Technology

The Best Bank for a Better World:  The Third Wave of Transformation in DBS   

Sia Siew Kien, Ronald Hee and Peter Weill

Case Ref No.: ABCC-2023-005

Pub. Date: JUN-2023

Category: Technology

Topic(s): Sustainability; Strategy

Case Length: 24 pages

Abstract: After being named the “best bank in the world”, DBS set its sights to be “the best bank for a better world” in its third wave of transformation. The bank leveraged its digital capabilities (now a key competitive advantage) to drive broader social changes around sustainability and to seize new market opportunities for growth. Yet, a host of VUCA factors continue to emerge on the horizon. How can DBS aim to do good and do well in this new wave of transformation? What are some strategic next steps it should consider, as it ponders the future of banking?

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Planning for a Successful Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Project and Beyond

Michael Tan Yong Heng

Case Ref No.: ABCC-2023-002

Pub. Date: MAR-2023

Category: Technology

Topic(s): Operations Management; Strategy; Organizational Behaviour

Case Length: 16 pages

Abstract: In this real life case study, we take a deep dive into the process of scaling Robotics Process Automation (RPA) in a multinational consumer retail company. We cover topics such as exploring various scaling options routes, creating governance structure, right-sizing RPA team, and managing change and adoption across multiple geographies and business units. Through this case study, we provide practical insights and best practices for successful RPA implementation. We also explore the benefits of RPA, including increased efficiency, reduced costs and improved accuracy.

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RX:AI, Putting Machine Learning into Medical Prescription – The Case of HealthPlix

Xiaodan Shao, Manlu Chen, Vivek Choudhary, Lalit Sharma and Burhanuddin Pithawala

Case Ref No.: ABCC-2022-004

Pub. Date: APR-2022

Category: Technology

Topic(s): Operations Management; Strategy

Case Length: 14 pages

Abstract: Doctors' efficiency and patients' health outcomes stand to benefit from employing technology to resolve pain points. However, it is challenging to increase technology adoption rates in healthcare, especially in developing countries such as India where it is the need of the hour. This case provides in-depth discussions among company executives to highlight the challenges faced and to engage students to think critically about solutions for HealthPlix, the company which focuses on how target users (i.e., doctors) are encouraged to adopt AI technologies. It also provides an overview of Indian healthcare market, challenges and possible future opportunities for health tech firms.

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Giving Data A Voice: The Rise of TalkingData *Popular*

Sia Siew Kien, Yang Jun Jie and Lim Wee Kiat

Case Ref No.: ABCC-2019-007

Pub. Date: MAY-2019

Category: Technology

Topic(s): Entrepreneurship; Strategy

Case Length: 10 pages

Abstract: This case describes the genesis and development of a Chinese data analytics startup, TalkingData, from 2012 to 2017. It highlights the strategies pursued and capabilities that the company had built over time in order to secure its position as one of the top data analytics providers in the country. This case also identifies the main challenges that TalkingData needs to address as it continues to grow and expand its businesses and operations.

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DBS: From the “World’s Best Bank” to Building the Future-ready Enterprise *Popular*

Sia Siew Kien, Peter Weill and Mou Xu

Case Ref No.: ABCC-2019-001

Pub. Date: DEC-2018

Category: Technology

Topic(s): Strategy; Organisational Behaviour

Case Length: 17 pages

Abstract: The case presents the second phase of DBS Bank’s digital transformation. Upon completing the first phase (2009-2014) of the transformation that radically “rewired” the entire enterprise for digital innovation, DBS initiated its second digital push in 2015 to address ever-emerging threats from fintech companies and institutional constraints on acquisition-led organic expansion. To DBS, this digital transformation was an on-going journey in building a next-generation enterprise. It centred on developing the core capabilities to be ready for a digital future, i.e., by becoming digital to the core, embedding banking in customer journey, and creating a 26,000-person start-up.

