Once associated as a traditional skill, ‘thread' into the future with Jacob Wong, Alfred Tam, and Alexander Ang, graduates of the NUS-ISS Master of Technology in Digital Leadership (MDL) programme, previously known as Master of Technology in IT Leadership (MITL), as they digitally enable the art of sewing. Together they developed their capstone project: the Digital Atelier App for a 165-year-old global provider of industrial needles, precision components and fine tools for textile assembly. The objective is to eliminate common sewing pain points and effectively create an online platform to receive up-to-date and relevant information at one’s fingertips. The app is set to digitally transform and elevate the total experience for big players in the sewing industry and even hobbyists.
Digital transformation for great customer experiences
Recognising the company’s commitment to continuous innovation and investment for the future, the team of three is quick to seize the opportunity and mapped out a digital transformation strategy. Through surveys, focus group studies with data collection and customer engagement from sewing schools; solution companies, social media clubs, and foreign universities, the team extended the focus beyond manufacturing high quality needles to great customer experiences through new business strategies and digitalisation embodied in the Digital Atelier App.
From left to right: The capstone project team, Alfred, Alexander, Jacob with then NUS-ISS adjunct lecturer and Chief Technology Officer of Massive Infinity, Vincent Lau
"At NUS-ISS MITL, our MDL Capstone project enabled us to challenge the status quo in the traditional sewing industry. We applied our knowledge of digital transformation to develop customer-focused innovations, redefine revenue strategies, and enhance data-driven decision-making.
With continuous mentorship and valuable insights from our lecturers, we crafted a comprehensive strategy that not only aligns with industry needs but also delivers impactful solutions to our stakeholders, who were engaged throughout the process," says Jacob.
Beyond the precision and inspiration for the perfect seam
The value-add lies in the opportunity to ride the digital wave and transform the consumers’ core sewing experience through the smart app. Digital Atelier is the world’s first digital organiser that aids consumers in their end-to-end sewing journey.
The personal section comprises both a digital journal that allows consumers to track all their craftwork which they are passionate and inspired about and a catalogue section to record sewing needles and sewing materials conveniently. The knowledge section leverages on the company’s extensive sewing needle library. The community section is designed for sewists to look up any sewing topics conveniently and exchange ideas, collaborate, share their colourful creations, new ideas and to provide help for like-minded sewists within the sewing ecosystem. The tool suite is a collection of digital sewing troubleshooting tools to allow sewists to track how long they have used their needles for and if the needles were due for a change. This feature and its associated technology have been successfully demonstrated and proven to work with mid-fidelity prototypes. Lastly, the marketplace section is a one stop shop where sewing needles, materials and accessories can be purchased conveniently that will also double up as a marketplace for the sewists’ customers.
From the classroom to the real world
Following their final presentation, the team’s cogent proposal includes a digital transformation roadmap, estimated investments and an implementation plan to scale it up on a global level.
“The practice-based programme contributed to many lively classroom discussions which I have benefited much from the exchanges between the students, lecturers, and industry leaders. This helped changed not only my perspective and ideas on business but also fundamentally identified and addressed aspects of my personality and weaknesses which I would have never seen reason to adjust. Knowing this helps develop my ability and skills to lead in this evolving economy,” says Alexander Ang.
“I find the blend of business and digital-related knowledge I have acquired through the programme to be crucial to my professional development as a digital leader. The key takeaway for me has to be the capstone project journey, a culmination of what I have learned from the programme, augmented with years of professional experience and an acid test of one’s character to thrive through adversity. The experience has undoubtedly shaped my thinking and raised my competency level to a new high, empowering me to lead digitalisation in my organisation with confidence,” acknowledges Alfred Tam.
The Master of Technology in Digital Leadership (MDL) programme is a two year part-time course and is also available through a flexible stackable pathway. The NUS-ISS Stackable Professional Certificate Programme in Digital Leadership comprises of nine professional certificates within three pillars – Defining Strategic Ambition, Driving Transformation and Deploying for Lasting Impact. This programme helps equip participants with the critical thinking, competencies and knowledge through focusing on digital strategy, transformation and leadership. It enables the acceleration of their career and enhance their ability to take on greater roles and responsibilities in digital transformation leadership.