In my view, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated digital transformation into the next generation. The collaboration of different technologies from open-source cloud-sharing to AI, big data, and blockchain are all essential as we enter the “new normal.” New technologies from genetic testing to virus detection and epidemic tracking are proving invaluable in our ongoing battle against COVID-19. For the ICT industry, it is important to ensure that we deliver a robust, yet flexible, underlying infrastructure – it’s all about high availability, scalability, reachability, and rapid deployment capability. A shared cloud infrastructure powered by both hyperscale and edge data centers, coupled with ubiquitous fiber and 4G/5G access technologies, is important.

As new innovations steer humanity into further digitalization of our daily lives, I believe telecom technologies and infrastructure are the foundation from which we will continue to build into the future. With increasing and more sophisticated virtual demands in media, communications, business, education, logistics, and more, our global fiber optic and data center ecosystem today play an even bigger role in enabling efficiencies in the world we live in. As fiber optic networks continue to improve, we must also put in more peripherals on the edge to ensure that hyperscale and edge data centers actually complement each other in delivering new digital requirements globally.

It’s all about collaboration. We must bring together businesses and academics to bridge the gaps and deliver innovation. As I mentioned earlier, the next generation is here! As virtualization continues to have an increasing impact in everything we do, researchers and academics will need to further align with businesses in order to train a new generation of leaders to deliver on more sophisticated requirements in the future. PTC provides a solid platform where academics and corporations can come together in meaningful discussions on new innovations and strategic developments as we all move forward on digital transformation.

I have been a PTC Member for more than 18 years and find that PTC’s Annual Conference has been an anchor event in our industry. There’s value to be gained across the company in sales, procurement, general networking, marketing, and education. It is one of the few industry events where our customers, vendors, and new prospects come together to do business. To put it simply, PTC has helped impact our bottom line! I am also thrilled to see more diversity at PTC over recent years as OTTs and CIOs from finance, automotive, and other industries join the conference to partner with ICT players.

Hawaii is a great place to be in January – that’s the truth! On a more serious note, PTC’s Annual Conference is just one part of what PTC is all about. From webinars to academic symposiums, the organization delivers useful information, tools, and networking opportunities for industry professionals and students. In fact, PTC’s new Digging Into the Future VLOG series has brought ICT leaders together in a unique forum to share views and challenges as we all continue to work (and compete) towards delivering our best to impact digital transformation around the world.

First of all, I congratulate those who are considering a career in ICT! Without a doubt, technology will continue to play a huge role as digital transformation is simply unstoppable. By leveraging all the up-and-coming technologies, you are in a unique position to help shape a better world. To stay ahead, never stop learning and always maintain a very positive attitude as change is the norm in this very DYNAMIC industry. In ICT, new opportunities are only just beginning!

I practice active listening and stay present when people talk. It always results in wonders and works like a charm every time!