Tan Lee Chew, Group Chief Commercial Officer for Market Development and President of Smart City & Digital Solutions, ST Engineering

1. How do you use technology/policy to improve citizens’ lives? Tell us about your role or organisation. 

As Group Chief Commercial Officer for Market Development and President of Smart City &  Digital Solutions at ST Engineering, I drive our Urban and Digital Solutions businesses. 

In Urban Solutions, we leverage technology and data to address urban challenges, such as traffic congestion, energy and operation efficiency. Data-driven insights empower cities to make informed decisions to optimise resources and enhance citizen services.

For instance, with Singapore’s Land Transport Authority, we are modernising a 5,800-strong public bus fleet by upgrading fleet management, fare collection, and communication systems with advanced, cloud-based, and 5G-enabled technologies, supporting cleaner energy transition, and enhancing commuter experience.

In Auckland, we achieved a further 20% reduction in energy use beyond what LED technology alone provided, by implementing 40,000 smart streetlights.

This past year, we were appointed to design, build and maintain Abu Dhabi's first multimodal Intelligent Transportation Central Platform (ITCP). This centralised system integrates various transport subsystems and data sources, enabling real-time traffic monitoring, incident detection, automated traffic updates, and traffic congestion prediction.

While initially focusing on road transport, the ITCP is designed to incorporate other modes, including rail, is central to Abu Dhabi's strategy to enhance public transport,  manage traffic growth, and reduce congestion by 2030.

Similarly, in Lusail City, Qatar, we are developing the AGIL Smart City Operating System,  showcasing how AI and data analytics can drive sustainability and improve quality of life.

These projects underscore our commitment in providing solutions that help to shape the future of urban environments globally.

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2. What was the most impactful project you worked on this year?

Navigating shifting demands of customers and business lies in having the right mindset and  understanding. This isn't just about finding the perfect technology or process; it’s also about engaging and inspiring our people.

Hence, creating platforms for leaders to learn and reflect deeply resonates with me. I conducted two leadership forums this year focused on “Engage and Inspire” to gather our leaders for a time to pause, refocus and hear fresh perspectives on leadership from external speakers.

This has strengthened our leadership community in fostering a positive organisational culture, and to think more broadly about inspiring their teams. I would say this is the most impactful project I have worked on this year.

3. What was one unexpected learning from 2024?

While not entirely unexpected, this year reaffirmed my belief in the power of a clear vision and the importance of tenacity. In business, believing in the impact of your vision will give you the boldness and strength to get into an additional gear and to go the extra mile. And it’s often in going the extra mile where you learn and grow.

I have seen this play out in 2024 and I’m carrying it into 2025.

4. What’s a tool or technique you’re excited to explore in 2025? 

What excites me most in 2025 is not a tool or technique, but the seamless mobility solutions we are working on.

In our Urban Solutions business, for example, we focus on transforming the way people commute and travel. We are actively developing and testing innovative solutions to enable seamless mobility between destinations within cities or countries. By using unique identifiers like a commuter’s palm, we can offer seamless access to multi transportation. 

These advancements will personalise the user preferences through integrated platforms, greatly enhancing experiences.

The democratisation of these technologies will fundamentally reshape how we interact with urban environments. As consumers prioritise efficiency and sustainability, integrated solutions are becoming essential for creating a more intuitive and seamless user  experience. I am excited to see how we can scale some of these proven and innovative solutions and to see the positive impact they will have on daily life.

5. Everybody’s talking about AI today – give us your hot take on AI and what it means for the public sector. 

AI offers exciting opportunities for societal progress, and the public sector has a crucial role in ensuring its responsible and ethical deployment. While AI has immense potential to transform economies, promote peace, and enhance security, it also brings risks like stereotyping, cybersecurity threats, and data privacy issues. To fully harness AI's benefits, leaders must establish clear, ethical guidelines that respect individual rights and align with national contexts.

The public sector is key in setting standards for responsible technology use, balancing ethical imperatives with respect for individual and national freedoms. Ultimately, I hope we can reach a universal code of ethics that benefits all.

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6. What are your priorities for 2025? 

To build a future-proof, globally impactful business that develops sustainable and inclusive  urban solutions. Specifically, I'll focus on:

1. Empowering Innovation: We'll invest in areas like AI-powered urban planning, IoT  infrastructure, and data-driven services. Through continuous learning and collaboration, we want to lead in smart city innovation.

2. Expanding our Reach: We'll enter key smart city hubs worldwide, tailoring our offerings to meet each city’s unique needs. This will involve strategic partnerships with local innovators, governments, and industry leaders to deliver scalable solutions.

3. Building a Responsible Future: Sustainability is fundamental to our approach. We prioritise circular economy principles, responsible resource management, and green tech in our solutions, operations, and supply chains. Our aim is to help cities grow while reducing their environmental impact.

7. What advice do you have for public sector innovators? 

Public sector innovation is a powerful catalyst for positive change, and the innovators are in a unique position to foster collaboration across various sectors. 

Many economies are focused on building resilience, modernising systems, and enhancing citizen experiences through data-driven insights. To stay relevant, speed matters. To drive change, it is important to challenge existing practices and create pathways for new ideas. 

The future of public sector innovation will rely on diverse stakeholder collaboration and  continuous improvement. By leveraging technology and prioritising citizen-centric approaches, we can improve service delivery and create a more resilient, agile public sector.

8. Who inspires you today?

My team members are a great source of inspiration to me. They remind me that we are all “works in progress”. I deeply appreciate their unwavering dedication and commitmentthrough good and bad times. From time to time, I will receive a thoughtful message cheering me on and acknowledging the challenges we face together. As I encourage them to set a high bar in delivering results, their support also motivates me to continue doing my best work. This is something I cherish immensely