Bahwan CyberTek COO clinches accolade at SBR Management Excellence Awards 2024

The company’s APAC COO, Shanthi Chandrasekar, was recognised as the Executive of the Year - Sustainability, proving her transformative vision and strategic foresight.

The APAC COO of Bahwan CyberTek (BCT), Shanthi Chandrasekar, was honoured at the SBR Management Excellence Awards 2024, with the awards programme lauding the company’s business growth through Shanthi’s exceptional leadership and commitment to digital transformation through sustainable technology. 

Shanthi, the Chief Operating Officer for the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region of BCT, has driven unparalleled growth and innovation in the company with more than 30 years of experience in the technology sector. Under her leadership, BCT’s Singapore operations have grown from a modest two-person team to a thriving APAC headquarters. Today, the company’s APAC division spans six countries and employs over 550 staff members.

Through her successful “land, expand, and grow” strategy, she has propelled business expansion in key markets such as Brunei, Taiwan, Malaysia, Philippines, and Indonesia, beyond Singapore. This growth has resulted in a threefold increase in BCT’s revenue over the past decade.

Shanthi’s ability to forge long-lasting, strategic partnerships has been central to BCT’s success. She has positioned the company as the strategic systems integrator for global technology leaders such as IBM, Coupa, and TIBCO. Additionally, her instrumental role in the joint venture between BCT and Darussalam Assets in Brunei has enabled the delivery of comprehensive digital transformation services across the Sultanate. Her leadership in establishing a Center of Excellence in Taiwan further highlights her commitment to fostering innovation and technical expertise within APAC.

Moreover, Shanthi’s focus on customer centricity, has resulted in forging long lasting -relationships with clients, many of whom have partnered with BCT for over five years. Her relentless drive for co-innovation and her ability to consistently deliver value has solidified BCT’s position as a frontrunner in the digital transformation space.

Shanthi is a passionate advocate of sustainable operations, promoting digital innovation through sustainable technologies. Her commitment to aligning business objectives with sustainable practices is evident in how she integrates purpose and profitability in BCT’s APAC strategy. She believes that technology is an enabler in building resilient, eco-friendly operations that can save costs, increase operational efficiency and reduce emissions.

'Efficiency is about fostering sustainable operations,' Shanthi explains. Technologies such as Enterprise Asset Management systems empower asset-intensive companies to make smarter, data-driven decisions, boosting productivity while reducing their carbon footprint.

Shanthi is also an advocate for women in leadership. Through BCT’s Women’s Advancement, Transformation, Empowerment, and Recognition (WATER) platform, she has empowered women to take on leadership roles and overcome barriers. As a mentor, Shanthi encourages women to embrace challenges and seize opportunities, fostering a culture of inclusivity and empathy in the workplace.

Shanthi is a lifelong learner as well, having completed the LEAD Executive Program at Stanford University Graduate School of Business, and the AI – Strategies for Leading Business Transformation course at the Kellogg School of Management.

“True leadership is not just about directing change; it’s about inspiring others to join you on the journey,” a statement that encapsulates Shanthi’s leadership philosophy. Her visionary approach has not only transformed BCT’s operations but also made a profound impact on the regional and global technology landscape.

The SBR Management Excellence Awards recognises the most exceptional business leaders, innovators, teams, and initiatives that drive growth and make a positive impact on both the business operations and its workforce in Singapore.

The awards programme, now in its 10th year, acknowledges positive change and honours those who have successfully propelled their companies to new heights of success whilst fostering a nurturing environment that positively influences their employees.

The SBR Management Excellence Awards is presented by Singapore Business Review Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2025 awards programme and be acclaimed for your company's employee engagements and management initiatives, please contact Julie Anne Nuñez at [email protected].