Technology was not Chan’s first priority as a field of interest. But when the opportunity came, she ‘seized it with both hands.’ Here, Chan tells us what time in tech has taught her so far.
What would you describe as your most memorable achievement?
I have been working at the same company – Noteya Innovations – since my early 20s. I am constantly exposed to many diverse business and technological trends and subjects and I am continually expanding my knowledge each and every day.
Recently, my contribution to the company has been recognized by the founders of Noteya and they have promoted me to a Partner in the firm.
For me, this is a remarkable achievement and a memorable moment that I will cherish forever.
What first made you think of a career in technology?
To be completely honest, technology was not my first priority as a field of interest. However, just like in a good fiction novel, an opportunity came my direction and I have seized it with both hands.
So, for the past seven years, I have been part of the exciting and ever-developing field of technology.
What style of management philosophy do you employ with your current position?
My position at Noteya is spread over several areas: Account Management, Project Management and Marketing. Each of these areas requires a much different management approach and philosophy.
Generally speaking, our company’s management philosophy, and mine as well, is to connect people and lead to success, while being actively involved and proving the highest levels of support.
What do you think is the current hot technology talking point?
For me, the current hot technology is the innovations of Artificial intelligence. As we all know, AI can be used in many diverse directions not only in the technology field. The range of using AI is a long list, such as generating articles, creating educational materials and developing marketing campaigns to composing music and producing realistic visuals.
Another trending area is green energy and using new technologies to assist us in the modern world. Focusing on enhancing efficiency and reducing the costs of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind and bioenergy, will have increasing importance going forward.
How do you deal with stress and unwind outside the office?
Stress is a common feeling that comes and goes for all of us working in the business of technology. I normally choose exercise on a bicycle track as my main stress relief. The nearby track in my area is over 20 km long and is surrounded by beautiful nature. So, it is very relaxing for me, especially when there is a nice breeze while cycling and I am can concentrate on my riding technique.
However, I believe even though we work in a demanding industry, we also need to find a proper balance.
What do you currently identify as the major areas of investment in your industry?
The technology industry is very wide and complex. Hence, I can only comment on investments relating to the narrow sub-technological field we are involved in, namely, the development and implementation of large digital projects. In this area, most projects that we are managing are largescale and often require the involvement of a government organizations, large business entities and multi-national investment funds.
What are the region-specific challenges when implementing new technologies in APAC?
Language barriers and cultural expectations are clearly the most significant regional-specific challenges for implementing new technologies across APAC. Even for me personally as part of the APAC region, there are always be certain cultural norms and unwritten rules I do not fully understand in certain regions.
What changes to your job role have you seen in the last year and how do you see these developing in the next 12 months?
The digital transformation is a never-ending process, with new developments, tools and capabilities. This, in turn, requires training, education, changes in perceptions and different mind sets. This is a continual challenge needs to be addressed on a daily, weekly and annual basis.
What advice would you offer somebody aspiring to obtain a C-level position in your industry?
The business of technology is very competitive and demanding. To reach a C-Level position, one should concentrate on bringing the best in terms of technology, management, leadership and teamwork. Anyone aspiring to become an executive manager in a business or technology environment, must focus on continually expanding their potential and capabilities.
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