Digital Transformation Trends Highlighted by Kyndryl's Andrew Lim
SINGAPORE - In the whirlwind of digital technology advancements over the last half-decade, organizations globally are grappling with understanding and leveraging these changes. Andrew Lim, Managing Director for ASEAN at Kyndryl, shared insights with People Matters on the evolving landscape of digitalization in Asia Pacific.
From Rush to Digitalize to Optimization
Lim noted that the initial rush to digitalize during the 2020 global health crisis has now shifted towards an optimization phase. Companies are now focusing on:
Cyber Resilience: With cyber threats on the rise, especially post incidents like the CrowdStrike outage, businesses are enhancing their cybersecurity measures.
Cloud Technology Adoption: There's a notable increase in the use of infrastructure and software as services, with companies like ServiceNow and SAP leading the charge.
Data Utilization for AI: The vast data generated from digital initiatives is being harnessed for AI applications, with some organizations even establishing specialized AI departments.
Market Opportunities in ASEAN
Lim highlighted the growth potential in ASEAN countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, where national AI strategies are driving digital transformation. The Philippines, with its recent leadership changes at Kyndryl, is also emerging as a key player.
"The opportunities for Kyndryl in ASEAN are tremendous," Lim stated, pointing out the region's dynamic growth in IT and digital services. He also noted a shift in investment patterns, with large corporations now re-engaging with IT infrastructure after a period of restraint during the height of the global crisis.
Preparing for AI
For companies looking to integrate AI, Lim stressed the necessity of a robust digital foundation. "You can't put AI before having the right digital strategy and infrastructure," he remarked. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of workforce education on AI technologies to prevent misuse and ensure responsible application.
Kyndryl, spun off from IBM three years ago, has aggressively pursued certifications in cloud technologies, with over 350 Azure, 100 AWS, and 100 Google Cloud certifications among its ASEAN team. Lim praised his team's eagerness to embrace new technologies, often before they've even used them, driven by client needs.
Conclusion
As digital technologies continue to evolve at a breakneck pace, Lim's insights provide a roadmap for organizations navigating this new terrain. His observations underscore the importance of strategic foresight in digital adoption, robust cybersecurity, and a well-informed workforce ready to leverage AI effectively.