HOST
Singapore
LOCATION
33
ATTENDEES
CX
INDUSTRY
SINGAPORE, 2 August 2022 — Hosted by Slack in collaboration with The Ortus Club, this exclusive evening gathered senior executives from across the Asia-Pacific region to explore how digital transformation and collaboration technology are redefining the modern workplace.
Set against the backdrop of Singapore’s Sentosa Bay, the Future of Work Cruise brought together forty-two senior leaders from some of the region’s most influential organisations. As the Royal Albatross sailed into the sunset, guests exchanged insights on how enterprises are building their digital headquarters, empowering hybrid teams, and creating stronger connections through innovation and culture.
THE BRIEF
Creating Connection in the Digital Age
As part of its commitment to shaping the future of work, Slack partnered with The Ortus Club to host an exclusive evening dedicated to senior executives from across the Asia-Pacific region. The event aimed to explore how organisations are building their digital headquarters, strengthening collaboration, and redefining productivity in an increasingly hybrid world.
The Future of Work Cruise gathered C-Suite leaders from major industries to share strategies, exchange ideas, and discuss how technology can help unify people and processes. The evening reflected Slack’s vision of bringing teams together through innovation, connection, and shared purpose.
THE SETTING
Aboard the Royal Albatross, Sentosa Bay
The event took place aboard the magnificent Royal Albatross, a luxury tall ship managed by Tall Ship Adventures. Originally built in Chicago and used for cruises on the Great Lakes, the vessel travelled more than 15,000 kilometres to reach the tropical waters of Southeast Asia.
Since arriving in Singapore, over 360,000 man hours have gone into re-designing and re-fitting the ship, transforming it into one of the region’s most stunning event venues. With 22 sails, more than 650 square metres of canvas, and over 60,000 RGB lights, the Royal Albatross offered a setting of unmatched beauty and sophistication.
As the ship set sail from Sentosa Bay, guests enjoyed a seamless transition from dockside reception to dinner service under the stars. The warm evening breeze, elegant décor, and panoramic views created the perfect atmosphere for thoughtful discussion and meaningful connection.
Interested to find out how the event was shaped and the work that went behind it?
THE GUESTLIST
A Curated Gathering of APAC Leaders
The event brought together 42 senior decision-makers representing some of the most influential organisations across the Asia-Pacific region. Each guest held a key leadership role, ensuring every conversation was peer-to-peer, strategic, and forward-looking.
Key roles represented included:
- Chief Executive Officers and Co-Founders
- Chief Information Officers and Chief Technology Officers
- Chief Transformation Officers
- Global CISOs
- Chief Human Capital Officers
Attending organisations included:
- Financial Services: HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank, United Overseas Bank, Maybank Singapore
- Technology and Digital: Grab, Endowus, Spenmo, Aspire, Coda Payments, RedDoorz
- Logistics and Manufacturing: DHL Express, ST Engineering, SATS, BW LPG
- Other Leaders: Temasek, Unilever, ComfortDelGro
This group of leaders reflected the diversity and depth of innovation across the region, united by a shared interest in driving business growth through collaboration and technology.
THE DETAILS
A Night of Collaboration and Connection
Hosted by Slack, the collaboration hub for modern enterprises, the Future of Work Cruise marked an important milestone in Slack’s growing presence in Southeast Asia. The evening combined hospitality, networking, and shared insight in an elegant yet relaxed setting.
The programme began with a dockside drinks reception, followed by a welcome address from Slack’s leadership team. As the ship began its sunset voyage, guests engaged in lively discussions on the evolution of digital workplaces while enjoying a four-course dining experience. The event concluded with closing reflections from the Slack team, leaving attendees inspired and connected.
“Ideas and exchanges are navigating like this nice boat !”
Fatima Dagdag, Senior Global Project Manager
THE TOPIC
The Future of Work and the Digital HQ
The discussion centred on how organisations can adapt to new ways of working through technology that connects people, systems, and information. Participants explored how the concept of a “digital HQ” is reshaping collaboration by removing barriers, simplifying communication, and enabling teams to operate more effectively across regions and time zones.
Slack’s leaders shared how businesses across APAC are using collaboration platforms to drive agility, inclusivity, and innovation. The theme emphasised that the future of work is no longer about physical location but about empowering people to work together seamlessly, wherever they are.
THE INSIGHTS
Lessons from the Deck
Throughout the evening, executives exchanged ideas on how digital transformation continues to change the nature of leadership and teamwork. They discussed how companies can foster strong cultures in hybrid environments and use technology to enhance trust, creativity, and connection.
The conversations revealed a shared belief that collaboration tools must adapt to human needs, not the other way around. The leaders agreed that success in the modern workplace depends on technology that brings people together, breaks down silos, and nurtures a sense of community across teams.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Collaboration at the Core
The Digital HQ is Here to Stay
Forward-thinking organisations are building digital environments that enable flexibility and unity across teams.
People Before Platforms
True transformation happens when collaboration technology supports culture, not just operations.
Agility and Openness Define the Future
Hybrid work thrives on adaptability, transparency, and trust.
Connection Creates Leadership
Building networks among peers fosters creativity, strengthens partnerships, and drives progress.
“Many thanks to the team at Ortus and Slack for putting this together. You provide wonderful opportunities for us all to share openly in a beautiful environment.”
Ravi Agarwal, Founder & CEO Cognitive Magic Pte Ltd.
THE RESULTS
A Celebration of Connection and Innovation
The Future of Work Cruise reflected Slack’s deep commitment to supporting leaders across APAC as they redefine the workplace of tomorrow. By bringing together an exclusive group of C-Suite executives in an inspiring setting, Slack created an experience that was both engaging and strategic.
The event also highlighted The Ortus Club’s expertise in crafting premium, insight-led experiences that build meaningful relationships. Together, Slack and The Ortus Club transformed an evening on the water into a shared vision of collaboration, innovation, and the future of work.
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