Workday appoints Yen Yen Tan to steer Southeast Asia AI

Workday has appointed Singapore-based technology executive and board director Yen Yen Tan to its Asia-Pacific International Advisory Board, adding a senior voice as it steps up its focus on artificial intelligence across Southeast Asia.

Tan joins what Workday describes as a small group of external senior executives. The board works with the company's Asia-Pacific leadership on the future of work and the adoption of new technologies in organisations.

The appointment comes as large employers in ASEAN consider wider use of AI in finance, human resources and workforce planning. Many are also under pressure to modernise core business systems while managing costs, compliance and talent needs.

Regional advisory role

Workday positions itself as an enterprise AI platform for managing people, money and agents. It sells software for finance and HR functions and promotes AI features embedded in its products.

In her advisory role, Tan will work with Workday's Asia-Pacific leadership on Southeast Asia priorities, drawing on operational experience and contacts in ASEAN boardrooms.

Tan has more than three decades of senior executive and advisory experience in the technology industry, including roles at Vodafone, Oracle and HP. She has also held independent non-executive positions across public and private organisations.

She currently sits on the boards of OCBC Bank, Jardine Cycle & Carriage, ams-OSRAM and EdgeConnex.

Her previous board appointments include Defence Science & Technology Singapore and Singapore Press Holdings, as well as European companies Barry Callebaut and Gemalto.

AI agenda

Workday has increased its focus on AI across its product set and customer messaging, linking the work to changes in how organisations manage talent, productivity and business planning.

Tan said she was drawn to Workday's direction in AI and its approach to customer work.

"I admire Workday for its ability to combine a relentless focus on innovation with a deep commitment to customer success. As a 'techie' at heart, I am energised by Workday's AI-first approach to solving the most complex workforce and financial challenges," said Yen Yen Tan. "I look forward to working with the Workday leadership team to empower organisations, helping them harness AI capabilities to drive productivity and navigate their digital transformation journeys with confidence."

Workday Asia-Pacific President Simon Tate said Tan is expected to mentor leaders in the region and advise on growth plans.

"We are delighted to welcome Yen Yen to our team. Her mentorship and guidance will be a tremendous asset to both our people and our business," said Tate. "With her expertise, I am confident we will continue to drive growth and better support organisations across Asia as they accelerate AI-enabled workforce modernisation."

The International Advisory Board provides a formal channel for input from senior executives outside the company. Technology vendors often use such groups to pressure-test product direction, better understand customer priorities, and build relationships with influential business leaders across a region.

For Workday, Southeast Asia includes a mix of global enterprises, fast-growing regional groups and government-linked organisations. Many are investing in cloud software for core finance and HR systems and are reviewing how AI tools fit into governance and risk frameworks.

Tan's profile reflects that mix. Her board roles span financial services, industrial and distribution groups, semiconductor-related manufacturing and data centre infrastructure-sectors with substantial workforces and complex financial operations.

Workday expects the advisory board to work closely with its regional leadership. The company is also expected to expand AI-related product work and customer engagement across Southeast Asia as organisations assess new operating models for finance and HR teams.