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​Gaming Robosoft Way: A Global Tech Start-up from a Small Town in India

Varadharajan Sridhar

Case Ref No.: ABCC-2018-034

Pub. Date: DEC-2018

Category: Technology

Topic(s): Entrepreneurship; Strategy

Case Length: 13 pages

Abstract: While information technology firms tend to be located in large metropolises, Rohith Bhat found his start-up, Robosoft, in Udupi, which is a small temple town in the western coast of India in 1996. Having started off as an application developer for Apple Macintosh computers, Robosoft since then has come a long way, well-known for its highly engaging entertainment and gaming Apps. This case highlights the challenges faced by the start-up in a technology-intensive mobile App space including product envelopment strategies adopted by Robosoft to stay ahead of competition and key management issues related to recruitment and retention of high-tech talent.

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​A Tale of Two Ecosystems: E-payment in China and Singapore

Christina Soh and Dolly Leow

Case Ref No.: ABCC-2018-033

Pub. Date: DEC-2018

Category: Technology

Topic(s): Strategy

Case Length: 15 pages

Abstract: The e-payments industry has experienced rapid growth in recent years, especially in Asia, driven in part by technology developments such as the high adoption of smart phones and the boom in e-commerce.  The digital innovation of e-payments adoption and diffusion requires the creation and sustaining of an ecosystem. This case describes the e-payments ecosystems of China and Singapore which differ in their development trajectories as well as their resulting configuration, raising important issues for discussion regarding ecosystem design and evolution. 

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Evie.ai: The Rise of Artificial Intelligence, and the Future of Work *Popular*

Damien Joseph, Lim Wee Kiat and Chong Tack Chun

Case Ref No.: ABCC-2018-032

Pub. Date: DEC-2018

Category: Technology

Topic(s): Entrepreneurship; Marketing; Strategy

Case Length: 9 pages

Abstract: Our case recounts the journey of Evie.ai, a Singapore-based tech startup. Specifically, the case examines how founder Lee Jin Hian and his team developed and implemented Evie, an AI personal assistant. It introduces students to AI and how this technology can be informed by data analytics and applied to various tasks. It also offers lessons on the realities of running a startup: students will gain a deeper understanding of tech entrepreneurship from analysing the challenges and opportunities that confronted Evie.ai, and in navigating the decisions the startup needed to make in the face of mounting competition and rapid technological shifts.

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KOMIDA: Implementing Digital Microfinance in Indonesia

Adrian Yeow, Lim Wee Kiat and Andreas Pazi Raharso

Case Ref No.: ABCC-2018-031

Pub. Date: JUNE-2018

Category: Technology

Topic(s): Finance and Economics; Non-Profits; Strategy

Case Length: 15 pages

Abstract: Koperasi Mitra Dhuafa (KOMIDA), the second largest microfinancing institution in Indonesia, was to launch its digital mobile platform by end 2018. The recent failure of a smart card pilot remained fresh in the operational director’s mind. How could he ensure that the coming trials would produce a successful rollout? This case describes KOMIDA’s challenges in managing the project and their vendor, TBOP. It discusses how IT project management should be mindful of the prevailing cultural and industry norms in a country. By focusing on digitalisation and the promise of deep analytics, it also discusses how an organisation can become “digital-ready”.

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Energo Labs and Biota (B): Persevere, Pivot or Perish?

A. Lee Gilbert

Case Ref No.: ABCC-2018-026

Pub. Date: SEPT-2018

Category: Technology

Topic(s): Entrepreneurship; Strategy; Sustainability

Case Length: 2 pages

Abstract: Founded by entrepreneurs from Taiwan, Spain and China, Energo Labs is a Shanghai-based international start-up that brings blockchain technology to the energy sector to enable producers, such as buildings equipped with solar PV panels, to buy and sell energy to neighbors or other energy consumers. When management realised that barriers to entry in Asian energy trading markets were higher than expected, they considered alternatives, such as monetizing their core blockchain technology. However, the prospect of abandoning their sustainability-focused mission did not sit well with many of the young staff that would be needed to move Energo to the next level.

