Singapore, 29 May, 2025 —The 4th edition of the DigitalCFO Asia Singapore Symposium took place on 22 May 2025 at Sofitel Singapore City Centre, drawing together Singapore’s top CFOs, finance strategists, and digital leaders for a full day of knowledge sharing, networking, and transformative dialogue. The event tackled the pressing realities of financial leadership in the digital era, from automation and sustainability to talent development and the ROI of AI.
Proudly hosted by DigitalCFO Asia, the event was made possible through the generous support of sponsors, with BlackLine as the Diamond Sponsor, and key contributions from Workday, LucaNet, Oracle NetSuite, Wolters Kluwer, ESG Institute, CFGI, Tridant, Robert Half, and ACCA Singapore.
A Human-Centred Start to a CFO’s Role in Transformation
The morning began with a warm welcome over coffee and networking before diving into a bold and energising keynote by Supanee Anuwongworavet, Managing Director & Founder of EmpowerHER Asia and Novituz. Supanee invited attendees to challenge traditional archetypes of CFO leadership, asking not only what a CFO does, but who they represent.
A Technology Spotlight followed, featuring Nikhil Parambath, Regional Vice President, Asia at BlackLine, and Adele Liew, Partner at Ernst & Young LLP. They offered powerful insights into why finance automation is no longer a choice but an operational necessity in an increasingly complex business environment.
The Evolving Strategic Role of the CFO
In the first panel discussion, moderated by Dr Nina Tan, Pracademic at Singapore Management University and Managing Director of 8nalytics, panellists addressed how CFOs must lead through volatility while championing innovation. The panel featured Chock Ker Ching (MSIG Insurance), Malcolm Tan (Synagistics Limited), Ong Hui Giap (Coface), and Francis Lai (Far East Group), who shared their perspectives as CFOs on navigating transformation across diverse industries.
This set the tone for deeper technical insights in the second Tech Spotlight, where Rui Yuan, Regional Head at LucaNet, and Jean-Pierre Henderson, APAC CEO at CFGI, walked through integrated performance tools for modern finance teams.
Resilience, Growth and Global Strategy
One of the most anticipated sessions was the first Fireside Chat, where Joe Dische, CFO at PropertyGuru Group, engaged in a candid conversation with Daniel Leung, Country Manager at ACCA Singapore. Their dialogue was centred around strategic cost control and long-term risk management, particularly overseas expansion.
Shortly after, Zatt Lim and Yufang Xu of Wolters Kluwer took the stage to showcase how consolidation tools and AI are being used to streamline finance operations and unlock smarter decision-making.
The morning closed with a second panel discussion moderated by Jeslyn Chua, Portfolio CFO at The Edge Partnership. The session featured Philip Shin (Prudence Foundation at Prudential), Max Mo (MET Asia Energy), Karen Lai (ASM), and Diana Cheang (Fosroc), who discussed how finance teams are responding to increasing expectations around digital transformation and business enablement.
Translating Digital Vision into Organisational Value
After a vibrant buffet lunch and high-energy networking, the audience returned to an impactful keynote by Will Wlyd, Finance Director of Digital Transformation at Unilever. Will provided a global perspective on how finance teams can turn digital visions into practical, bottom-line results.
In the next Tech Spotlight, Chieh Suang K. from Oracle NetSuite and Shreya Gaunekar, former CFO at Raena, examined the role of automation and analytics in scaling finance functions and enhancing strategic foresight. This led into a heartfelt and solution-focused third panel discussion on talent shortages and inclusion. Moderated by Rachel Tan, Chief Transformation Officer at Tote Board Group, the panel featured Lim Wee Kiat (Johnson Controls), Ivy Yeoh (AON), and Fredy Aga (Trust Bank), who collectively urged finance leaders to build inclusive, skilled, and future-ready teams.
Championing the AI Revolution
The next session spotlighted the importance of leadership in technological change, with Gopal Venkataramanan (GV), President & Business Head of Intelligent Enterprise Operations at Mindsprint, delivering a bold vision for CFO-led AI transformation. GV argued that AI is not just a technical revolution—it’s a leadership one, and CFOs are best positioned to lead it.
The afternoon also featured thought-provoking sessions on recruitment and ESG. Andrea Wong, Managing Director at Robert Half Singapore, revealed emerging trends in talent acquisition and leadership pipeline development. The session was followed by Joanne Flinn, Chairwoman at ESG Institute, who explained how ESG, when embedded within finance operations, can drive long-term strategic value while mitigating risk.
Measuring AI Against Real Business Value
The day culminated in a highly anticipated panel titled AI vs ROI, moderated by Shian Goh, Group Finance Director at Goodpack. Speakers Dipak Sanganeria of Yinson Renewables and Thomas Bossy of Google debated how companies can harness AI while ensuring it delivers measurable financial value. The session balanced bold innovation with pragmatic financial strategy—a fitting conclusion to a day anchored in both vision and rigour.
Looking Forward: Collaboration, Commitment and Community
The symposium concluded with a lucky draw, group photos, and closing remarks that celebrated a shared commitment to transformation and purpose-driven leadership. Delegates walked away with practical insights, fresh perspectives, and a renewed sense of collaboration.
As DigitalCFO Asia looks ahead to its next symposium, the Singapore edition reaffirmed the critical role CFOs play in leading through change—with heart, courage, and clarity. Until next time, keep leading the change.
Stay Connected: More to Come in 2025
Check out the complete DigitalCFO Asia Symposium Series 2025 and the upcoming symposium in Manila, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Taipei on our website!
