He emphasises how true drivers of meaningful innovation include leadership and execution. 

Today, success is defined by how organisations rethink their business models, enter new markets, and build for the future. Companies in Asia are embracing this as they recognise that successful innovation depends as much on execution and people as it does on fresh ideas.

Sharing insights about this is Henry Tan, Group CEO and Chief Innovation Officer of CLA Global TS Holdings Pte. Ltd., whose experience includes advising entrepreneurs and businesses in Asia for more than three decades.

Tan guided several companies in expanding into new markets, raising capital, navigating mergers and acquisitions, and achieving public listings on the Singapore, London, and Hong Kong stock exchanges. He is also an expert in corporate strategy, business transformation, accounting, taxation, governance, and sustainability.

Aside from leading CLA Global TS, Tan has also advised multinational companies; supported Chinese enterprises with restructuring and fundraising; and serves on the boards of several listed companies as well.

As he joins the judging panel for the Asian Innovation Excellence Awards 2026, Tan shares his thoughts on how innovation is evolving and what separates successful organisations from the rest.

Having advised entrepreneurs for more than three decades, how has the way companies innovate changed?

Innovation has evolved from being largely product-focused to becoming embedded across the entire business. In the past, companies typically innovated through new products, services, or operational improvements. Today, innovation encompasses business models, customer experiences, digital transformation, talent strategies, and sustainability initiatives. What has remained constant is the need to solve real market challenges. However, the pace of change has accelerated significantly. Businesses are now expected to adapt continuously, leverage technology effectively, and respond quickly to shifting customer expectations and market conditions.

What innovation challenges do businesses across Asia commonly encounter when entering new markets?

One of the most common challenges is balancing standardisation with localisation. Whilst businesses may have proven products or business models in their home markets, success in a new market often requires a deep understanding of local regulations, customer preferences, cultural nuances, and competitive dynamics. Another challenge is managing growth whilst building the right local partnerships, talent, and operational infrastructure. Companies that combine strong innovation with disciplined market execution tend to achieve more sustainable outcomes.

How can businesses continue investing in innovation whilst maintaining financial discipline? Innovation and financial discipline should not be viewed as competing priorities. Successful organisations establish a clear innovation strategy aligned with business objectives and measurable outcomes. Rather than pursuing every new opportunity, businesses should prioritise initiatives that create long-term value, improve productivity, strengthen customer engagement, or open new revenue streams. A disciplined approach to innovation involves prudent resource allocation, regular performance reviews, and a willingness to refine or discontinue initiatives that do not deliver the intended impact.

How do you see sustainability reporting and corporate governance driving the next wave of business innovation?

Sustainability reporting and strong corporate governance are increasingly becoming catalysts for innovation rather than compliance exercises. As organisations collect and analyse more non-financial data, they gain deeper insights into their operations, supply chains, resource utilisation, and stakeholder expectations. These insights often reveal opportunities to improve efficiency, strengthen resilience, reduce environmental impact, and create new value propositions. Companies that integrate sustainability and governance considerations into their strategic decision-making are likely to be better positioned for long-term growth and competitiveness.

What emerging business models do you believe will become increasingly important across Asia over the next five years?

We are seeing growing momentum behind platform-based ecosystems, subscription and recurring revenue models, data-driven services, and collaborative partnerships that enable businesses to scale beyond traditional boundaries. At the same time, businesses are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence, automation, and digital technologies to enhance customer experiences and improve operational efficiency. I also expect greater emphasis on sustainable and purpose-driven business models that balance commercial success with broader societal and environmental impact.

As a returning judge for the Asian Innovation Excellence Awards 2026, what themes or breakthrough innovations are you particularly hoping to see from this year’s nominees?

I am particularly interested in innovations that deliver measurable business impact whilst addressing broader economic, societal, or environmental challenges. Beyond technological advancement, I hope to see solutions that demonstrate strong execution, scalability, and sustainable value creation. I am also keen to see how organisations are leveraging emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and data analytics to transform industries, enhance customer experiences, and strengthen resilience. Ultimately, the most compelling innovations are those that combine bold ideas with meaningful outcomes and a clear vision for the future.

Innovation is not about adding more technology alone; it is about solving pain points and leading new initiatives that drive industry and process improvements. The people aspect of innovation is key. Whilst implementing a new tool or technology is relatively easy, ensuring that people embrace and adopt it wholeheartedly is what truly matters. Only then can organisations maximise the benefits and realise the full value of innovation.