Sharon Ng, a strategic and driven global executive with over two decades of experience in leading across technology, business strategy and operation organisations, exemplifies the epitome of tech leadership. Her career is marked by her inspiring leadership and innovative approach to delivering clear business outcomes and impact, earning her the prestigious CIO75 and CIO100 ASEAN Award three times.
At the helm of significant digital and business transformation initiatives, she successfully navigated global business and IT landscapes, guiding cross-border teams towards industry-leading solutions. A well-respected trusted adviser and a champion of transformative leadership, Sharon is defined not just by her achievements, but also by her commitment to shaping the future of technology and aspiring tech leaders.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with CIO Magazine, Sharon shared her professional trajectory, how the role of CIO has evolved over the last decade, the best piece of advice received by her, the secret sauce behind her success, future plans, words of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Sharon, please tell us about your background and areas of interest.
Born in Singapore and having spent a significant part of my life in Australia, I consider both Melbourne and Singapore home. With over 25 years of experience, my career evolved from software engineering to leading global technology teams, before switching gears to leading business transformation, strategy and operations at companies such as Microsoft and Dell Technologies. In 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I made the decision to return to Singapore from Melbourne, taking on the role of Ministry Family Chief Information Officer (MF CIO) and Cluster Director at GovTech Singapore responsible for leading digital transformation efforts across the Trade and Industry Cluster, and supporting Singapore Smart Nation’s vision and priorities. As of July this year, I made the transition back to the private sector. Outside of work, I am an avid reader with a deep interest in financial markets and investments. I am also a lover of the nature, particularly mountains and oceans. Additionally, I have a keen interest in culinary experiences, embracing my foodie side.
Brief us about your new role and responsibilities at Avanade as the Senior Director- Regional Solution Area leader.
In my current role within Avanade’s Southeast Asia Regional Leadership team, I lead and spearhead efforts that will drive strategic growth and innovation within our Applications & Infrastructure solution areas across the region. My responsibilities include providing business and technology leadership to support and empower our customers on their digital transformation journeys, helping them navigate complex business challenges. This involves orchestrating strategies and delivering innovative, cutting-edge solutions that connect the dots and creates great customer experiences.
A key focus of my role is to cultivate an innovative, high-performing, and agile organizational culture within our practices and teams. This commitment is crucial for building robust digital capabilities and solution offerings that consistently deliver transformative results and business value to our customers and partner ecosystem.
How have you seen the role of the CIO change in the last 5-10 years, and what changes do you see on the horizon in the years ahead?
In the last 5-10 years, the CIO’s role has definitely evolved significantly. It has transitioned from managing IT systems to becoming strategic business leaders and influential change agents. CIOs now play a more prominent role in board meetings and leading digital innovation and transformation initiatives. This role now demands a deeper understanding of both organizational capabilities and market dynamics, as well as the development of internal capabilities for broader organizational impact.
Looking forward on the horizon ahead, I think the CIO’s role is set to become even more strategic focused, connecting technology with business strategy to achieve desired outcomes. They will be leading the charge to new technological frontiers and leveraging emerging technologies to foster innovation, organizational agility and resilience, equipping businesses to respond swiftly and effectively navigate unexpected market shifts and challenges.
What do you think are the new technologies and cultures/methodologies which will define the future workplace, and what do you think is the role of the CIO in helping design and deliver these?
In the future workplace, marked by technological advancement and flexibility, we’ll see a shift from traditional settings to boundaryless, hybrid environments. Smart technology, like smart boards, facial recognition, and smartphone-controlled systems, will enhance office spaces. For example, employees can reserve resources such as transportation, parking, and meals seamlessly. Hot desking will become more personalized with automated preferences, and AI will optimize meeting room bookings. Digital collaboration will be elevated through cloud-based tools and virtual reality, making remote participation more immersive. Leveraging IoT and integrating smart building technology will also help boost efficiency and move towards achieving sustainability goals. As these technologies evolve, the role of CIOs will be crucial in ensuring that workplaces not only keep pace with technological advancements but also provide a consistently excellent experience for employees.
In your academic or work career, were there any mentors who have helped you grow along the way? What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?
Yes, I am very appreciative of all my mentors throughout my life and career journey to date. One of the best advices received: “You are tougher than you think, don’t give up, keep working at it and see it through.”
Which technology are you investing in now to prepare for the future?
To address current needs and prepare for the future, our focus is on investing in technologies that not only align with but also advance our business goals. This includes leveraging cloud platforms for enhanced agility and rapid deployment, adopting data readiness frameworks to drive AI-powered insights, and prioritizing robust cybersecurity through zero-trust implementations. Additionally, we are harnessing the potential of emerging technologies such as generative AI, IoT, and intelligent supply chains to elevate customer experience and operational efficiency. Equally important is our investment in building our people’s capabilities, ensuring that our teams are equipped with the skills and knowledge to harness these advanced technologies effectively. By investing in both technology and talent, we are positioning ourselves for sustained leadership in digital innovation and long-term success.
What are your passions outside of work?
Traveling is a passion of mine, particularly in exploring new destinations. I cherish spending quality time with loved ones, immersing myself in different cultures, and experiencing how the locals live. A highlight for me is delving into the culinary scene, especially fresh food markets, which offers a taste of the country’s unique flavors and traditions.
You have successfully navigated global business and IT landscapes and guided cross-border teams towards industry-leading solutions over the course of more than two decades of your career. Our readers would love to know the secret sauce behind your success.
I suspect my secret sauce hinges deeply on being authentic, having a clear vision, and decisive leadership. I believe in building trust as the cornerstone of effective team and stakeholder engagement. A critical element of my leadership style is driving execution well while being an inspirational and supportive leader. I like to focus on removing obstacles, guiding teams through challenges, and fostering an environment where pushing boundaries is encouraged.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
In the next five years, I see myself transitioning into a senior executive role, where I can further align technology and business strategy to drive transformative change at a larger scale. My focus will be on fostering innovation, improving customer experiences, and creating new growth opportunities through strategic initiatives. I aim to lead efforts that reshape business models and position the organization for long-term success in an increasingly digital world. While expanding my leadership responsibilities, I also look forward to building cross-functional teams that can leverage emerging technologies to create tangible business value. This will allow me to continue making a meaningful impact at both strategic and operational levels.
Given your experiences and achievements, what advice would you give to aspiring technology leaders who aim to make a positive impact in their organizations and the industry as a whole?
For aspiring technology leaders, my key advice is to be bold in challenging the status quo and be the change agent. It is vital to have a clear understanding of the business issues at hand and the factors that can influence them. Foster an innovative and agile tech culture within your team. Leadership should be purposeful and empathetic, embracing adaptability and resilience. Be ready to navigate through changes and challenges with a proactive mindset.