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The Chief AI and Innovation Officer encourages HR leaders to advise your C-suite on how AI impacts strategic business models, not just on prompt engineering.
For many organisations, AI adoption revolves around efficiency and cost savings. For Terence Kok, Chief AI and Innovation Officer, Meinhardt Group, it starts somewhere else entirely: people.
A seasoned technology and innovation leader, Kok has driven smart city and AI-enabled transformation projects across Asia and the Middle East, bridging technical design, enterprise strategy, and operational execution to ensure technology delivers measurable public value. His work spans practical innovations in digital twins, IoT networks, and AI-driven asset management systems, implemented through multidisciplinary teams.
Today, he leads Meinhardt Group’s AI, digital innovation, and transformation strategy, strengthening operational performance and positioning the organisation as a technology-forward engineering leader across its regional businesses.
Ahead of his session at HRO's inaugural #InteracTechAsia2026 conference, Kok speaks with Mary Ann Bundukin to share his insights on building human-centric AI and making learning contagious across the workforce.
Q You lead AI-enabled transformation across complex urban systems. How have you seen AI or digital platforms improve workforce performance and engagement?
I've observed AI serve as a highly effective engagement tool when organisations prioritise "Return on Employee" over purely financial ROI. For instance, a law firm allocated 12 weeks for "dedicated GenAI learning time," incorporating gamification elements like "Mintcoins" and digital badges to incentivise completion.
To keep employees engaged, they leveraged internal influencers and "Tech Talks"— short, informal videos where employees showcase their use cases — helping to make learning contagious. Additionally, when employees save time through AI, we promote reallocating that time toward self-development or wellness, fostering a feeling of fulfillment rather than fear of job loss.
Q Implementing large-scale, human-centric AI requires careful integration with organisational culture and change management. What approaches have been most effective for you?
The most effective approach is avoiding "accidental ownership" by IT and establishing a deliberate partnership among IT, HR, and Communications. For instance, Clifford Chance successfully deployed a 35-person transformation team that included change management and process design experts, not just technologists.
Crucially, we must segment our support: Executives need coaching on business model disruption, while middle managers benefit from "empathy maps" to help them navigate workforce anxiety and translate efficiency into value stories. We also track "human-machine friction scores" to understand the actual user journey and frustration points.
Q Outside of work, what experiences or habits help you think creatively?
Watch science fiction movies and shows to explore different visions of the future. These stories often illustrate what a positive, utopian future could look like if humanity makes wise choices, as well as cautionary tales about potential dystopian outcomes if we neglect important issues.
"They serve as reflections and warnings, encouraging us to consider how our actions today could shape tomorrow."
Q As a speaker at InteracTech Asia 2026, what is the #1 call-to-action you hope for attendees to take away from your session?
My main call-to-action is to stop viewing AI enablement as a generic training programme. While purchasing licenses is straightforward, the challenge lies in establishing the necessary leadership, data, and organisational structure.
I encourage a segmented approach: advise your C-Suite on how AI impacts strategic business models, not just prompt engineering, and prepare middle managers to guide through change.
Furthermore, focus on more than just ROI by evaluating your "Return on Future" — the strategic investments that can transform your business model. Don't tackle this alone; create a shared executive council.
Human Resources Online is proud to host its first edition of InteracTech Asia 2026 conference – an exclusive event that brings together HR leaders, technologists, and business strategists to reimagine how people and machines can thrive together. Taking place on 20 May in Singapore, find out more about the event here.
I want to attend the conference: If you're keen to attend this closed-door conference, kindly register your interest here. For speaking opportunities, please write in to Mary Ann Bundukin. We look forward to welcoming you!
I want to sponsor: Engage in meaningful dialogue through dedicated speaking slots, roundtable discussions, and at your booths! If your organisation provides any digital transformation talent solutions and products, you’ll fit right into this event. To learn how you can sponsor, please reach out to a member of our team now!
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