HKUST Business School Magazine

Biz@HKUST Biz@HKUST 12 13 // Cover // Thought Leader Meeting the Need Digital technology is not a “nice-to-have” thing today and data is not something that sits in a silo, says Michael YUE, General Manager of Sales and Operations at Google Hong Kong. When it comes to the future of data and technology, it is really up to businesses and individuals to decide how they want to apply data to solve their problems or create new user experiences, says Michael Yue, Google’s General Manager of Sales and Operations in Hong Kong. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced organizations to accelerate their strategies and adoption of digital technology, Yue says. Digital technology used to be regarded as something that was nice to have, but now it is a must-have. For this reason, organizations must realize that data can no longer operate in silos, and as at Google, companies must look at how they can break down the data silos and use them to their advantage. “When we look at collaboration across Google, it’s how we bring all data together, how we break down the silos of data that will hopefully improve strategy, and bring better opportunities for businesses and employees to connect,” Yue says. Data is not something that sits in a silo, it is a critical element of all aspects of a business, Yue notes. For small and medium enterprises (SMEs), Yue refers to Google Hong Kong’s Smarter Digital City initiative. This initiative which includes research took place between 2017 and 2020 and explored how Hong Kong could become a smarter digital city and accelerate its digital transformation. The research highlights that the ability to demonstrate impact and Return on Investment (ROI) early on with insights from data can be critical towards the success of a business. Digital Transformation Journey Yue says that data plays a critical role when it comes to driving businesses and creating value. Citing some case studies, businesses could use analytics software to drive more efficient marketing, or look at the global supply chain to see what the constraints are, he says. They could use data to predict what inventory to stock in the future, for example. “Organizations that piece it all together can add really great value to their businesses,” he says. Yue says that companies must think about the business challenges they are facing and see how data can become insights and inform companies about the best possible solutions. “For data to bring value to businesses, they need to be very clear about what business challenges they want to solve with the data. They need to apply that knowledge to drive business value,” he says. Digital transformation is a journey, and Yue says that all companies need to think about the innovation that data can provide, along with using it to solve existing problems. “Businesses can take innovative approaches to the ways they use their data,” he says. Google is at the forefront of innovation, and Yue firmly believes that technology can help improve the lives of citizens. Data to him is about insights, and insights can help a business to grow. “I believe organizations can start by connecting the dots. I think that one of the great things that Google does is connect the dots internally within our organization,” he says. Yue says that a bright future awaits those who want to pursue a career in data analytics, especially for those who can connect the dots and understand how to draw insight from data to learn new things. “That’s a powerful combination,” Yue says. Yue cautions that companies need to take due care when it comes to issues of privacy and security. “When people use our products, they are trusting us to protect their privacy and security,” he says. “I encourage all businesses to do the same. You must create a good experience for the user and build trust. That way, I believe you will bring long term sustained value.” Michael Yue General Manager of Sales and Operations, Google Hong Kong (Kellogg-HKUST EMBA Graduate)