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5 Steps to plan your digital transformation

Five key areas decision makers should consider while planning for a digital transformation. Inspired by Sun Tzu’s Art of War, the concepts and examples are based on my views and lengthy experiences in the IT industry.

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4 years ago

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By Yeo Siang Tiong
General Manager for Southeast Asia at Kaspersky

Being in the IT industry for the last 28 years, I had the chance to observe the many advancements and upheavals in the field – advancements in technology, changes in standards and protocols, mergers and acquisitions, layoffs and re-organizations. But I have never seen Southeast Asia (SEA) transforming at a breakneck speed until this pandemic. 

This transition boils down to one segment – digital. In fact, the region has reached more than the forecasted 310 million online consumers for 2025 in 2020, five years in advance. Thanks to the 40 million first-time internet users last year from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

As a result, there is now an urgent need for businesses to reconsider their infrastructure, their business model, and their ways of doing transactions. The stakes are higher for firms to wade through this digital wave, with this global crisis in the background.

So today, I want to share five key areas decision makers should consider while planning for a digital transformation. Inspired by Sun Tzu’s Art of War, the concepts and examples are based on my views and lengthy experiences in the IT industry. These 5 areas are – 五事：道、天、地、将、法。

  1. Alignment – Alignment from the board level or CEO to the last men in the front-line like the customer support and sales is important. If aligned, the men will fight the toughest war. The “Shared Values” and “Strategy” in the McKinsey 7-S Model are probably the closest elements to this concept. 

Unfortunately, the modern management theory sees the shareholders as the ultimate people to please, with employees as mere digits akin to the factory workers of the Industrial Age. Coupled with disproportional use of debt-based leveraged buyouts, owners are no longer owners and alas, the employees who staked their well-being on the company, their voices are hijacked. 

Fortunately, this is probably true only for the larger corporations where the gains are meaty. Nonetheless, for all corporations of various sizes, the spirit of the company is the thread that weaves all together. Without a clear sense of direction and purpose that is well communicated, the individual parts can be difficult to summon and align.

Applying this logic to digital transformation, the whole company from the C-suite to the groundwork staff should be structured correctly, aligned, fully aware and on board.

A good example is how companies pivot into digital retail. It is important that the company is well aligned to execute this. The company needs to understand that digital retail is another channel to reach the same customer. So for companies who does not have a consistent strategy for omni-channel, they end up setting up a new department to target this without rallying the other conventional channel to join the race, causing fault lines to divide the company.

  1. Natural elements – Natural elements refer to climate and timing. In this era of digital transformation, timing is the more appropriate element. Interestingly, the concept of timing is also reflected in many ancient Chinese classical philosophical studies, like Lao Tzu’s Tao De Jing, who advocated in flowing with “Tao”. 人法地，地法天，天法道，道法自然. For those who observed the masters in executing the TaiChi movement, counteracting the enemy’s strokes involves the timing of absorbing their strikes by moving along the force, not against. 

Not going so far, we are well aware that the current pandemic has been causing major disruptions across all industries and entities in Southeast Asia. Based on “Tao”, businesses, no matter what shape or size, should move along with the on-and-off lockdowns and restrictions. How? There is no other way but to harness the power of technology. 

With transactions online predicted to hit $1.2 trillion in SEA by 2025, it is timely to start shifting your physical records and dealings online, from forms to be filled, payment, and other in-between affairs. If you have not started or considered it yet, you should do so now.

  1. Physical elements – You may ask how physical elements are related to a non-physical environment such as the internet. During the ancient time, this will be about the soldiers’ marching distance and the war’s type of terrain. Currently, and in digital transformation, it is about your market that you operate in (terrain).

Identifying the right market is critical. This is not just a geographical market identification, it is also identifying the approach to the market, and targeting the correct audience type that fits into the company strategy. For example, a clothing line manufacturer may choose to directly market to the consumers. The manufacturer may choose to go for un-addressed country to avoid conflicting with the existing ecosystem of business partners, or may choose a new target audience (youngsters), reaching them through social media influencers, and selling it purely online.

  1. Managers – One cannot execute a plan without the management’s approval. This pandemic showed that innovation is needed to thrive and our recent survey revealed that managers play a crucial role to enable it. 

