Celebrating 55 Years of the Singapore Computer Society

On May 5th, 2023, I had the honor of attending the Singapore Computer Society's 55th Anniversary Gala Dinner and Tech Leader Awards. An evening filled with innovation, recognition, and the kind of connections that remind us why we do this work. ✨

A Night of Recognition and National Vision

The event was graced by Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Minister Josephine Teo, and Minister Zaqy Mohamad - a testament to how deeply technology is woven into Singapore's national fabric.

What made the evening even more significant was the announcement of a refreshed infocomm industry roadmap targeting 80,000 well-paying jobs in the sector by 2025. This isn't just about numbers - it's about creating meaningful careers and building a tech ecosystem that can compete on the global stage.

Congratulations to all the award winners! Watching peers and leaders be recognized for their contributions to our industry was a powerful reminder of the talent and dedication that drives our ecosystem forward.

Celebrating 55 Years of Building Together

Fifty-five years is a remarkable milestone. The Singapore Computer Society, founded in 1968, is now Singapore's oldest and largest professional IT body with over 50,000 members. That's more than half a century of building, learning, and evolving together as a community.

Think about what that means. In 1968, computing was in its infancy. Today, we're building agentic AI systems, democratizing data, and reimagining how technology serves humanity. The SCS has been there through every wave of transformation - mainframes to mobile, internet to AI.

What strikes me most about this longevity is the commitment to community. Technology moves fast, but the human connections that drive innovation? Those take time, trust, and consistent showing up.

The Conversations That Matter Most

What struck me most wasn't just the formal program - it was the conversations in between. Tech enthusiasts, industry leaders, and friends, all gathered with a shared sense of purpose.

I'd like to thank the Enterprise Architecture chapter for inviting me. These moments of connection are where ideas spark, partnerships form, and we remember that technology is ultimately a human endeavor.

In our rush to build the next big thing, it's easy to forget that the most valuable asset in tech isn't the latest framework or model - it's the people. The mentors who guide us. The peers who challenge our thinking. The community that catches us when we stumble and celebrates when we succeed.

Looking Ahead: Technology That Serves People First

As I reflect on the evening, I keep coming back to one question: What does the next 55 years look like?

We're at an inflection point with AI. The decisions we make now - about how we build, who we include, what values we embed - will shape the trajectory of technology for decades to come.

I'm excited to see what the future holds for tech in Singapore and beyond - and grateful to be part of this journey alongside so many brilliant minds. The roadmap to 80,000 jobs isn't just about employment numbers. It's about creating opportunities for diverse voices, building systems that amplify human judgment rather than replace it, and ensuring that as we scale, we never lose sight of the people we're building for. 🙏

Here's to the next chapter, and to continuing to build technology that serves people first. Here's to the communities that sustain us, the leaders who inspire us, and the shared belief that our best work is still ahead.

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