Exploring the IT Terrain and Embracing the Harmony Between People and Technology

Dennis Chow, Director of Information Technology, White Spot

Dennis Chow, Director of Information Technology, White Spot

Dennis Chow, the director of IT, is a dedicated professional from White Spot who possesses a wealth of experience in strategic business management. With a proven track record in optimizing operations and driving profitability, he is a valuable asset to any organization.

In an exclusive interview with APAC CIOoutlook, Dennis Chow shares his valuable insights on the challenges, trends and best practices in the strategic Internet of Things (IoT) space.

What are your current vital roles and responsibilities as the director of IT at White Spot?

My role at White Spot encompasses managing day-to-day technology operations and offering advisory support to business management, focusing on optimizing operations. We at White Spot meet with the operations team to ensure projects are completed efficiently. We also hold senior management meetings to ensure services are efficient. In addition, the company establishes communications with business groups to comprehend the challenges that may arise while using technology. These collaborations are necessary in helping businesses understand how technology can improve their operations and gain a better understanding of their business.

What are some of the pain points that are prevailing in the IT industry?

Small to medium-sized businesses like ours encounter significant challenges in terms of resource allocation while striving to meet their business demands.

Conventional IT professionals were once viewed as troubleshooters and hardware installers. However, in the current digital era, characterized by widespread internet usage, big data, and AI, technology is essential for business operations.This has raised the strategic role of technology experts in businesses, transitioning from technicians to trusted partners to help move the business forward. As a result, IT specialists are now seen as key collaborators in driving business growth and success.

What, according to you, are the recent trends in the industry that can mitigate these pain points?

Fostering rapport and trust forms the crucial foundation for individuals to acknowledge the inherent value we offer. This trustworthiness is fundamental in nurturing customer relations facilitating the acceptance of recommendations provided by companies. This journey is crucial for the entire team to demonstrate our significance to the business and internal stakeholders.

Please provide a brief overview of any initiative you have been part of lately.

Building rapport and trust is a crucial journey that requires establishing a foundation for people to see the value we bring and its source

We are shifting from ad hoc report development to a structured data acquisition approach for White Spot's business intelligence platform. This transition marks a shift from reliance on experiential decision-making to embracing data-driven decision models. Collaborating closely with various business units, we aim to comprehend their needs and optimize data gathering and reporting processes. This ongoing project guarantees that our service remains adaptable to changing requirements and external operational dynamics, aligning it effectively with the evolving needs of the business.

What advice would you give to upcoming professionals to better navigate the industry?

Drawing inspiration from the renowned American coffeehouse chain, Starbucks, I would like to focus on the importance of people and technology in employee engagement, emphasizing that decision-makers and users are people, and technology has limitations. Therefore, people connection and value recognition are equally crucial.