Curious how Victor juggles big-picture strategy with his love for planes, a never-ending bookshelf, and quality time with his three kids? Read on as he shares candid insights on leading NUS-ISS in the age of AI, the guiding principles that shape his leadership, along with the playbook that keeps him future-ready.
Hi Victor, please share with us your professional background.
I started my technology career at HP, where I performed several roles in technology infrastructure, more specifically in data and voice networking and data centres, for both internal and external global accounts.
I then decided to make a deeper foray into an industry vertical and joined IHG in the hospitality industry. At IHG, I rotated across a myriad of regional and global roles in Infrastructure & Operations, Product Management, New Hotel Openings & Conversions, Business Relationship Management, Application Development, and Technology Leadership.
I subsequently moved on to GIC in the fund management industry. Similarly, I rotated across a myriad of roles in Technology & Digital Strategy, Enterprise Architecture, Agile Development, Cloud & Infrastructure, Technology Operations, End User Computing, and Technology Business Management.
Having accumulated close to 25 years of experience in enterprise technology delivery and operations, I then made an adjacent pivot to NUS-ISS with the goal of raising technology and digital capabilities across industries in Singapore and beyond.
2. You’ve just stepped into the role of Deputy CEO. What are the priorities you’re most excited to focus on?
Just listening and learning, really. I have been focused on getting to know our people in NUS-ISS one by one - getting a front-row seat into their work, achievements, aspirations, and even challenges. I continue to be inspired by the purpose our people carry in wanting to make an impact on lives through education, in whatever way they may do so.
I have also had the opportunity and privilege to meet and reconnect with our industry partners and alumni. It is exciting to hear firsthand the impact that NUS-ISS has made and continues to make across industries and in individual careers. You truly get to see accelerating digital excellence in action.
AI continues to be a key focus. We had a record turnout at our recent Learning Festival 2025, titled “Always Learning & Always Leading in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” where we covered topics such as Generative & Agentic AI, Industry-Specific AI, Data Value Realisation, Digital Resiliency, and Digital Strategy & Leadership in the age of AI. This reinforces our ongoing commitment to curate cutting-edge AI courses and seamlessly embed AI topics into our existing curriculum to better equip learners and industry partners for the future.
3. How do you see your role complementing the CEO’s vision and driving NUS-ISS forward?
We have a heavy and ambitious book of work to achieve our NUS-ISS 2030 Vision. My addition to the team certainly bolsters and reinforces the NUS-ISS management bench, and I look forward to working alongside our CEO, Chan Meng, and the management team to make this vision a reality.
Both Chan Meng and I agree that establishing trust and avoiding inconsistencies in behaviours and actions are critical to ensuring success for NUS-ISS. We are firmly committed to modelling these values and embedding them into the way we lead and deliver together.
4. Leadership often means making tough choices. What’s one guiding principle or belief that anchors your decision-making?
Impartiality. This requires a disciplined and conscious effort to be aware of my own biases and to check them at the door. Partiality and subjectivity erode trust and undermine high performance, while impartiality helps create a fair and consistent environment. I am also mindful that our psychology and past experiences can sometimes cloud our judgment, so maintaining self-awareness is key.
Intellectual honesty is the other. It is about seeking and speaking the truth, even when it is uncomfortable or inconvenient. It means examining evidence objectively, challenging assumptions - including my own - and being willing to change course when new facts emerge.
5. How do you stay ahead of new trends and ideas in the industry?
I believe in talking to others and learning from them. From those who have been in the industry longer, I gain insights from their accomplishments and mistakes - and can often avoid a lot of pain that way. From those who are younger and emerging, I get a glimpse into the future and fresh perspectives that challenge my thinking.
I also make it a point to read widely. I buy an average of one book a week on Amazon and am clearly running out of space in my home library!
6. If you had a free afternoon with no meetings, how would you spend it?
I would spend more time on the "balcony" rather than on the "dance floor".
We often fall into the rut of constant doing instead of intentional thinking. I can add the greatest strategic value in my role by carving out time to think deeply, identify patterns, shape direction, drive stakeholder sponsorships, and remove roadblocks.
7. Work aside, what are your favourite activities or passions that recharge you?
My three children occupy much of my time outside work, and I’m fully invested in that role - chauffeuring, nudging, cheerleading, and occasionally refereeing.
Beyond family, I carve out time for golf, pickleball, and travel. Travel, in particular, inspires me, refreshes my perspective, and broadens my horizons.
Victor in his element, living the golf life
8. Share with us something about yourself that very few people know. It could be a fun fact, hidden talent or an unusual hobby.
I am a commercial aviation enthusiast. I collect 1:200 die-cast commercial aircraft models and have amassed a collection of more than 50. My favourite aircraft model is the Boeing 747-400 - the legendary “Queen of the Skies,” celebrated for its iconic hump, graceful winglets, and extended upper deck. Sadly, opportunities to fly on this classic are becoming rarer as airlines increasingly retire it in favour of newer, more fuel-efficient models.
Just a small slice of Victor’s impressive collection of 1:200 die-cast commercial aircraft models.