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A Deep Dive into IT Leadership: Insights from Anton Setiawan,

Anton Setiawan, General Manager Information Technology At Panca Budi Tbk.

1. Could you please give us an overview of your journey as an individual leader in the IT field and what are your current key roles and responsibilities at Panca Bundi TBK?

I start my journey as a IT staff and work their way up the ladder by demonstrating strong technical skills, leadership qualities, and business acumen. I have experience in various areas of IT such as software development, project management, quality assurance, network, infrastructure and technical support.

My key roles and responsibilities at Panca Budi Tbk as follow:

• IT Strategy: Develop and execute an IT strategy aligned with the company's overall business objectives, ensuring that technology initiatives support the company's growth, competitiveness, and operational efficiency.

A Successful Career In It Requires Continuous Learning, Adaptability, And Perseverance. Stay Passionate, Curious, And Committed To Honing Your Skills

• Technology Infrastructure: Ensure infrastructure reliability, scalability, security, and compliance with industry best practices.

• Enterprise Systems Management: Implement and manage enterprise systems, optimize the use of these systems to enhance operational efficiency, streamline processes, and support decision-making.

• Data Management and Analytics: Utilize data analytics and business intelligence tools to derive insights, support decision-making, and drive continuous improvement across manufacturing, trading, and logistics operations.

• E-commerce and Digital Platforms: Ensure seamless integration with back-end systems, user-friendly interfaces, and robust security measures.

• Supply Chain and Logistics Technologies: Oversee the implementation and optimization of technologies supporting supply chain and logistics operations.

• Cybersecurity and Risk Management: Establish and maintain robust cybersecurity measures to protect the company's digital assets, including sensitive data, intellectual property, and customer information.

• IT Governance and Compliance: Develop and enforce IT governance frameworks, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards.

• Vendor and Contract Management: Manage relationships with technology vendors, service providers, and contractors.

• Team Leadership and Development: Provide leadership, mentorship, and guidance to the IT team. Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.

•Budgeting and Cost Control: Develop and manage the IT budget, ensuring cost-effective allocation of resources and alignment with business priorities.

2.As the General Manager of Information Technology at Panca Budi Tbk, what do you consider to be some of the most significant challenges you face in your day-to-day operations?

Here are some common challenges i faced as IT general managers at Panca Budi Tbk:

• Legacy Systems: Integrating and modernizing legacy software can be challenging, as they may not be compatible with newer technologies or lack support.

• Data Security: Protecting sensitive information, trade secrets, and customer data is crucial for any business.

• System Integration: Integrating enterprise systems to enable smooth data flow and collaboration.

• Supply Chain Optimization: Seamless integration and data accuracy across the supply chain can be a significant challenge.

• User Adoption and Training: Introducing new IT systems or upgrades requires user adoption and training.

• Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery: Ensure business continuity in the event of system failures or natural disasters is a challenge that requires careful planning and regular testing.

• IT Budget Management: Aligning IT investments with business objectives and demonstrating their value to stakeholders is crucial.

3. Given the increasing trend toward digitalization and automation, how do you proceed to mitigate these challenges in a non-IT company?

To mitigate the challenges associated with digitalization and automation in a non-IT company focused on manufacturing, trading, and logistics, my strategies as follow:

• Develop a Digital Transformation Strategy: Create a comprehensive strategy that outlines the company's vision for digitalization and automation. This strategy should align with the company's overall business goals and provide a roadmap for implementation.

• Conduct a Technology Assessment: Identify emerging technologies that can address specific challenges and improve operational efficiency.

• Prioritize Data Security: Establish data governance practices to ensure compliance with privacy regulations and protect sensitive company and customer data.

• Invest in IT Infrastructure: Ensure that the infrastructure can accommodate future growth and technological advancements.

• Provide Training and Change Management: Implement change management strategies to address resistance and promote user adoption of digital tools and processes.

• Continuously Evaluate and Improve: Solicit feedback from employees, customers, and stakeholders to identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments to optimize outcomes

• Maintain Flexibility and Agility: Experiment with new technologies and iterate on implemented solutions to ensure continued relevance and competitiveness.

4. In your opinion, what are the most useful trends emerging in the information technology sector and what steps are you taking to integrate these into your organizational activities?

Here are a few noteworthy trends and steps i take to integrate them:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): Companies can explore integrating AI and ML into their operations by leveraging data analytics, implementing chatbots for customer service, or utilizing AI-driven automation for repetitive tasks.

• Internet of Things (IoT): Companies can explore IoT applications to optimize operations, such as tracking inventory, monitoring equipment health, or enhancing supply chain visibility.

• Cybersecurity and Data Privacy: Implementing robust security measures, such as encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regular security audits, is crucial.

•Edge Computing: Edge computing brings computation and data storage closer to the source of data generation, reducing latency and enabling real-time processing.

To integrate these trends into organizational activities, Companies can take the following steps:

• Stay informed: Regularly monitor technology trends, industry reports, and attend relevant conferences and events.

• Assess applicability: Evaluate how each trend aligns with the organization's goals, challenges, and operational requirements.

• Pilot projects: Start with small-scale pilot projects to test the feasibility and benefits of integrating emerging technologies.

• Collaborate with IT partners: Leverage their expertise to develop implementation plans, conduct proof-of-concepts, and ensure successful integration.

• Continuously evaluate and adapt: Regularly assess the outcomes and impact of integrating emerging technologies.

5. What according to you are the technological advances that you anticipate will evolve over the next few years and what interests you most about them?

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Advancements: AI could lead to enhanced automation, personalized user experiences, and improved decision-making capabilities.

• Internet of Things (IoT) Expansion: The IoT will lead to increased data collection, improved connectivity, and the integration of IoT with other technologies such as AI and edge computing.

• Quantum Computing: Quantum computers may become more accessible and capable of solving complex problems faster than classical computers.

• Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): Improved hardware, more realistic experiences, and increased adoption are expected.

• Robotics and Automation: Robotics and automation technologies are likely to advance further, impacting various industries such as manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and agriculture.

6. What advice would you offer to young professionals who are interested in pursuing a career in treasury management?

I don’t know treasury management, If your intention is to pursue a career in IT field, a successful career in IT requires continuous learning, adaptability, and perseverance. Stay passionate, curious, and committed to honing your skills.