NCS chief Sam Liew wins Singapore tech leader award

Sam Liew has been named Singapore Computer Society Tech Leader of the Year, in recognition of the NCS Chief Executive Officer's contribution to Singapore's technology sector.

The award goes to leaders whose work has had an impact beyond their immediate business interests. Liew was recognised for his role in AI-led transformation and for supporting a more inclusive approach to digital development.

The honour reflects his work within NCS and across the wider industry. He has led the company's use of artificial intelligence in its own operations and in customer projects, while promoting hiring based on skills rather than traditional credentials.

Skills focus

That approach has included support for programmes linked to the Infocomm Media Development Authority's TeSA for ITE and Polytechnics Alliance and TIP Alliance+. The initiatives aim to open more pathways into technology jobs for graduates from the Institute of Technical Education, polytechnics and universities.

Liew also holds roles with several educational institutions in Singapore, including board positions at the Institute of Technical Education, Singapore University of Technology and Design and Singapore Management University. In those roles, he has been involved in efforts to develop future technology talent.

The award highlights an issue of growing importance in Singapore's technology industry: how to widen access to digital careers as companies invest more heavily in artificial intelligence. Employers across the sector have been under pressure to recruit workers with practical skills while retraining existing staff as demand shifts.

Regional growth

NCS is one of the region's larger technology services groups, with about 15,000 staff across Asia-Pacific. Part of Singtel, it has positioned artificial intelligence as a central part of its business as corporate and public sector clients seek to automate processes and modernise ageing technology systems.

In Singapore, the emphasis on skills and inclusion also aligns with a broader policy goal of maintaining a steady domestic pipeline of technology workers. Industry groups and companies have increasingly worked with schools and tertiary institutions to create clearer links between study, training and employment.

Liew said the recognition reflected that wider agenda for the sector.

"I'm honoured to receive this recognition from the Singapore Computer Society. Technology must create opportunity for everyone, and I'm committed to strengthening Singapore's tech leadership by growing skills and talent, supporting an inclusive digital future, and helping organisations drive AI-led transformation," said Sam Liew.

Workforce challenge

The award adds to the public profile of a business leader closely associated with NCS's current direction. His remit spans both commercial strategy and workforce development, two areas that are increasingly intertwined as businesses deploy AI while facing shortages of experienced staff.

In practice, that has meant balancing technology investment with training and recruitment. Companies in Singapore's digital economy face a common challenge: finding enough workers with relevant expertise while ensuring automation does not narrow access to jobs for people from non-traditional educational backgrounds.

Liew's support for skills-first hiring has been one response. Supporters of the model argue that it can broaden the talent pool by placing more weight on demonstrated ability and job readiness than on academic pathway alone.

The Singapore Computer Society's decision to honour him suggests those efforts are being recognised as part of the sector's wider development, not just as an internal management priority at one company. It also underlines the growing importance of leadership on workforce issues alongside the adoption of new technologies.

NCS said Liew has focused on initiatives that support students, young people and professionals across Singapore's digital ecosystem.