Tay Zong Huai is the APJ Innovation Hub Lead at Amazon Web Services (AWS). The company recently opened its multi-million-dollar Innovation Hub in Singapore and has plans to invest an additional US$9b into cloud infrastructure in Singapore by 2028. At the Innovation Hub, AWS aims to fast-track digital and AI transformation and innovation through engagements with over 1,000 C-suite executives and 200 local tertiary students annually. The tech giant is also supporting Singapore-based companies in their AI transformation journey through the AI Springboard programme under the Enterprise Compute Initiative.
 

1. Tell us about what you do at AWS.

As the APJ Innovation Hub Lead, I oversaw the development and build of AWS’s Singapore-based innovation hub, which is the first global customer experience centre of its kind. It’s a facility where our customers can shape their digital transformation journeys with AWS’s cloud capabilities through immersive tech demonstrations, interactive workshops, and collaborative ideation sessions. My team and I are constantly developing new use cases and solutions that demonstrate how cloud technology can help manufacturing and industrial organisations modernise their operations while meeting sustainability goals.

Of course, building the Innovation Hub wasn't easy as the project's scope was extensive, from physical construction and technology integration to designing a compelling customer experience flow. A project of this scale typically requires a two-year timeline to complete. However, we were able to accelerate this and get the Innovation Hub up and running in just eight months — thanks to the collaboration among the AWS team and our extensive network of partners.

Since the Innovation Hub's opening, I’ve focused on demonstrating its value to customers. I do so by hosting C-suite executives, showing them what is achievable with AWS solutions, and working closely with experts to ensure our Innovation Hub remains sustainable and technologically up-to-date.
 

2. You studied chemical engineering, but went on to pursue management consulting at McKinsey before landing your current role in tech at AWS. What was it that sparked these key career switches?

My evolving interests and the dynamic nature of today's business landscape are mainly what drove these switches. I first began my career in British alcoholic beverage manufacturer Diageo's graduate programme, where I had the chance to help establish and optimise a new manufacturing facility in Bali. While working in Diageo, I encountered a consulting firm's proposal on price optimisation, which sparked my curiosity about business transformation — the structured thinking and clarity within it opened my eyes and showed me there was a lot more to learn and explore.

This led me to move on to consulting at McKinsey. In my time there, it became clear to me that technology, combined with human ingenuity, is a fundamental driver of innovation. Cloud computing was fast becoming the backbone of many modern applications, and I wanted to be at the forefront of this, so I made the switch to pursue tech at AWS.

Throughout my career transitions, my chemical engineering background has proven surprisingly relevant, not in the traditional sense, but for the way it trained me to break down complex problems, think systematically, and approach challenges with analytical rigour. In today’s digital age, where technical information is readily accessible, what I value most is knowing how to apply knowledge meaningfully to solve real-world problems. This combination of structured thinking, rapid learning, and adaptability has enabled me to contribute effectively across diverse industries and roles.
 

3. Having worked in different MNCs, what do you think are some of the life skills one needs to stay relevant in a large organisation?

Firstly, structured problem-solving has guided me through complex challenges and helped me focus efforts on what truly drives results. Most recently, it’s helped me break down the ambitious project of establishing AWS's Innovation Hub into clear priorities and actionable workstreams.

Secondly, bridging diverse perspectives has shown me that meaningful progress happens when different worlds connect. When I was at McKinsey, we often had to bridge the gap between strategies and reality, especially between technical experts who understood the potential of new technologies and operational managers who needed practical, implementable solutions.

Lastly, a commitment to continuous learning and adaptation is arguably the most invaluable skill. In fact, each milestone in my career shift has reinforced this — from adapting to a new manufacturing environment in Bali at Diageo, to understanding different industries at McKinsey, and now keeping pace with rapidly evolving cloud technologies at AWS. This has become my anchor in navigating change.
 

4. What advice do you have for others on navigating through an AI-driven world?

Technological disruption is natural and has been a constant throughout history. While AI will reshape how we work, it ultimately serves to amplify human capabilities rather than replace them. Across industries, AI can help us handle routine tasks and data processing at an unprecedented speed, allowing us to focus more on strategic thinking and creative problem-solving. The final decision-making will still have to rely on human insights and expertise.

For those who are out in the workforce today, I believe the key is to approach AI with curiosity rather than fear, and to stay adaptable. This means understanding its capabilities and limitations, while actively looking for ways to use AI to enhance productivity. For example, I recently spent some time completing the AWS Certified AI Practitioner course, and am exploring other learning opportunities through government initiatives like SkillsFuture.  Beyond technical skills, I also try to strengthen other capabilities that complement AI technologies — areas where human insight and experience remain irreplaceable.

Fresh graduates, on the other hand, are in a particularly interesting position. As digital natives, they have an inherent advantage in adapting to AI technologies. The key is to focus on building core capabilities like critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication while maintaining an adaptable mindset and willingness to learn. These will prepare them for existing roles in the workforce and new positions that will emerge as AI transforms different industries.
 

5. When it comes to exploring different career paths, what advice do you have for fresh graduates today?

It’s okay if you don't have a 10-year plan. In fact, learning to manage uncertainty is one of the most valuable skills you can develop. Whatever path you choose, commit to it fully and be intentional about what you want to learn or achieve in that moment. Even if you change direction later, you’ll carry with you skills and experiences that make the decision worthwhile. There’s no such thing as a wasted step if you’ve been deliberate about the value that you take from it.

With technology, AI, and industries evolving at unprecedented speed, the job you start in may look completely different in five years. That is why I would encourage fresh graduates to focus less on picking the perfect lane and more on building strong, transferable skills like problem-solving, communication, and adaptability that will serve you well regardless of where you are. Careers will have twists, but if you keep these fundamentals at the centre, you'll be ready for whatever comes next.