, business leaders must understand the symbiosis of organisational culture and the successful implementation of digital initiatives. This session examines how business leaders can cultivate a culture that embraces digital tools, encourages continuous learning, and fosters collaboration.
- Top digital transformation considerations for organisational growth and adaptability in 2026
- Fostering a digital-first mindset across the organisation
- Leadership's role in shaping organisational mindset
- Measuring and sustaining digital readiness
Moderator:
Allan Tan
Group Editor-in-Chief, CXOCIETY
16.00
C-Suite Panel Discussion: AI Action Plans for 2026
Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat shared a preview of Singapore’s plans for research, innovation and enterprise (RIE) by 2030 and said both initiatives on large-scale applied AI push, and cross-sector research will be among wider efforts, including major investments, to secure Singapore’s future amid quickening economic and geopolitical shifts.
With Singapore’s plans in pushing on with applying artificial intelligence (AI) on a large scale in key sectors, as well as launch major research and development (R&D) programmes that cut across different fields in an effort to drive economic growth that creates good jobs, how should business leaders in Singapore redefine their strategy in their AI roadmap for the coming years?
- Practical lessons of AI implementation: What works and doesn't
- Bridging the gap between Open vs. Closed AI models
- Budgeting for AI: Siloed projects or big bang
- Deploying AI as a defence and offence strategy for business resilience
- Decoding AI opportunities for business in 2026
Moderator:
Allan Tan
Group Editor-in-Chief, CXOCIETY
Panelists:
Yeow Loye Siew
Chief Information Officer, MANDAI WILDLIFE GROUP
16.35
C-Suite Fireside Chat: Preparing and Winning the AI Talent Wars
Approximately 80% of AI talent leave companies because they either want a more interesting position or don't see opportunities for career advancement; however, BCG research shows that only 10% of new roles are filled by existing staff. With the increasing demands for AI expertise, this session explores the struggles, strategies, and best practices in attracting and retaining top talents in the age of AI and data.
- The evolution of tech capabilities and talent demands in Asia
- Getting ahead of the AI talent crunch in 2026
- Maintaining and managing AI talent pipelines
- Making your own AI talents: Training and development pathways
Interviewer:
Allan Tan
Group Editor-in-Chief, CXOCIETY
17.00
Closing Panel Discussion: Trade Tariffs as Catalysts for Digital Reinvention
U.S. tariffs will squeeze margins for Singapore’s firms reliant on trans-Pacific trade. CFOs must weigh profitability against investments in automation and AI and digitalisation to streamline costs. CIOs and CTOs will drive this shift, but CISOs face heightened risks: digitized workflows expose vulnerabilities to state-sponsored cyberattacks or ransomware. COOs will need to make sure that the company can handle the impact of tariffs on its operations and bottom line. Meanwhile, Chief Digital Officers must justify ROI on tech bets while ensuring agility—resilience now hinges on scalable digital infrastructure. How can C-Suite successfully walk the tariffs tightropes in 2026?
- Beyond the trade policy: Implications of global tariffs on C-Suite’s top priorities and agendas in 2026
- The need of better C-Suite’s collaboration to respond the current global fragility
- Making cost-effective decisions amidst economic and geopolitical uncertainties
- Ensuring AI and digital investments deliver as tariffs bite into margins
Moderator:
Allan Tan
Group Editor-in-Chief, CXOCIETY
17.35
Closing remarks
17:45