Augustin Chan is the Head of Sales at Taiwanese startup CloudMile, which offers cloud solutions, AI services, and digital transformation consulting for various industries. The company was appointed as a key consultant partner under Google’s AI Cloud Takeoff (CTO) programme that aims to help 300 Singapore-based companies implement custom AI solutions to enhance their operations. The CTO programme is part of Singapore’s Enterprise Compute Initiative (ECI).
 

1. What is your role now and what was your career journey like?

As the Head of Sales at CloudMile, I oversee the revenue growth, profitability, and market expansion of our AI, data and cloud solutions. I work closely with enterprise clients on their digital transformation journeys and help them develop go-to-market strategies that address their business needs.

My work mornings typically start with team check-ins, where we align on priorities, review key deals and projects, and address roadblocks. The rest of my day is often spent engaging with customers and partners. When it comes to understanding the challenges they face and how we can help, nothing can replace genuine, human conversations. Whether it is discussing new AI initiatives, demystifying the AI hype, or simply catching up to better understand their business priorities, these interactions give me a front-row seat to what really matters to my network.

I’ve always believed that careers aren’t built in straight lines. I started out as a Technical Consultant at the IT firm Frontline Technologies under the National Infocomm Scholarship programme offered by the Infocomm Development Authority (now known as the Infocomm Media Development Authority).

I often joke that as a fresh graduate, I didn’t experience a learning curve but a learning cliff. as I was thrown straight into the deep end when I started as a young consultant with no credentials and limited field experience. Luckily, my managers and mentors were willing to share their knowledge with me. They didn’t just teach me technical know-how but also showed me the ropes when it came to tackling challenges and building trust with clients. The guidance I received set me on the path to becoming an account manager and later a business leader at CloudMile.
 

2. How do you stay relevant in such a fast-moving industry like tech?

AI is evolving at a pace we have never seen before, and staying on top of it requires us to embrace a mindset of continuous learning. I make it a point to stay close to my customers and partners. Listening to their challenges and aspirations often gives me the clearest signal of where the market is heading and what solutions truly matter.

I learn from my own team as well. I surround myself with smart, passionate people who challenge my assumptions and bring fresh ideas to the table.

It is not just about knowing the latest trends or technologies. Rather, it is about understanding how these advancements can be applied to create real, meaningful and lasting impact for our customers.
 

3. What are some of the opportunities that are emerging when it comes to AI and how do you support companies in embracing them?

AI in Singapore is entering a very exciting phase. We are seeing AI shift from small-scale pilots to business-critical applications that make a tangible difference. One big area is how companies are enhancing business operations by using AI to work faster, better, and more cost-effectively. AI is also enabling businesses to move beyond traditional offerings to reimagine how they can serve their customers and markets. With AI, companies are able to design more personalised and engaging customer experiences, uncover new revenue streams, and even explore entirely new business models.

In particular, we are starting to see early interest in agentic AI, which refers to AI systems that can not only analyse and recommend but also take actions autonomously on behalf of users or systems. This opens opportunities for even greater automation and more adaptive, dynamic operations. However, as agentic AI starts to take shape, it brings up important questions on accountability and fairness. This is where the focus on responsible and secure AI becomes even more critical and I am proud to see Singapore taking a leadership role in this arena.

CloudMile is one of the consultant partners under the Enterprise Compute Initiative (ECI), which aims to make AI adoption accessible and less intimidating for Singapore businesses via partnerships with cloud service providers like Google. Through workshops, we identify and validate use cases that can solve real business problems, prioritise them based on impact and feasibility, and help companies design a roadmap that fits into their broader digital strategy. This is done with the hope of helping businesses set up their own AI Centre of Excellence which will bring together leaders and technical teams in one dedicated taskforce.
 

4. What’s most meaningful to you about your role?

At the business level, it is about helping companies become more resilient and competitive. Seeing a client move from hesitation to a position of confidence as they adopt new technologies and start unlocking real value is incredibly rewarding.

AI also has the power to become a true enabler by creating new opportunities for us. I believe that AI, when adopted thoughtfully, is more about augmentation than replacement - it can empower people to take on higher-value work, make better decisions and innovate in ways that were not possible before.

My advice to anyone looking to stay relevant in an AI-driven world is to focus on what makes us uniquely human. Skills like empathy, critical thinking, adaptability, and the ability to build genuine relationships will continue to be irreplaceable. It is important as well to stay curious and be open to learn. The willingness to adapt, pick up new skills, and see change as an opportunity rather than a threat is what will set people apart.

At the end of the day, AI is a tool. How we use it and continue to grow alongside it is what truly matters.