Canon thrives to empower businesses with Smart Tech, sustainable practices

Andrew Koh, Canon Singapore operations head, shares vision and strategies for leadership in consumer and enterprise markets.

The popularity of Canon in providing top-notch consumer and professional-grade cameras and printers precedes it; that oftentimes, the brand’s strong presence in the business-to-business (B2B) segment does not get the attention it deserves.

Interviewed by the Asian Business Review recently, Andrew Koh who heads operations for Canon Singapore underscored Canon’s success in diversifying into various areas that leverage its imaging technology for offerings across such segments as medical imaging, commercial printing, and network surveillance.

Whilst part of the company’s vision and long-term strategy is the aim to maintain market dominance in laser and inkjet printer categories, Koh said the brand is also expanding its offerings to meet evolving customer needs.

At the Singapore level, Canon recently launched the Smart Tech concept, consisting of three key pillars: Smart Workplace, Smart Vertical, and Smart Surveillance.

“Smart Workplace encompasses Information Management, Process Automation, that helps to optimise the flow of data and to improve productivity for enterprises,” Koh explained.

“Smart Vertical is about streamlining industry-specific processes to simplify complex workflows, so that the verticals can be ready for the future. Smart surveillance is about real-time counting video analytics. And this involves advanced video surveillance and data analytics, again, to help business security needs,” he continued.

Regarding Canon’s printing dominance, Koh acknowledged the company’s long-standing leadership in the industry and its drive to offer a complete range of printing solutions for both consumers and businesses, from consumer inkjet printers to large production printers for SMEs and multinationals.

Looking ahead, Koh said: “We are helping companies to digitalise their business so that companies can be more resilient, especially during these disruptive times."

With the launch of Smart Tech, Canon is developing a comprehensive suite of technologies to leverage its expertise in information management and process automation.

“Our multifunction printers will connect directly to the cloud to help companies digitise all their documents to organise the contents and reduce the manual paperwork,” Koh said, noting how Canon assists companies in their digital transformation to streamline workflow processes.

At the same time, sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) are also integral to Canon Singapore’s operations. The company adheres to the corporate philosophy of Kyosei, meaning “living and working together for the common good.”

Koh stressed that Canon actively contributes to society by being environmentally conscious in its product packaging and transportation processes, aiming to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions.

Also, Canon promotes CSR through initiatives such as supporting local sports, specifically Singapore Bowling, and organising photography workshops and outings for individuals with special needs.

Asked what’s next for Canon, Koh said they plan to refresh the brand and ensure relevance in the Singapore market.

For the consumer segment, Canon will continue to update its camera and printer ranges with new technologies that cater to the needs of younger consumers. “The latest camera that we just launched is a very small pocket-size camera called the Canon PowerShot V10, which is in keeping with the times and will be relevant for content creators on social media platforms,” Koh said.

On the enterprise level, Canon aims to be a one-stop solution provider, offering innovative solutions across various verticals. The Smart Tech concept is a key part of Canon’s strategy.

“We will continue to build innovative solutions that leverage on our expertise in imaging to empower businesses and make them more productive, and ready for the future of work,” he said.

For more updates on Canon Singapore's initiatives and developments in the business landscape, visit Asian Business Review.