GET TO KNOW on the rise over the past year . It ’ s sparked a great deal of interest in multi-factor authentication solutions because they represent an effective way to reduce the risk of compromise or attack . Many businesses are also reaching the conclusion that they don ’ t have the inhouse resources they need to manage cybersecurity properly . As a result , managed security services are enjoying a moment in the sun .
What are the region specific challenges when implementing new technologies in APAC ? this is what the new normal looks like , they ’ re seeking out solutions to secure those remote workforces , to prevent their organizations joining the rapidly growing list of cyber statistics . The other thing I ’ ve noted recently is a drawing in of the corporate purse strings .
It ’ s no secret that we ’ re facing very recessionary times . Companies are looking to preserve cash and reduce their IT spend , wherever feasible . To be successful , vendors will need to align their offering with this imperative , by offering pay-as-you-go options that obviate the requirement for heavy capital investment .
How do you deal with stress and unwind outside the office ?
Wherever I ’ ve lived in the world , swimming and long walks have always done it for me . Here in Singapore , there ’ s a lovely park , full of 100-year-old banyan trees , very near to my place . I ’ m up early every morning and out on the paths for at least 45 minutes , getting the adrenalin going and reconnecting with nature . Being able to keep on doing that helped me stay sane during the 2020 COVID lockdowns .
If you could go back and change one career decision , what would it be ?
My old boss headhunted me into the cybersecurity space in 2013 . Prior to that , I worked in telecoms for many years – possibly a few more than I should have . If it were possible to wind the clock back , I ’ d probably make that transition a little sooner .
Across the region , different cultures have very different appetites for innovation and risk . For example , Singapore and Japan are both developed countries , with highly advanced economies , yet companies there are far more conservative than those in The Philippines or Malaysia . When you launch a new technology , they want to see references and know that it ’ s working elsewhere in the world . For businesses in other APAC territories , that ’ s far less of an issue .
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 ?
Having to manage and lead my team digitally has been the most significant change I ’ ve had to deal with in many years . In common with a lot of people , I ’ ve found remote working a challenge .
Pre-COVID , being regionally based meant traveling around the region , connecting with colleagues and customers . It ’ s the conversations you have outside the boardroom that give you a real feel for what ’ s happening on the ground and any concerns people may have . Trying to gauge the vibe via digital channels is more complicated . Having said that , I see us getting much better at that stuff over the next year , bedding down some of our practices and settling into an optimal remote working pattern . Long-term , we ’ re likely to end up with a hybrid workplace model so it ’ s worth investing time and resources to ensure we get it right .
What advice would you offer somebody aspiring to obtain a C-level position in your industry ?
What do you currently identify as the major areas of investment in your industry ?
There are two that come to mind . Identity theft is becoming a huge concern for individuals and businesses . Rightly so , with hacking and data breaches
Work very hard , develop your network of contacts and help others whenever you have an opportunity to do so . I ’ m a big believer in karma . If you ’ re constantly meeting new people , making connections and giving , without expecting to get anything back in the shortterm , eventually it will come back and good things will happen . p
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