RSM Singapore’s Eileen Tan outlines key factors for a successful digital transformation

She discussed how companies can align technology with business goals to drive transformation and resilience.

Singapore's business landscape is renowned for its dynamism and innovation, driven by a strong commitment to digital transformation with companies leveraging advanced technologies. This focus on innovation positions Singapore’s enterprises as leaders in the ever-evolving global market.

Offering valuable insights is Eileen Tan, Partner at RSM Singapore. She is also the programme director for IMDA’s Chief Technology Officer-as-a-Service programme, a nationwide SMEs Go Digital initiative helping SMEs in their digital transformation journeys.

In a recent interview, as a judge at the Singapore Business Review Technological Excellence Awards 2025, Eileen discussed the role of digital transformation in reshaping the business landscape and how companies can leverage it to their advantage.

Building a resilient digital transformation

Digital transformation has significantly reshaped Singapore's business landscape, but not all organisations have succeeded in this area. Eileen highlighted key traits of successful digital transformation efforts, starting with a well-defined strategy and clear objectives that are aligned with key business drivers beyond IT personnel. Companies must also adopt the right technologies as enablers for innovation.

Eileen added that they should be inquisitive too. “A digital-first mindset that is open to explore the various technologies to disrupt old ways and uncover what is possible,” she said.

Equally important are IT governance and risk management practices to ensure compliance, mitigate cyber risks, and build trust as digital capabilities grow.

To align technology strategies with business goals, Eileen noted that successful companies involve cross-functional collaboration and prioritise data-driven decision-making to maximise ROI. Clear metrics and KPIs, coupled with feedback loops, enable organisations to track outcomes and adjust strategies to minimise post-implementation setbacks.

Eileen also emphasised the importance of harmonising change management with communication plans. “Invest in training and support to foster a culture of continuous innovation and agility amongst staff,” she added.

Collaboration between technology providers and businesses plays a crucial role in Singapore’s digital transformation. Providers act as trusted advisors, bringing domain expertise to guide robust transformation efforts.

“Open communication is key to understanding how relevant technology can be adapted to support the business model and customers’ needs,” Eileen noted, as it leads to faster realisation of transformation benefits.

In the face of major technology disruptions, Eileen emphasised that companies should ensure a business continuity management plan with clearly defined roles and responsibilities to manage operation processes, alongside sufficient cyber insurance coverage to mitigate damages from breaches.

Eileen advocates continuous learning, research, and exposure to emerging technologies and best practices. She also emphasised building connections to stay ahead.

“Connect with trusted technology advisors to be aware of emerging trends and technologies,” she added.

Excellence in innovation and security

As a judge for the Singapore Business Review Technological Excellence Awards 2025, Eileen expects to see AI-ready solutions but emphasises the need for demonstrated use cases that include risk mitigation and strong data governance practices. These criteria reflect the growing emphasis on innovation and security in today’s technology landscape.