Benjamin LEE
Benjamin is a Lecturer of Accounting, Director of Student Matters, and SMU-X Academic Champion at the School of Accountancy, Singapore Management University. He received his Master of Science with Distinction in Business Analytics from the Surrey Business School, University of Surrey in 2017 having previously graduated with a Bachelor of Accountancy from Singapore Management University. He is also a Chartered Accountant of Singapore.
As part of furthering his research, he is concurrently pursuing his doctoral studies at Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow in the PhD in Management programme under the Strategy and Technology Management research cluster. His doctoral research explores how Accounting Firms build dynamic capabilities in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) as they pursue Digital Transformation.
His teaching and research interests are in the adoption of AI and ML for Data Analytics, specifically in solving accounting problems including cashflow management, cost allocation, credit risk analysis, financial forecasting, fraud prediction, and inventory control. He is a strong advocate for the SMU-X experiential learning pedagogy, teaching the Accounting Analytics Capstone at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels as well as actively sharing about SMU-X in various settings such as TEDx and conferences.
He is co-author of "Accelerating Digital Transformation of SMEs" published by World Scientific in February 2023. The book seeks to help SMEs embark on their own journeys of digital transformation while remaining agile in responding to industry and consumer needs. He regularly publishes Teaching Cases in the SMU Case Series and Harvard Business Publishing Education, while also using a variety of such cases to enhance students' learning and appreciation for practical approaches to using AI and ML for Business Analytics through case method teaching. As a contributor to The Business Times, Zaobao, and the ISCA Journal, he writes on the need for accountants to embrace AI and ML in a fast-changing world so they can create value for businesses.
Prior to joining SMU, he was a consulting data analyst at the Accountant-General’s Department (Singapore) working on applying ML to improve internal auditing processes.
Education
Master of Science in Business Analytics, University of Surrey
Bachelor of Accountancy, Singapore Management University
Research Interests
Anomaly/Fraud detection and Prediction
Machine Learning and AI applications in Accounting
Governance and Ethics of Machine Learning and AI
Dynamic Capabilities in Technology Adoption Processes
Teaching Interests
Accounting Data and Analytics
Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining for Business Analytics
Data Science in Accounting
Selected Recognition and Awards
Howard Teall Award for Innovation in Accounting Education 2022-2023 (First Prize), Canadian Academic Accounting Association, 2023
Nominee for SMU-X Excellent Teacher Award, Singapore Management University, 2023
Wharton-QS Reimagine Education Awards 2022 Digital Readiness Award (Silver), 2022
Nominee for SMU-X Excellent Teacher Award, Singapore Management University, 2022
TEDx Keynote Speaker, TEDxSingaporeManagementUniversity (UN:Charted), 2022
Gold Medal (4th International Putra InnoCreative Carnival on Teaching and Learning), Universiti Putra Malaysia, 2021
Dean’s List for Curriculum Contribution, Singapore Management University, School of Accountancy, 2021
Nominee for SMU-X Excellent Teacher Award, Singapore Management University, 2020
Faculty Award for Best MSc Dissertation in Surrey Business School, University of Surrey, 2017
Selected Appointments
SMU-X Academic Champion
Selected Publications
“Accelerating Digital Transformation of SMEs” (with Clarence Goh, Yuanto Kusnadi, Gary Pan, and Seow Poh Sun), World Scientific, February 2023, ISBN: 978-981-127-271-4 (https://doi.org/10.1142/13318)
“Developing future-ready talent through ‘real-world’ digital projects” (with Gary Pan and Yuanto Kusnadi), Perspectives@SMU, April 2022
“FoodXervices Inc: Recasting the Image of a Traditional SME through Digital Transformation” (with Gary Pan and Lakshmi Appasamy), Singapore Management University Case Series, March 2022.
“Hai Sia Seafood: A Traditional Business’s Journey of Innovation and Digitisation” (with Gary Pan and Sheetal Mittal), Singapore Management University Case Series, March 2022.
“g&m: Digital Transformation of an Insurance Agency” (with Gary Pan and Lipika Bhattacharya), Singapore Management University Case Series and Harvard Business Publishing Education, October 2021.
“Forensic Analytics Using Cluster Analysis: Detecting Anomalies in Data” (with Clarence Goh, Gary Pan, and Seow Poh Sun), Journal of Corporate Accounting and Finance, 2020
“Leveraging Digital Technology to Transform Accounting Function: Case Study of a SME” (with Gary Pan), International Journal of Accounting and Financial Reporting, 10(2), 2020, pp. 1-15
“Digitalisation of SMEs in Singapore: an Institute of Higher Learning-Enterprise Partnership Model” (with Gary Pan), Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) Journal, May 2020
“Charting the future of Accountancy with Artificial Intelligence” (with Clarence Goh, Gary Pan, Seow Poh Sun, and Melvin Yong), July 2019, ISBN: 978-981-14-2062-7