How AI-First Companies Outpace the Competition
AI represents one of the greatest value-creation opportunities of our time, with a multi-trillion-dollar upside. Yet most organizations are capturing only a fraction of that potential. This workshop is about leadership, strategy, and the bold shifts required to compete in the AI era.
We’ll move beyond the hype to examine the critical organizational and strategic changes that distinguish AI-first leaders from those stuck in pilot mode. Along the way, we’ll also unpack the economic and workforce impact of AI—how it can both unlock national prosperity and elevate human capabilities when guided by the right strategy
Through data, case studies, and actionable frameworks, you’ll gain practical insight into:
The Scale of the Opportunity: Why trillions are on the table, but most companies are failing to seize them.
The AI-First Mindset: How leaders embed intelligence across strategy, operations, and culture.
Blueprints for Transformation: Frameworks for building AI-ready organizations with strong governance, data foundations, and innovation at scale.
Actionable Next Steps: A roadmap to capture value quickly and outpace competitors.
This is a strategic session for executives and decision-makers from both the private and public sectors who recognize that AI is not just a technology shift, but a leadership imperative with major implications across industry and society. You will leave with clarity on how to translate AI’s trillion-dollar promise into sustainable advantage for your organization—and lasting benefits for your economy and workforce.
About the Speaker
Kevin Chan brings over 27 years of experience in the tech industry, having held global, regional, and local leadership roles across Malaysia, Singapore, and the United States. Until October 2024, he served as Chief Partner Officer at Microsoft Singapore, where he was responsible for the company’s overall partner strategy—working with global and regional systems integrators, ISVs, distributors, and resellers to drive growth, build technical capability, and accelerate the adoption of emerging technologies.
Throughout his career, Kevin has worked directly with customers across the enterprise, corporate, SMB, and public sectors. His expertise spans AI, data platforms, cybersecurity, infrastructure, and productivity solutions. In his global roles, he supported partners expanding across geographies, strengthening their go-to-market, sales, and delivery capabilities. He also collaborated with government agencies to advance AI adoption among SMBs in Singapore.
Known for his ability to connect business strategy with emerging technologies, Kevin helps leaders see the bigger picture—and act on it. He brings deep ecosystem insight, real-world operational experience, and a practical approach to navigating change.
Since leaving Microsoft, Kevin has focused on equipping leaders with the knowledge and tools to engage meaningfully with AI. He designed and personally delivers a high-impact executive course on AI and Prompt Engineering at SMU Academy, where he has taught over 900 professionals across the private and public sectors. The program is immersive and highly interactive, empowering participants to become skilled prompt engineers who can apply AI to solve real business problems.
Today, Kevin advises startups, VCs, and enterprises on AI, partner strategy, and digital transformation—helping them rethink what’s possible and build toward it with clarity and confidence.
Agenda:
17:00 – 17:30 | Welcome & Greeting
17:30 – 17:50 | Introduction & Warm-up
Introducing the AI First Project & SmartR Capability Platform
17:50 – 18:30 | Keynote Speaker
Mr. Kevin Chan - Gen AI Instructor & Advisor, Former Chief Partner Officer, Microsoft Singapore
18:30 – 18:45 | Coffee / Tea Break
18:45 – 19:15 | Panel Discussion
Mr. Kevin Chan - Gen AI Instructor & Advisor, Former Chief Partner Officer, Microsoft Singapore
19:15 – 19:30 | Q&A, Key Takeaways
19:30 - 20:00 | Networking