Published on 29 May 2025

CDOIQ Asia-Pacific Symposium 2025

The CDOIQ Asia Pacific Symposium 2025, held on 16 May at NTU Singapore’s Nanyang Business School (NBS) reaffirmed the increasing relevance of Asia in global conversations on data leadership, strategy, and innovation. Held at NBS’s Gaia Auditorium, the event brought together professionals, including Chief Data Officers, CIOs, policy makers, academics, and technology strategists from across the region. 

At a time when artificial intelligence and data transformation are influencing nearly every sector, the event served as a vital platform to examine not only tools and trends, but also the deeper leadership, governance, and cultural dimensions shaping how data is used effectively and ethically. 

 A Regional Platform with Global Roots 

Originally founded at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the Chief Data Officer & Information Quality (CDOIQ) Symposium has grown into one of the most respected global forums for data leaders. The Asia Pacific edition, now in its third year, has steadily built its own identity, responding to the unique challenges and opportunities present in diverse regional markets — from regulatory landscapes and infrastructure gaps to emerging talent and innovation ecosystems. 

The collaboration with NTU and NBS underscores the institutional commitment to embedding global best practices in a local context, enabling regional data leaders to shape their own models for responsible data use, AI integration, and cross-sector innovation. 

“This is not just a conference. It’s a platform for reflection and exchange,” said Professor Boh Wai Fong, NTU’s Vice President for Lifelong Learning and Alumni Engagement. “We aim to explore ideas, address key challenges, and support data practices that create both business and societal value.” 

Key Themes: Strategy, Not Hype 

The 2025 symposium revolved around the theme “Advancing Knowledge for Data Leadership.” Through keynotes, panels, and case presentations, the event tackled a range of contemporary topics including: 

  • Integrating AI into business workflows 
  • Ensuring ethical and explainable AI systems 
  • Data governance and regulatory compliance 
  • Organisational data culture and upskilling 

A recurring insight throughout the sessions was the need to lead with strategy rather than novelty. As Kelly Yoong, Chief Data Officer at Sentosa Development Corporation, noted: 

“When ChatGPT exploded, everyone asked, ‘What’s your AI strategy?’ We didn’t create one just to have one. We started with business priorities, then aligned our data strategy to meet those goals.” 

This pragmatic approach led to tangible results at Sentosa, including the deployment of a recommendation engine that improved customer engagement and a chatbot that added real value to user interactions. 

Technology Meets Culture 

Another strong thread was the emphasis on the human side of data transformation. While many organisations focus on technology acquisition, speakers highlighted that culture, training, and leadership buy-in often determine whether data initiatives succeed or stagnate. 

Barb Dossetter of CXO Connect said: 

“Policies matter. But culture is what drives behaviour. Your biggest risk isn’t the tool — it’s not preparing people for what the tool can do.” 

In a similar vein, Tomasz Kurczyk, Chief Transformation & Digital Officer at Prudential, shared how their Global AI Lab empowers employees across markets to propose and develop AI solutions tailored to local needs, reinforcing a bottom-up approach to innovation. 

A Launchpad for Shared Knowledge 

The symposium also marked the launch of a new book titled “Data Strategy and AI Value Creation for Data Leaders by Data Leaders”. Developed collaboratively by contributors from both academia and industry, the book captures emerging best practices, ethical frameworks, and strategic models that have proven effective across various sectors. 

“This book isn’t just theory — it’s lived experience,” said Mr. Neumann Chew, one of the co-editors. “It reflects what leaders in Asia are learning, building, and testing on the ground.” 

The publication is expected to serve as a valuable resource for data leaders navigating both technological advancements and evolving expectations of responsible governance. 

A Hub for Data Leadership 

For NBS, the symposium is more than an annual event. It reflects the school’s broader strategic vision to be a regional hub for foresight, applied research, and executive development in data and digital transformation. 

Through interdisciplinary programmes in AI literacy, data ethics, and responsible innovation, NBS is equipping the next generation of leaders to thrive in an increasingly complex data environment. The school also collaborates actively with industry partners to ensure that its research and teaching remain grounded in real-world challenges. 

Looking Ahead 

As data continues to reshape economies, governance, and society, the Asia Pacific region is not simply adopting global standards — it is actively contributing to them. The conversations, collaborations, and insights from CDOIQ APAC 2025 make it clear that Singapore, with institutions like NTU and NBS, is well-positioned to support this evolution. 

The event concluded with a shared sense of purpose: that responsible, strategic, and inclusive data leadership will be critical to building resilient organisations and communities in the years ahead with AI as a strategic tool.