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Mr Alex Siow
Introduction
In all playing fields that Alex has been on, he never fits as just a member. Instead, he almost inevitably emerges as the mastermind of the game.
He fervently believes in doing his best in all that he lays his hands on. And, his best usually means top-notch achievements, nothing less. His involvement as a leader in a multitude of areas is no surprise. Alex has a voracious appetite for tasks that seem larger than life. He is not satisfied with roles that HDB has to offer. He has a passion for service in the IT arena at all levels, especially at the national level.
Alex - CIO, HDB
Almost certainly, Alex’s demonstrated ability to excel played a big part in launching him into an IT career path. Coupled with a stroke of fate when the CIO post of HDB needed a new incumbent in 1991. Alex was the chosen candidate to fill the post despite being a relative novice in IT. He quickly grew into the shoes he had to fit. Not only that, he has led the Information Services Department along a steady and impressive journey, catapulting it on a high achiever’s path that it still is on. The following achievements have brought the department to national and international heights:
- ISO 9001 certified since 1995
- National IT Award in 1996 (for both "Public Sector" and "Excellence in IT Training" categories)
- Capability Maturity Model - Level 3 certified in 2001
Alex - President, ITMA
Alex did not confine his circle to HDB IT. He made it a point to network in the professional IT network. He joined the ITMA (formerly known as DPMA) and was the society’s President for 5 years from 1994 to 1999. During this time he initiated many ‘firsts’ for the society. He organized the IT Best Practices Seminar and shared his strategy for tackling Y2K concerns within the industry. He also enhanced the ITMA’s annual salary survey to give more value-added information on the industry. Through all these efforts, Alex has shaped the society to the popular and well- respected organization it is today.
Alex - President, Singapore Computer Society
He also involved himself with the Singapore Computer Society. He rose to become its President in 1997 and was at the helm for 4 years till 2001. As SCS president, he steered the society on a confident and steady course, clocking commendable achievements that have uplifted the status of the society to the prestigious niche that it enjoys today.
During his presidency, Alex made it his personal goal to increase the stature of the society and add value to SCS membership. A significant accolade attributable to Alex is the establishment of the Certification of IT Project Management programme which has raised the professionalism of IT managers. This programme is well-subscribed and has gained international recognition.
Alex - IT personality
With a blazing trail of impressive achievements, it is little wonder that Alex is a much watched IT personality. Apart from being the CIO of HDB, Alex holds 6 other IT portfolios:
- Secretary General, South East Asian Regional Computer Confederation (SEARCC )
- Board Member, Institute of Systems Science
- Chairman, Advisory Committee for the School of Computing, NUS
- Chairman, National Infocomm Competency Centre (NICC)
- President, Singapore Chapter of Project Management Institute (PMI)
- Adjunct Associate Professor of the National University of Singapore
A string of case studies has been done and numerous articles written on him. These include:
- Identified as one of top 11 most powerful personalities in Singapore in an industry survey conducted by Computerworld in 1995.
- Interviewed by Computer Times on HDB’s information systems - article published in Dec 97.
- Featured in MIS Asia (Autumn 1998 issue) where HDB is ranked one of the region’s 100 biggest IT users.
- Featured in Business Times "Say It" column in Mar 99.
- Featured in Straits Times in Apr 2000.
- Published article in Business Times in Aug 2000 - IT Comment column
- Quoted in Computerworld, Aug 4-10, 2000 issue
- Featured in Computer Times in Dec 2000
- Featured in Business Times in Jan 2001
- Profiled in Computer Times in Feb 2001
- Featured on Computer Times in Aug 2001
- Identified as one of the biggest newsmakers over the years by MIS, Dec 2001
- Featured in CIO Jan/Feb 2002
Alex is also a prolific writer. He shares his is extensive and rich experiences in IT willingly. His series of weekly articles entitled “CIO’s Desktop” published in the Computer Times from Oct 99 to Jul 2000 was much sought after and recognized for the valuable insights that he penned to share with the community.
Alex - NSman
In the non-IT arena, Alex has similarly excelled. As a National Serviceman, Alex is one of a few who achieved the rank of Lieutenant – Colonel and was the Battalion Commander of a Guards Battalion to boot. He is still serving in the SAF when most of his contemporaries have retired.
Alex - a Community Person
Alex joined the Aljunied GRC's Citizen Consultative Committee (CCC) in 2000 as a member. He actively contributed to meetings and participated in many of their activities including walkabouts. His keen interest and leadership qualities led him to be appointed as Vice Chairman of the CCC. He was also the Chairman of the Organising Committee for the Aljunied Division National Day Dinner cum Variety Show held on 1 Aug 01. The event was highly successful.
Alex - the Enigma
How he achieves all he achieves will never be fully unraveled. A few factors however, are clear linchpins in his make-up.
- Strategic thinking, forward looking
- Gives his best in all he does
- Makes best use of his time
- Values his staff
He remains an enigma. We can only be certain that he has more exciting conquests up his sleeves.Sciences for the year 2003.
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