Editor’s note: In today’s A Day in the Life, Victor Ng (pictured), VP and MD, Infor South East Asia & Korea shares with FutureCFO how an early-career experience in leading a large-scale digital transformation shaped him and deepened his passion for lifelong learning as well as what he learnt from helping clean up Marina Reservoir in Singapore.
FutureCFO: What does a typical day look like for you?
Victor Ng (VN): My days are carefully structured to maintain productivity with a good dose of adaptability as it’s usually packed with meetings, team huddles and brainstorming sessions.
Mornings are sacred for me—I start each day with a 5 A.M. gym session. Fitness is not just about physical health but also mental clarity. It’s my way of preparing for the challenges ahead.
I then enjoy a healthy breakfast and set my priorities for the day, ensuring that I approach my tasks with a clear sense of focus.
Work often begins with meetings, especially given my role leading businesses across Southeast Asia and Korea.
I thrive on connecting with customers, partners and my various teams across the region—understanding their challenges and collaborating to find solutions.
Working in this region means navigating different time zones, languages, and cultural nuances, which keeps things dynamic and exciting—speaking a smattering of Thai and fluent Bahasa Malaysia certainly helps.
No two days are the same and I love the diversity this brings to my work and life.
Lunch is a quick but mindful break. I prioritise eating healthy to sustain my energy levels throughout the day.
Afternoons are a mix of strategic planning sessions and deep dives into emerging technologies, particularly Generative AI.
I’m passionate about lifelong learning, so I dedicate time to explore how the latest tools can solve real-world business problems and revolutionise industries like finance and supply chain management.
I also work closely with colleagues to foster collaboration. Supporting my team’s growth and well-being is one of my top priorities, as I firmly believe in the value of relationships by building a thriving workplace.
Evenings are reserved for reflection—sometimes through a light workout, catching up on industry news, or engaging with thought-provoking content. There’s even the odd true-crime podcast!
Travel is another significant part of my schedule. Whether visiting customers, partners or attending industry events, I’ve grown to appreciate the importance of face-to-face interactions, especially in a post-pandemic era.
They allow me to build deeper connections and demonstrate my commitment to supporting customers, partners. In addition, face-to-face interactions also allows me to bond with my regional team.
Ultimately, my day is driven by purpose—helping clients and partners succeed, supporting my team, and continuously improving myself.
Cleaning up Marina Reservoir in Singapore as a company was a call to action, emphasising the power of individuals and communities working together to drive meaningful change.
FutureCFO: What excites you the most when you work with CFOs and finance functions?
VN: Working with CFOs and finance teams is one of the most rewarding aspects of my role.
These professionals sit at the intersection of strategic decision-making and operational excellence, making them critical to an organisation’s success.
What excites me the most is the opportunity to help them harness the transformative potential of technology to redefine how they work.
For instance, Generative AI—when applied strategically—can transform finance functions by automating repetitive tasks and delivering actionable insights.
As a result, users can complete tasks like reconciling accounts, forecasting, while analysing financial data can be completed with unprecedented speed and accuracy.
This allows CFOs and their teams to shift their focus from manual processes to higher-value activities like strategic planning and risk management.
In Southeast Asia, where I work closely with many finance teams, there is a unique openness to innovation.
CFOs in this region are not only ambitious but also incredibly adaptive, which makes collaboration particularly fulfilling.
One example is using AI to optimise cash flow management, a challenge many businesses face. By implementing AI-powered tools, finance teams can gain real-time insights into their liquidity, enabling them to make faster, more informed decisions.
Beyond automation, AI helps finance leaders identify trends and predict future outcomes with greater precision. Imagine a CFO being able to anticipate market shifts or detect potential risks well in advance—this capability can be a game-changer for organisations looking to stay competitive.
Another exciting aspect is the cultural shift AI brings to finance functions. It’s not just about technology—it’s about empowering people.
When CFOs embrace AI, they create an environment where their teams feel supported and valued. This fosters creativity, collaboration, and a willingness to tackle complex problems.
Ultimately, what excites me most is seeing the tangible impact of AI in finance. Whether it’s improving efficiency, enhancing decision-making, or driving innovation, the possibilities are endless. I feel truly privileged to be part of this journey.
An early-career experience in leading a large-scale digital transformation project for a client in Southeast Asia taught me the importance of empathy in leadership and that understanding the needs and perspectives of others is key to building trust and driving meaningful change.
FutureCFO: Can you share an experience which was key to your professional growth?
VN: One of the most pivotal moments was early in my career when I led a large-scale digital transformation project for a client in Southeast Asia.
The project was focused on improving operational efficiency and scalability for a rapidly growing business. It was high stakes, with tight deadlines and complex challenges, but it also provided an invaluable opportunity for growth.
What made this experience so impactful was the trust I was able to build with the client. Early in the project, I made it a point to immerse myself in their operations, learning every detail of their processes and pain points.
This not only gave me the insights needed to develop tailored solutions but also demonstrated my commitment to their success.
The project required a blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and relationship management.
One major hurdle was integrating modern solutions into their existing systems without disrupting day-to-day operations.
By collaborating closely with their team and involving them in the decision-making process, we were able to navigate these challenges effectively.
The outcome was a significant improvement in their operational efficiency, which positioned the company for sustainable growth.
But more than the results, it was the journey that shaped me. It taught me the importance of empathy in leadership and that understanding the needs and perspectives of others is key to building trust and driving meaningful change.
This experience also deepened my passion for lifelong learning.
Technology and business landscapes are constantly evolving, and staying ahead requires a commitment to continuous growth.
Since that project, I’ve made it a priority to stay at the forefront of emerging trends, particularly in AI and digital transformation.
Most importantly, this experience reinforced my belief in the power of collaboration. Success is rarely achieved in isolation. It’s the result of teamwork, mutual respect, and a shared vision. This lesson continues to guide me in everything I do.
FurureCFO: Is there anything outside work that serves as an important inspiration to your work or life?
VN: One of the most impactful experiences outside of work for me was volunteering to clean up Marina Reservoir in Singapore as a company.
This initiative deeply resonated with my values and served as a stark reminder of the importance of collective action in improving the world in which we live.
In just two hours, our team collected nearly 130kg of waste. This reservoir alone captures around 1-2 tonnes of waste daily—a sobering statistic that highlights the magnitude of the problem.
For me, this experience was more than just a coastal cleanup.
It was a call to action, emphasising the power of individuals and communities working together to drive meaningful change. It reminded me that small efforts can lead to significant impact, whether it’s cleaning a waterway or transforming processes in business.
The cleanup also reinforced the importance of sustainability, which I strive to incorporate into my work and life.
These moments remind me why I do what I do: to leave things better than I found them, whether it’s for my colleagues, clients or family.
I also draw inspiration from my commitment to fitness and health. Staying active isn’t just about physical well-being—it’s a way to build discipline, resilience, and mental clarity.
One of the most rewarding parts of my life outside work is training my daughter to hopefully become the next Serena Williams.
It has become our special way of bonding, blending fitness, discipline, and fun. Watching her grow in confidence and skill with every session fills me with pride.
Our sessions are more than just the game. They’re a chance to teach her values like perseverance, teamwork, and the importance of setting goals.
We celebrate her wins, big or small, and reflect on the lessons from challenges. These moments remind me of the importance of patience and encouragement, not just in parenting but also in my professional life.
Ultimately, the inspiration I draw from these experiences fuels my passion for helping others, whether it’s my customers, colleagues, or the communities I engage with. It reminds me that the work we do has the potential to create lasting, meaningful impact.
