Canon Singapore has wrapped up the Think Big Business Leadership Series 2025, a flagship event that brought together over 1,100 business leaders, policymakers and entrepreneurs from Singapore and across the region. The conference focused on how companies can build resilience, embrace technology and find opportunities amid rising global uncertainty.
Navigating an era of disruption
Set against renewed tariff tensions and shifting global trade policies, this year’s discussions centred on resilience and adaptability. Speakers explored how businesses could strengthen operations through innovation, AI adoption and regional partnerships, including emerging opportunities within the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which has drawn more than S$5.5 billion in investments.
Patrick Tay, Assistant Secretary-General of NTUC and Member of Parliament for Pioneer, said that uncertainty has become the only constant. He noted that Singapore’s resilience lies in collaboration between government, unions and employers, alongside its commitment to innovation and responsible AI.
The call for adaptability was echoed by industry leaders, who pointed out that inflation, supply chain disruptions and talent shortages continue to challenge businesses across Asia. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), many have been forced to prioritise stability over expansion, while others are finding new growth opportunities in digital transformation and regional partnerships.
AI as a driver of resilience
Artificial intelligence emerged as a key theme throughout the event. Speakers agreed that AI has moved beyond being a buzzword to becoming an operational necessity for competitiveness. With use cases spanning predictive supply chains and automated decision-making, businesses that adopt AI effectively are better equipped to manage volatility and scale efficiently.
Laurence Liew, Director of AI Innovation at AI Singapore, described the technology as transformative but complementary. He said that while AI is capable of automation and analysis, human judgment and strategic thinking remain essential to ensure ethical and sustainable use. Similarly, experts emphasised that cybersecurity and data privacy must advance in tandem with AI adoption to maintain digital trust and protect business continuity.
Canon Singapore’s Senior Vice President for Regional Digital Printing and Business Solution Operations, Norihiro Katagiri, noted that 2025 has underscored the need for agility and preparedness. He said the Think Big Series continues to serve as a platform for exchanging insights and practical strategies to help organisations stay ahead of disruption.
Regional collaboration as a growth catalyst
The Johor–Singapore SEZ was identified as a major growth engine for Southeast Asia. The initiative is fostering cross-border innovation in advanced manufacturing, logistics and digital trade, creating new opportunities for companies seeking to diversify operations and build resilience.
Industry leaders highlighted the importance of public–private collaboration to accelerate infrastructure development and policy alignment. Many see the SEZ as a model for how regional economies can work together to strengthen competitiveness and innovation.
Education and talent development were also discussed as critical enablers. Institutions such as Singapore Polytechnic are preparing graduates to thrive in an AI-driven economy, ensuring that the next generation is equipped to support cross-border industries and emerging technologies.
Empowering people through innovation
While much of the conversation centred on technology, speakers agreed that the human factor remains vital. Businesses that empower employees to use smart tools and embrace continuous learning are more likely to sustain innovation and long-term growth.
Canon Singapore reaffirmed its role in this transformation, introducing the new imageFORCE C5100 series during the event. The printer line is designed to help organisations boost productivity and integrate AI-driven efficiency into their workflows. The launch also reflects Singapore’s wider push to close its AI adoption gap—while most SMEs have adopted basic digital solutions, only a small fraction have implemented AI at scale.
Through the Think Big Business Leadership Series, Canon Singapore aims to strengthen its commitment to supporting forward-thinking leaders with the tools, insights and partnerships needed to thrive in a fast-changing regional economy.
