Harnessing Sun Zi’s Wisdom to Deepen PM Lawrence Wong’s Vision for Innovation

"We must dare to take risks,
move quickly and
innovate boldly.

We must be willing to experiment, fail sometimes, but importantly, learn and try again, 
because this is the only way a small nation can thrive and flourish and stay exceptional. “

Lawrence Wong Prime Minister Republic of Singapore

Source: https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/beyond-policy-pap-must-also-set-tone-politics-singapore-pm-wong

 If we know Sun Zi's Art of War well, then we will add the following clarifications:

 1. We must dare to take risks, --- take calculated risks.

Sun Zi said, “Winners plan first and only choose to fight the wars they can win. Losers fight first and then try to win!”

This is the secret of hundred battles hundred victories because you only fight the wars you can win.

 2. move quickly --- prepare well first and watch for the opportunity or the right time to strike quickly with full force.

Sun Zi said,”to be undefeated is our responsibility. To win depends on the enemy making mistakes and we exploit them”.
““The force of rushing water can carry away boulders — that is momentum; the speed of a swooping falcon can break its prey — that is timing.”

So for business, watchout for the trends, especially the change in trends, and innovate and release your innovations that you have worked on.

 3. We must be willing to experiment, fail sometimes, but importantly, learn and try again,--- we must come out with multiple alternatives, evaluate, and combine the alternatives to maximize the gains and minimize the costs and risks.

Sun Zi said: "Many calculations/alternatives mean victory; few calculations mean no victory; then how much worse when there are no calculations?"

"He who can modify his tactics in relation to his opponent and thereby succeed in winning, may be called a heaven-born captain." and

"In war, do not repeat the same tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances."

 4. Stay exceptional -- Staying exceptional is not a one time event. It is a continuous flow of coming out with better innovations over time.

When we execute or release our exceptional innovation, the others will easily copy us and even beat us if we don't continue to outdo ourselves.

Sun Zi said: "Water has no constant form; in war there are no constant conditions." and

"Therefore, just as water retains no constant shape, so in warfare there are no constant conditions." and

"Military disposition is like water. Water configures its flow in accord with the terrain; the army configures its victory in accord with the enemy."

 5. The over-arching attitude should be "Kasuism - Afraid to Lose" --- Threats first before opportunities, Outside-In thinking mindset.

Always watch what is happening outside and keep ourselves relevant, resilient and exceptional.

Sun Zi said:"If you know the enemy and know yourself, the victory is not at risk. If you know the Heaven/Timing/Seasons and you know the Ground, the victory is complete.

"The clever combatant looks to the effect of configuration and momentum energy, and does not require too much from individuals. Hence his ability to pick out the right men and utilize combined energy." 善战者，求之于势，不责于人，故能择人而任势.

Summary: A Strategic Blueprint for Success

1. Take Calculated Risks: Plan meticulously and only engage in battles you are positioned to win. Avoid reckless gambles.
• Sun Zi's Core Idea: "Victory first, battle second."
2. Move with Prepared Speed: Build an invincible position first, then wait for the right moment to strike swiftly and decisively.
• Sun Zi's Core Idea: "Be undefeatable first, then exploit opportunities."
3. Experiment with Multiple Alternatives: Don't just try and fail; generate many options, evaluate them, and combine the best to maximize gains and minimize risks.
• Sun Zi's Core Idea: "Adapt your tactics to the infinite variety of circumstances."
4. Stay Exceptionally Fluid: Exceptionalism is not a one-time achievement but a continuous process of innovation. You must constantly outdo yourself before others can catch up.
• Sun Zi's Core Idea: "In war, there are no constant conditions."
5. Embrace a "Kiasu" Mindset: Adopt an "Afraid to Lose" attitude that prioritizes understanding external threats and opportunities. Always think from the Threats-1st & Outside-In to stay relevant and resilient and exceptional.
• Sun Zi's Core Idea: "Know the enemy, know yourself, know the seasons/timing and know the terrains, and be formless like water."