Chief of NUS Institute of System Science (ISS) Master of Technology in IT Leadership programme,Mr Tan Chi Siong,on why digital leadership is so essential today.
Q: How does the programme drive transformation?
It offers participants the opportunity to learn essential skills and practices, and develop a mindset to drive transformation to become future digital leaders. We have created an industry-oriented and practice-based learning environment where participants can benefit from our instructors’ wealth of practical experience and enjoy interactive learning among peers from different industries
Q: Why is digital leadership relevant today?
In today’s world, almost every business is a digital business. Our industries and organisations are increasingly being disrupted and transformed by the pervasive use of digital technologies, along with the rise of disruptive business models.
As the rate of disruption accelerates, the gap between leaders and laggards has become bigger. The programme’s strong focus on digital strategy and leadership will enable participants to learn new skills and harness the opportunities in the new digital economy.
Q: Digital disruption is the new norm. How does digital leadership enhance this? Enabling technology and data are at the core of digital transformation, but these alone are not sufficient to help you stay relevant — it is also about organisation strategy, leadership, people and their capabilities. To compete successfully in the digital economy, one needs different skills. As a digital leader, you need to find the right balance of skills to maintain core business operations with new technologies, while innovating for the future by harnessing a wide range of talents from everywhere. This also includes future proofing your own skills as a leader for the digital age.
Q: How can course graduates grow, career-wise?
They will receive solid grounding in digital business models, and learn how disruptive technology creates, drives and transforms a business. They will also develop critical thinking, process and people skills, and take on new exciting job roles and career paths in the new economy.
Q: What advise would you give potential participants?
If you are a seasoned digital and business professional who aspires to become a leader involved in the Industry 4.0 and Smart Nation initiatives, and you have an ambition to drive change and innovation in the digital era, this exciting programme will take your learning and career aspirations to a new level.
Q: What does it take to be a digital leader today?
A curious mind and a passion for learning. The programme will challenge you to become proactive and adaptable to changes, to think strategically and apply new approaches to problem solving.
Article was written by Nivani Elangovan and first appeared on The New Paper here.