When Singtel Singapore CEO Ng Tian Chong first started exploring Microsoft 365 Copilot, he wasn’t sure what to expect. Yet within months, the Singtel Copilot Adoption journey began reshaping his leadership style, elevating his productivity, and opening unexpected creative pathways both inside and outside the office.
At first, Ng used Copilot in simple ways, mainly as a search tool that could summarize emails and gather the day’s news. However, as he tested more features, he discovered that Copilot could act as a partner in deeper strategic thinking, helping him sift through complex information and respond more confidently in fast-changing environments.
Over time, this “AI sparring partner” evolved into a central part of Ng’s workflow. He now integrates Copilot across Microsoft tools, using it to brief him ahead of meetings, refine key messages, and gather insights from unfamiliar domains.
As he leads a team of 5,000 people through major organizational restructuring, Copilot has become a tool that buys him back time, without adding extra pressure on the leaders around him.
One pivotal moment came during Singtel’s strategic planning season. Ng fed Copilot data on telecommunications industry trends and asked it to propose new strategic themes. The ideas surfaced by the tool sparked deeper insights, helping him shape a refreshed vision statement for the company. That experience cemented his view of Copilot as a force multiplier that strengthens decision-making at the highest level.
As Ng puts it, the traditional CEO had to be “well-read, well-connected, and deeply networked” to stay ahead. But with Copilot, he now has a trusted resource capable of synthesizing vast amounts of information quickly, allowing him to act with more precision and agility.
This efficiency is especially valuable as Singtel accelerates its transformation into an “AI-first telco of the future.” According to Ng, artificial intelligence now sits “front and center” in Singtel’s strategic priorities, guiding how the company enhances its internal workflows and customer experiences. Copilot, therefore, isn’t just a personal productivity tool, it’s part of Singtel’s broader cultural and digital evolution.
Ng also likens his leadership philosophy to conducting a jazz band rather than a classical orchestra. Jazz, he says, requires improvisation and comfort with uncertainty. And during those unscripted moments, Copilot helps him find rhythm, clarity, and confidence.
Surprisingly, Ng’s use of AI extends well beyond the boardroom. During a deep-sea fishing trip in the South China Sea, he asked Copilot for the ideal bait combination for that season. The AI suggested squid and prawn instead of the usual small fish.
The result? A 40-pound cobia, the “biggest fish of the season,” as he proudly recalls. This unexpected win illustrates how Copilot has become his trusted companion, whether he’s refining Singtel’s long-term strategy or enjoying a weekend adventure.
As Ng continues leading Singtel through a period of rapid change, the Singtel Copilot Adoption story reflects a broader trend: AI is no longer a futuristic add-on but a practical, human-centered tool that helps leaders think sharper, act faster, and unlock creativity in new ways.
With Singtel pursuing its ambition to become a fully AI-driven telco, Copilot’s influence is likely only just beginning. To stay ahead of AI’s biggest shifts and stories, make sure to check out ainewstoday.org for more updates!