Related: ABCC-2018-025 (Energo Labs and Biota [A])

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Energo Labs and Biota (A): Persevere, Pivot or Perish?

A. Lee Gilbert

Case Ref No.: ABCC-2018-025

Pub. Date: AUG-2018

Category: Technology

Topic(s): Entrepreneurship; Strategy; Sustainability

Case Length: 16 pages

Abstract: Founded by entrepreneurs from Taiwan, Spain and China, Energo Labs is a Shanghai-based international start-up that brings blockchain technology to the energy sector to enable producers, such as buildings equipped with solar PV panels, to buy and sell energy to neighbors or other energy consumers. When management realised that barriers to entry in Asian energy trading markets were higher than expected, they considered alternatives, such as monetizing their core blockchain technology. However, the prospect of abandoning their sustainability-focused mission did not sit well with many of the young staff that would be needed to move Energo to the next level.

Related:  ABCC-2018-026 (Energo Labs and Biota [B])

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WeChat Work: Bringing Social Networking into Enterprise Workplace

Mou Xu and Sia Siew Kien

Case Ref No.: ABCC-2018-009

Pub. Date: MAY-2018

Category: Technology

Topic(s): Strategy

Case Length: 12 pages

Abstract: In April 2016, the Chinese tech giant Tencent made an ambitious foray into the enterprise market by launching WeChat Work, an enterprise social network app adopted from its immensely popular consumer app WeChat. To increase WeChat Work adoption, Tencent leveraged on the 1-billion user base of WeChat and its strong consumer IT capabilities. Despite the initial success, WeChat Work faced intense competition from many other firms, including Alibaba’s DingTalk. The socialization needs of enterprise workplace vary significantly from those of consumers. Can Tencent’s strong consumer IT capabilities be as effective in driving the adoption of WeChat Work in the enterprise market?

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​Fintech and Finance Transformation: The Rise of Ant Financial Services *Popular*

Rainny Shuyan Xie, Sia Siew Kien and Neo Boon Siong

Case Ref No.: ABCC-2017-021

Pub. Date: AUG-2017

Revised Date: APR-2018

Category: Technology

Topic(s): Finance and Economics; Entrepreneurship; Strategy

Case Length: 15 pages

Abstract: This case presents the phenomenal rise of Ant Financial Services, which started as Alipay, and has since grown to become the world’s largest Fintech company. Seeing itself as a Techfin rather Fintech company, Ant Financial leverages cutting edge technology to provide accessible finance to the underserved SMEs and individuals. This case highlights the dynamic evolution of its business model and its ecosystem.  The case also brings up the key challenges of Ant Financial has to deal with, i.e., the intensely competitive Fintech landscape, the viability of its ambitious strategy for inclusive finance, and the transferability of its success beyond China.

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​Da Jiang Innovations (DJI): The Rise of the Drones *Popular*

Boh Wai Fong, Lim Wee Kiat and Zeng Yi

Case Ref No.: ABCC-2017-017

Pub. Date: SEPT-2017

Category: Technology

Topic(s): Entrepreneurship; Business and Government; Strategy

Case Length: 25 pages

Abstract: Da Jiang Innovations (DJI) occupied 70% of the global civilian drone market. The Shenzhen-based firm was the first drone-maker to popularize drones not only in China, but also globally. It was reportedly valued at US$10 billion, making it one of newest “decacorns”, which are “unicorns” that valued at least US$10 billion. Our case chronicles the genesis and development of DJI and its efforts to address current challenges and future competition. It offers students an opportunity to analyse the challenges and opportunities that confront a market leader in an emerging industry in the face of mounting competition and rapid technological shifts.