A great majority (96%) of surveyed companies confirmed that their board plays a direct role in business innovation. This means that if innovation has more weight behind it, there will be more drive and this not only changes the way businesses operate, but their deep-rooted culture and corporate DNA. 

These are welcome findings and a reminder to loop in your C-suite about your digital transformation plan.

Aligning this across the structure is also important. Execution needs to be aligned all the way to the last person in the hierarchy. That means, the many layers of managers are key to its success, and not just lip service from the top. At times, we see the drive from the top, but the effort is thwarted by managers, especially line managers who are used to addressing old markets, using old tools, or are simply not convinced. 

Qualities we need to look for in good managers are : wise, trustworthy, benevolent, courageous, strict ( 将者，智、信、仁、勇、严也。)

  1. Structure and Protocols/Process – Technological advancements freed us of the need to maintain roads for military supplies, to marshal armies in proper subdivisions, and to control military expenditure. However, this was changed to the need to plan our steps, consider our assets, redefine our protocols, and train our employees regularly. 

For instance, the same survey revealed that 95% of innovations in a company fail before the launch and the culprit is lack of planning. Reverting back to digital transformation, it is important to have defined protocols, comprehensive security measures and tools at hand, and a clear road map and division of tasks to make it possible. 

It is important to equip your company before diving into an irreversible transformation. Be sure that you have the updated and secured tools, revisited and adapted your process flows to a digital-first approach, and trained all your employees about securing and managing your evolving IT environment.

What part then, does cybersecurity play in this transformation? One thing that companies mistakenly think is that cybersecurity stifles innovation. In our recent survey, 54% of our respondents shared this thought. But news about data breaches and ransomware attacks should be considered a clear warning about this thinking. Any such breaches will set the company back in terms of digital transformation as it shakes the transformation at the foundation layer. This is akin to old times when you move the front troops too fast, stretching the supplies line and risking the hijacking of your food supplies, and starving the front troops before they reach the destination.

So yes, it is essential that your digital transformation plan include a comprehensive look into cybersecurity at the earliest.

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Tech & Innovation

Acer launches TravelMate X14 AI business laptop to empower SMBs and hybrid workforces

The lineup includes the Acer TravelMate X14 AI Copilot+ PC and three new additions to the eco-friendly Vero projector series: the Acer Vero XL2320p, Vero XL2521, and Vero SL2520n.

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4 weeks ago

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September 30, 2025

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Acer announced a suite of commercial products designed to empower the modern workforce. The lineup includes the Acer TravelMate X14 AI Copilot+ PC and three new additions to the eco-friendly Vero projector series: the Acer Vero XL2320p, Vero XL2521, and Vero SL2520n.

“As AI is becoming increasingly important in modern business workflows, small and medium businesses need devices that integrate intelligent tools, robust security, and mobility,” said James Lin, General Manager, Notebooks, Acer Inc. “The TravelMate X 14 AI was designed to deliver just that, powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra processors and Copilot+ PC experiences, offering professionals a lightweight yet durable solution crafted to accelerate productivity and collaboration from anywhere.”

“The Acer TravelMate X14 AI demonstrates what’s possible when advanced hardware and modern processors come together. With powerful performance, enhanced security, and unique AI experiences, it’s an ideal choice for today’s professionals looking to upgrade to a PC that prioritizes portability and performance. Together with Acer, we’re redefining what the modern workforce can expect from their Windows 11 PCs.” — Mark Linton, Vice President, Windows + Devices, Microsoft

TravelMate X4 14 AI: Lightweight, Secure, and AI-Ready to Boost SMBs

Built for small and medium businesses (SMBs) and mobile professionals, the TravelMate X4 14 AI (TMX414-51) is a sleek and secure AI business laptop. It features up to an Intel Core Ultra 7 Processor 258V with 115 TOPS[1] of overall performance, up to 32 GB LPDDR5X memory, and up to 1 TB PCIe storage, ensuring smooth multitasking. Running Windows 11 Pro, the laptop supports Copilot+ PC experiences[2], including Recall (preview), Click to Do, improved Windows search, Cocreator in Microsoft Paint, and Live Captions for real-time multilingual translations.

Weighing just 1.27 kg (2.8 lbs) and measuring 15.9 mm (0.63 inches) thin, it is ideal for professionals who travel frequently and work remotely. Built to meet MIL-STD 810H durability standards, it can withstand vibrations, humidity, and extreme temperatures, making it a reliable travel companion. Coupled with its stylish design, the portable AI business laptop can certainly make an impression within any work setup or business meeting.

