DBS Board Tells CEO AI Could Replace Leadership, Spurring Reinvention Challenge

DBS Group’s board sent a WhatsApp message to CEO Tan Su Shan on the day she was named chief executive of Southeast Asia’s largest bank, stating, “Even the CEO’s job can be replaced by AI.” The message, shared at Fortune’s Brainstorm AI Singapore conference, prompted Tan to frame it as a challenge: “If the CEO can be replaced, so can everything else.” The event brought together over 70 global leaders to discuss AI’s transformative impact, with Tan emphasizing the urgency of reinvention in business and leadership [1].

The conference highlighted broader debates on AI’s societal and economic implications. Singapore’s digital minister outlined a balanced AI strategy amid U.S.-China competition, while executives from Asia’s data center operators discussed regional energy demands for AI infrastructure. U.S. policy analysts dissected Trump’s AI plans and the geopolitical rivalry with China. Meanwhile, digital artist Refik Anadol showcased AI-generated art, blending data with creativity. Panels also addressed pressing questions: Could AI erase entry-level jobs or bridge global inequality? How adaptable is AI to local cultures and languages? Tech and business leaders from Google, Microsoft, and Walmart offered candid insights [1].

Tan’s response to the board’s message underscored her philosophy for DBS: “reinvent, stay relevant, be resilient, and act responsibly.” Her remarks reflected the tension between AI’s disruptive potential and the need for human-led adaptation. The board’s message, though framed as a provocation, signaled a recognition of AI’s accelerating capabilities—and the imperative for leadership to evolve alongside technology.

The event’s context included broader economic and political shifts. The U.S.-EU trade deal, announced during the conference, spurred market optimism but drew criticism for uneven tariff structures. Meanwhile, corporate leaders like Intel’s CEO highlighted cost-cutting measures, with attrition becoming a strategic tool. These developments underscored a global landscape where AI, trade policy, and business strategy intersect, amplifying the stakes for corporate leadership.

Tan’s four R’s—reinvention, relevance, resilience, and responsibility—offer a framework for navigating AI’s challenges. Her emphasis on leadership aligns with broader industry trends, as companies balance technological adoption with ethical considerations. The board’s message, while stark, may have aimed to challenge complacency, urging executives to prioritize innovation as AI reshapes industries.

The conference’s discussions, including Singapore’s AI strategy and the U.S.-China rivalry, reinforced the need for regional and global cooperation. Yet, as Tan’s story illustrated, the most critical battleground may lie within organizations, where leaders must redefine roles and responsibilities in an AI-driven era.

Source: [1] [title1DBS Group’s board tells its chief exec: ‘Even the CEO’s job can be replaced by AI’] [url1https://fortune.com/2025/07/28/dbs-group-even-the-ceo-job-can-be-replaced-by-ai/]