City transformation is complex. This case study examines the combination of policies and management decisions undertaken by Mr Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok) in transforming Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia. Jakarta had been facing serious urban development issues that affect the economy and political stability of Indonesia. Despite well-laid out plans where he aimed to alter the oft-regarded corrupt and incapable bureaucracy in Jakarta into a clean, capable and efficient administration, Ahok faced many leadership challenges when implementing large-scale transformation of major city in a developing country.

For the last 50 years, the Economic Development Board (EDB) has been one of the key pillars of Singapore's economic success. The story of EDB's strategies through each period of Singapore's development is well documented. However, much less has been written about EDB the institution - the EDB strategy, leadership, culture, and mindset that allowed EDB to make the necessary shifts to innovate and create economic value for Singapore. This case study describes the development of EDB the institution, against the backdrop of Singapore's economic development.

This case discusses how Singapore's Ministry of Education set out to make the education system even more student-centric and sharpen the focus on holistic education - centred on values and character development.