The 14-inch 16:10 WUXGA display provides ample screen space, with an optional OLED panel with 500 nits peak brightness delivering vibrant colors with TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light certification[3] (hardware solution) to support better eye comfort. Acer PurifiedView 2.0 and Acer PurifiedVoice 2.0 technology, paired with DTS:X Ultra Audio-enhanced speakers, ensure crystal-clear video calls.

This business laptop complies with TCO certification[4] and includes security features to help protect data and on-screen information. Acer UserSensing 2.0 enables the built-in proximity sensor to dim and then lock the screen when the user is away. Lightning-fast Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 keep professionals connected for seamless streaming, lag-free video calls, and fast file transfers, and is equipped with two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB 3.2 Type-A port, a USB 2.0 Type-A port, an HDMI 2.1 slot and a Gigabit Ethernet port, offering versatile connectivity options.

Acer Vero Projectors

The Acer Vero XL2320p, Vero XL2521, and Vero SL2520n are mercury-free laser projectors made for sustainable and long-term use. With lifespans up to 30,000 hours and 40% lower power consumption compared to traditional lamp-based models, these projectors help reduce the total cost of ownership while delivering reliable performance. As a short-throw projector, the Vero SL2520n can produce a 100-inch image from just 1.1 meters, making it great for space-constrained environments.

All the projectors share the same high-performance specifications, including up to Full HD resolution1 and 4,000 ANSI lumens brightness, projecting crystal clear images with impressive brightness. They support 360-degree projection, portrait mode, and advanced 2D and 4-corner keystone correction, to adapt flexibly to any space or scenario. ​Their IP6X dustproof rating and 24/7 operation capability ensure performance even for demanding use cases, and their 93% Rec.709 color gamut and 50,000:1 contrast ratio deliver immersive images. Viewing experiences are enhanced with 15W built-in speakers and have dedicated modes tailored for entertainment – football mode for the Vero XL2 Series, and golf mode for the Vero SL2520n. The SL2520n comes with its own Ethernet slots, while all three models possess a pair of HDMI ports for flexible display setups.

Staying true to Acer’s eco-conscious values, all three Vero projectors feature 50% post-consumer recycled plastic in their chassis and 100% recyclable packaging, reinforcing their commitment to sustainability.

Pricing and Availability

Exact specifications, prices, and availability will vary by region. To learn more about availability, product specifications and prices in specific markets, please contact your nearest Acer office via www.acer.com.

[1] Specifications may vary depending on the model and/or region. All models are subject to availability. 

[2] Copilot+ PC experiences vary by device and market and may require updates continuing to roll out through 2025; timing varies. See aka.ms/copilotpluspcs 

[3] TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light (Hardware Solution) certified panel only available on the OLED display SKU. 

[4] Acer TCO-certified models are identified with the “TCO” suffix in the model name (ex: XXXXXX-XX-TCO). For more details on Acer TCO-certified products, please see https://tcocertified.com/product-finder/ 

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BizWiz

Always connected, always creating: Chef Ina Bilbao stresses need to stay online to be on point

Whether she’s navigating the bustling food markets of South Korea or live-posting from a Michelin-starred pop-up in Taiwan, Ina’s digital presence is as vibrant as her dishes. In this exclusive feature, she shares how Smart Roaming keeps her seamlessly connected, productive, and worry-free while traveling the world.

Published

3 months ago

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July 21, 2025

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For culinary content creator and globetrotting chef Ina Bilbao, staying connected isn’t just a convenience—it’s a necessity.

Whether she’s navigating the bustling food markets of South Korea or live-posting from a Michelin-starred pop-up in Taiwan, Ina’s digital presence is as vibrant as her dishes. In this exclusive feature, she shares how Smart Roaming keeps her seamlessly connected, productive, and worry-free while traveling the world.

For Ina, connectivity is non-negotiable. “Before I head out on any international trip, I make sure I’ve pre-booked a Smart Roaming package,” Ina shares. “It’s always one of the first things I do because I know that as soon as I land, I need to be instantly connected to everything—from maps and apps to staying in touch with my team back home.”

