From leveraging technology and data transformation to support customers, to collaborating in Wolters Kluwer’s Annual Code Games, a global initiative for all technology and product teams across the business, Sarah Ng’s time at Wolters Kluwer has been an incredible journey in delivering impact when it matters most.
We sat down with Sarah to unpack her role in more detail and understand more about her team’s participation in Code Games.
Tell us about your role and what you do at Wolters Kluwer.
I'm the Associate Director of Technology in APAC for our Tax & Accounting Division, which means I oversee development and architecture across our platforms. I started as a lead architect for enterprise software specifically, and my role has since expanded into different areas. Now, my role has become an exciting blend of technology, strategic direction, and people leadership.
How long have you been with Wolters Kluwer?
I'm approaching my sixth year.
And what made you choose Wolters Kluwer?
I’m not sure if I chose Wolters Kluwer or if Wolters Kluwer chose me. It’s a long story, but the application I’m solely responsible for now—I actually started working on it when I was a graduate. The boss who hired me was actually someone I later hired myself. It was probably 15 years ago, and he was on his way out of the business and wanted to find a successor. He said: “The only person I can think of for this role is you. We haven’t worked together for 15 years, but I think I have a job for you. If you’d like to come in, we’ll explore it.” I was really drawn to the business by how global it is. Wolters Kluwer has a long-standing reputation, and there’s a great leadership culture in technology and innovation.
So tell me a bit more about what you like the most about your role.
What I enjoy most is that it’s grown beyond just technology. The role is about vision and people, and I get to shape not only our product but also our team culture. I’m constantly learning—whether it’s about technology, leadership, or customer engagement. I’m especially inspired by how many women are in leadership roles. It shows a real commitment to gender equality, and that really resonates with me. Our CEO is a woman, and so is our Managing Director in APAC, which speaks volumes.
How would you describe our company culture at Wolters Kluwer?
I think integrity is at the heart of Wolters Kluwer’s culture. People are very committed to doing the right thing—for both the business and the customer. The long-standing trust we’ve built with our customers is something we’re determined to protect. It influences how we collaborate, make decisions, and hold ourselves accountable.
So… shifting topics a little, you recently participated in the Wolters Kluwer Code Games. For anyone who doesn’t know, can you tell us what Code Games is and how many years you’ve participated?
Of course. Code Games is our internal global hackathon at Wolters Kluwer. Every year, teams step away from their daily work to innovate, create, and experiment with something new. It’s all about delivering value—whether that’s a new product idea, a feature, or a process improvement. I’ve participated every year since I joined, and it’s always very intense. It’s fast-paced and really tests our problem-solving abilities—but it’s also a lot of fun.
And in terms of the technology, what did you put forward during this Code Game?
Well, this year’s Code Games was a bit different. We really took the challenges to heart, and that sense of shared ownership is where I see us driving some truly meaningful and powerful outcomes.
Going a little broader than just Code Games—you once said that the customer is like an extension of the product. Can you expand on that?
Yes, of course. From a development or architecture point of view, we can build something—but we never fully know what happens when it goes live. Different customers face different problems and challenges. We have hundreds of customers using the same application in very different ways. The data only tells part of the story. To build a truly successful product, we can’t just rely on what we know—we need to understand how it’s actually used in the real world.
OK, moving away from work for a moment—tell us what you like to do on your days off when you’re not working.
This might surprise you, but on my days off, you’ll find me training or competing with my dog. I’m a qualified dog trainer and I compete nationally in dog sports with my Belgian Shepherd.
Oh wow, I didn’t know that.
Yes, it’s a huge passion of mine—and we were national champions in 2024.
What advice would you give to someone who’s just starting at our company?
The business is so big and full of opportunities. I’d advise them to stay curious and ask as many questions as possible. Technology is limitless, and with the right team members asking the right questions, there’s no telling where we can go. So, ask questions, connect with people, and explore the business and teams beyond your immediate role. There are so many incredible people to learn from—and you never know what might come from starting a conversation.
Last but not least, if you could come up with a company slogan, what would it be?
We thrive as a team. Together we succeed with you. That aligns with what I see as the most important values at Wolters Kluwer.