From Efficiencies to Reinvention: Navigating the AI Transformation

AS Watson is approaching AI as an enterprise transformation—not a series of IT pilots. Its CEO-led, cross-functional approach embeds AI in workflows, decision-making, and performance management across the business, rather than leaving adoption to a single technology team. To support this effort, the company has appointed 31 global strategic technology partners to accelerate its AI-powered online and offline retail transformation. In this one-on-one conversation, Group CEO Malina Ngai discusses what this shift means in practice—from smarter warehouse operations and more connected customer experiences to the leadership choices required to make AI integral to the way the business operates. How can companies turn AI investment into compounding value? And what must leaders be willing to change to achieve it? Malina Ngai, Group Chief Executive Officer, AS Watson Group