NUS-ISS Ignite Podcast

• The signals Wen looks for when identifying future managers — and the skills worth developing now if management is where you are headed
• Why Wen runs hiring conversations in 30 minutes deliberately — and what he is actually watching for that a polished, AI-generated, or memorised answer cannot fake
• Why a fast-tracked career can still leave gaps — Wen on the administrative side of management he wishes he had had more guidance on: performance calibrations, budgets, and making the case for funding
• The differences and similarities between startups, large enterprises, and the public sector — and why the team you join matters more than the type of organisation
• The three things the best teams Wen has worked with had in common — clear values applied daily, genuine care for people, and clarity of purpose — and why these matter even more when AI lets teams move faster
• Why the best teams are not waiting for corporate permission to get better with AI — how personal curiosity, tried out on your own time and shared freely, is already setting some people apart

In this episode of NUS-ISS Ignite "AI Mastery for the Modern Professional", we shift the conversation from "what's new in AI" to "what actually works"—and how professionals can apply AI meaningfully in their day-to-day work.

Joining the discussion are Sharon Lau, Principal Lecturer & Consultant, Digital Strategy & Leadership Practice at NUS-ISS; and Kamraj Subramanian, Founder & CEO of Incubrix. Together, they draw on real-world experience to unpack practical frameworks, coaching insights, and transformation stories that help professionals navigate the fast-changing AI landscape with clarity and confidence.

Key topics covered include: •⁠ ⁠Practical, step-by-step frameworks for integrating AI into everyday workflows •⁠ ⁠How professionals can measure and demonstrate the impact of AI initiatives •⁠ ⁠Mental models and decision tools for adapting careers in an AI-driven environment •⁠ ⁠Real examples of how AI has been applied across industries to improve productivity and outcomes •⁠ ⁠Identifying one meaningful change listeners can apply immediately •⁠ ⁠Why human judgment, creativity, and critical thinking remain essential in an AI-augmented world

Whether you are experimenting with AI or looking to scale its impact responsibly, this episode offers grounded insights to help you move beyond hype and make informed decisions about AI adoption.

Tune in to learn how professionals can turn AI insights into real, practical action—while staying purposeful, adaptable, and human in the process.

For feedback regarding our podcast, please email [email protected]

In this episode of NUS-ISS Ignite, jointly presented with the Singapore Computer Society (SCS), we explore how product management and product-centric thinking are transforming organisations and shaping the digital workplace.

Hosting this discussion are Girish Khanna, a committee member from the Product Management Group at the Singapore Computer Society, and Felicitas Seah from the Digital Products & Platforms Practice at NUS-ISS. They are joined by special guest Sally Wong, Product Lead, RSAF (Pixel)/ Govtech, an experienced product manager whose career spans digital transformation in sectors such as agriculture, supply chain, insurance, technology, and consumer platforms.

Key topics covered include:

• What's driving the shift towards product-centric thinking across organisations

• How organisations make the leap into product thinking

• The intersection of desirability, feasibility, and viability as core product dimensions

• Leadership's role in breaking down silos, setting direction, and creating psychological safety

• The balance between user-centricity and organisational change management

• Managing challenges such as resistance, cultural shifts, and slow mindset changes

• Harnessing AI and technology for faster and more iterative product innovation

• The importance of empathy and beginning with the user's pain points

Whether you're an established leader or just starting out in product management, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice to help you thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Tune in to hear how organisations—and individuals—can embrace product thinking, nurture collaboration, and build future-ready teams one small step at a time.

For more information on Product Management and Digital Practice courses, please visit our website HERE.

For feedback regarding our podcast, please email [email protected].

In this episode of NUS-ISS Ignite, we dive into the world of digital presence and how leaders can elevate their impact in the digital space. We are joined by Mr. Kelvin Lee, Executive Director, head of Social Media of UOB, who shares his journey and actionable strategies for building a strong and secure digital presence. Hosted by Ms. Sharon Lau, Principal Lecturer & Consultant, Digital Strategy & Leadership Practice, NUS-ISS, this discussion uncovers valuable insights for current and aspiring digital leaders. Key topics covered include:

• The importance of finding purpose in building a digital presence

• Overcoming barriers to getting started

• Choosing the right platforms for your audience and goals

• Navigating data privacy and security concerns

• Frameworks for effective content strategies

• Leveraging generative AI tools while maintaining authenticity

• Practical tips to start small, evolve, and embrace a digital transformation journey

Whether you're looking to enhance your personal brand or amplify your organization's story, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you stand out as a digital leader. Tune in to learn more!

For more information on Digital Strategy and Leadership course, please refer HERE

For feedback regarding our podcast, please email to [email protected]

In this episode, we are discussing about digital sustainability, where we explore the intersection of technology and environmental responsibility. We're joined by Spencer Low, Head of Regional Sustainability, APAC, Google and our host Ms Clara Lee, Chief, Data Science & Digital Sustainability, NUS-ISS, to discuss the critical aspects of digital sustainability and its growing importance in our rapidly evolving technological landscape. We'll cover:

• The definition of digital sustainability
• Challenges and opportunities in Asia
• The impact of e-waste and the circular economy
• AI's role in sustainability efforts
• Google's initiatives in sustainable technology
• Advice for organisations on implementing digital sustainability practices

Join us as we delve into how we can leverage digital tools to create a more sustainable future, exploring both the challenges and exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

For more information on Digital Sustainability course, please refer HERE

For feedback regarding our podcast, please email to [email protected]

In this episode Ankush Samant, Principal Lecturer & Consultant, Digital Innovation & Design Practice at NUS-ISS together with Karin Aue, Senior Lecturer, Division of Industrial Design at NUS College of Design and Engineering explore the growing significance of service design, covering touchpoints:

• The shift from human-centered to planet-centric design
• The integral role of service design in the sustainability and circular economy
• The power of collaboration and storytelling
• The transformative impact of AI on service design practices
• Singapore's exemplary public services and digital transformation journey
• The evolution in customer expectations on the future of service design

For more information on Service Design course, please refer HERE

For feedback regarding our podcast, please email to [email protected]

Amy Huang, Chief, Digital Products & Platforms Practice of NUS-ISS and Nir Eyal, author of Hooked and Indistractable, discussed how to build habit-forming products for public good using the "Hooked Model" (trigger, action, variable reward, investment). To overcome distractions. Nir emphasized the importance of understanding internal triggers, making time for focused work, hacking back external triggers, and making commitments to prevent distractions. The discussion covered various aspects of public good, including sustainability, education, and encouraging 'good' habits that aren't inherently enjoyable. Nir addressed ethical implications of habit-forming products and highlighted opportunities for policy interventions to protect vulnerable groups from overly distracting products. Overall, the fireside chat provided insights on leveraging psychology for building positive habits for the public good. Email us at [email protected]