One of the biggest challenges for frequent travelers like Ina is managing data usage without falling into the trap of bill shock. “It’s so easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new place and forget to keep track of data usage,” she says. “A Smart roaming package always helps me make sure I’m not running into any unexpected data charges.”

Smart GigaRoam’s transparent pricing and real-time data usage tracking help Ina stay in control, even in the busiest travel moments.

As a culinary explorer, Ina’s work depends on her ability to stay connected. “I’m always on the lookout for new spots to try, whether it’s a local hidden gem or a pop-up restaurant,” she explains. “I use navigation and transportation apps to get around, access e-wallets to pay for meals, and I’m constantly updating my social media for my followers.”

With Smart Roaming, Ina never misses a beat—or a bite.

Ina’s top tip for business owners and frequent flyers? “Never leave your connectivity to chance. Pre-book a Smart Roaming package so that the moment you land, you’re already online. Connectivity is the backbone of staying productive while traveling.”

She also recommends being mindful of data-heavy apps and checking usage regularly through the GigaRoam portal.

Having tried other roaming services in the past, Ina is confident in her choice. “Nothing beats the convenience and peace of mind that comes with Smart Roaming. The packages are affordable, and I never have to worry about my service dropping or getting hit with crazy bills.”

And if issues arise? “Smart Roaming’s customer support is always quick to respond. I can troubleshoot through the GigaRoam portal or check my phone settings to resolve things fast.”

For Ina, staying connected means more than just convenience—it’s about sharing her culinary journey in real time.

Chef Ina Bilbao’s recipe for stress-free travel? A dash of planning, a sprinkle of tech-savvy, and a generous helping of Smart Roaming. Whether you’re a business traveler, content creator, or simply someone who values staying connected, her story is a reminder that with the right tools, the world is truly at your fingertips.

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Tech & Innovation

Canon launches new imagePROGRAF TC-21 desktop large format printer

The printer’s tiltable panel and flexibility in installation location improve the user experience as adjustments can be made easily. For the first time ever, a large-format printer in the imagePROGRAF series has recycled steel in a part of its body, making it more environmentally friendly.

Published

3 months ago

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July 20, 2025

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Canon announced the new imagePROGRAF TC-21, successor to the imagePROGRAF TC-20 compact desktop large format printer. As a step up, the Auto Sheet Feeder (ASF) in the imagePROGRAF TC-21, has been enhanced to meet varied printing needs such as production of publicity materials, architectural and design drawings.

The printer’s tiltable panel and flexibility in installation location improve the user experience as adjustments can be made easily. For the first time ever, a large-format printer in the imagePROGRAF series has recycled steel in a part of its body, making it more environmentally friendly.

Tiltable Operation Panel for Easier Viewing

For the imagePROGRAF TC-21, it is designed to be as space-saving as possible. For example, print-related operations like the paper set and ink filling can be performed from the front of the printer. In addition, it has a tilt-type operation panel that provides comfortable and enhanced usability as the angle can be adjusted according to the user’s preferences. Even if the imagePROGRAF TC-21 is installed on a low shelf, users will still find it easy to operate.

Wide Range of Media Sizes and Types

With its versatile media handling capabilities, the imagePROGRAF TC-21 not only supports printing from A1+ roll paper, but also other types of media like A3 and A4 sizes, postcards, envelopes and labels fed via an auto sheet feeder. It can also adapt to printing the same content in different sizes, such as an A1 scale drawing for submission, an A4 drawing for review, a large poster for a restaurant menu and an A6 or postcard-sized flyer for table placement.

Printing Enhancements

The “Minimal Margin Printing” function allows users to print on roll paper with no top and bottom margins, with minimal margins on the left and right sides. The imagePROGRAF TC-21 adopts the image processing method like the higher-end model to print posters in vivid colours even on plain paper, thus making the creations more impactful. The high-capacity ink tank in the imagePROGRAF TC-21 also enables efficient printing and reduces the time required for ink refiling. To express their creativity, users can utilise the free software, “PosterArtist” to create posters and flyers that help bring their vision to life.

Environmentally Friendly Materials

As part of efforts to care for the environment, approximately 5% recycled steel and 40% recycled resin were integrated into certain parts of the printer’s body. In addition, the product packaging is made of recyclable cardboard instead of polystyrene foam. With high environmental performance, the TC-21 has been registered as a gold product under U.S. environmental assessment system EPEAT.

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