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​Da Jiang Innovations (DJI): The Rise of the Drones (Chinese version)

Boh Wai Fong, Lim Wee Kiat and Zeng Yi

Case Ref No.: ABCC-2017-017CH

Pub. Date: SEPT-2017

Category: Technology

Topic(s): Entrepreneurship; Business and Government; Strategy

Case Length: 27 pages

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Uber (B) - Uber in Every Major City in the World: The Globalisation Challenge *Popular*

Gigi Teo and Sia Siew Kien

Case Ref No.: ABCC-2017-009

Pub. Date: MAY-2017

Category: Technology

Topic(s): Entrepreneurship; Strategy

Case Length: 11 pages

Abstract: With its success in the US, Uber has expanded beyond its borders into major cities around the world. However, Uber’s aggressive “move fast and break things” expansion strategy cannot be replicated in its entry into international markets. The unique institutional context in each city requires Uber to tailor its strategies to deal with these local challenges. The case thus explores Uber’s competitive manoeuvres as it responds to these challenges in its global expansion. 

Related:  ABCC-2017-008 (Uber [A])

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​The Quest for Legitimacy in Digital Disruption: The Case of Uber (A) *Popular*

Gigi Teo and Sia Siew Kien

Case Ref No.: ABCC-2017-008

Pub. Date: MAY-2017

Category: Technology

Topic(s): Entrepreneurship; Strategy

Case Length: 20 pages

Abstract: As the poster child of the sharing economy, Uber has disrupted the heavily protected taxi industry with an app that connects a distributed network of passengers and drivers at a simple click of a button. While its asset-light ridesharing business model is highly innovative and has been excitedly embraced by investors, the extent of its success is diminished by unhappy customers, irate taxi drivers, and frustrated regulators. This case explores key challenges Uber faces in its quest for legitimacy as a sharing economy disruptor, and the strategies it adopts to deal with these challenges. 

Related:  ABCC-2017-009 (Uber [B])

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GeriCare@North: Building and Sustaining a Tele-geriatrics Ecosystem

Christina Soh, Neha Agarwal and Adrian Yeow

Case Ref No.: ABCC-2017-006

Pub. Date: APR-2017

Category: Technology

Topic(s): Non-Profits; Organisational Behaviour

Case Length: 12 pages

Abstract: This case chronicles the evolution, challenges and actions taken by an integrated care telemedicine ecosystem comprising an acute hospital and nursing homes for the elderly. It describes the challenges faced by the keystone or hub organization in initiating and deploying a novel service that required the collaboration of diverse partners in the face of a changing industry environment. The case details the steps taken to deal with the challenges of getting wary partners with unequal resources and capabilities on board, levelling up skills, and putting in place technology and joint processes. These steps resulted in increased partner trust, improved levels of partner competency, increased service quality, and cost savings. 

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Rewiring the Enterprise for Digital Innovation: The Case of DBS Bank *Popular*

Sia Siew Kien, Christina Soh, Peter Weill and Yvonne Chong

Case Ref No.: ABCC-2015-004

Pub. Date: JUNE-2015

Category: Technology

Case Length: 19 pages

Abstract: This case chronicles the digital transformation of DBS Bank in seeking regional growth amidst a new digital era in the Asian banking industry. Led by its CEO, DBS invested heavily in technology and undertook radical changes to 'rewire' the entire enterprise for digital innovation. However, questions remain whether DBS had done enough to put digital at the heart of banking. 

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​Rewiring the Enterprise for Digital Innovation: The Case of DBS Bank (Chinese version)

Sia Siew Kien, Christina Soh, Peter Weill and Yvonne Chong

Case Ref No.: ABCC-2015-004CH

Pub. Date: JUNE-2015

Category: Technology

Case Length: 18 pages

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EZ-Link and NETS E-Payment: Creating a Standard and Building a Platform Innovation 

Christina Soh and Yvonne Chong

Case Ref No.: ABCC-2012-002

Pub. Date: JAN-2013

Category: Technology

Case Length: 19 pages

Abstract: The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore launched an initiative to develop an innovative standard for an interoperable platform that would boost local micropayments and open up e-payment services for consumers. The result was a pioneering ISO standard – the Contactless e-Purse Application Standard (CEPAS). The case examines the significant challenges and trade-offs in the development and deployment of this platform innovation. 

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