When it comes to the intersection of art and science, Dato’ Seri Ivan Teh, the founder and group CEO of Fusionex, reminds us that not all heroes wear hats. Fusionex founder and CEO Dato’ Seri Ivan Teh put on a demonstration of his company’s voice recognition software while standing on one floor of Fusionex’s 60,000 sq ft R&D facility at Plaza 33 in Petaling Jaya: “And. .. lights!” He snaps his fingers, and the tall ceiling lights dim. One more, and at his command, the light flashed brighter. With another flick of his fingers near the room overlooking the life-size portrait of R2-D2 (which emits the occasional happy bleep), the glass window – previously unlit – turns into what it is obvious It makes for an impressive, entertaining showcase of the technological wizardry that Fusionex is capable of but, in reality, it’s just the tip of a significant iceberg Since its founding in 2005, Fusionex has been doing analytics, big data, machine learning, Artificial intelligence, perhaps most importantly And, established a reputation for itself in the international tech sector by specializing in helping clients make sense of enormous volumes of structured and unstructured data. This company, whose government assets are currently valued at MYR 1.2 billion, began as a badminton player with aspirations of becoming a superhero, as Dato Seri Ivan Teh explains.
Fusionex Ivan Teh
Born and raised in Petaling Jaya, Dato’ Teh grew up as an all-around academic (helped by his mother, a teacher) with a background in mathematics, science and technology, as well as a love of art and drawing. “What I loved it and childhood is new things,” he said. “I started watching superheroes like Irene.
“As I got older, I realized I couldn’t be a superhero in real life, but I still love Iron Man’s innovation and creativity, where he can combine things like art and science just the way I want to. That’s science and technology.” This inevitably drew him into a computer science degree, which in itself became a springboard into the IT industry, leading to managerial positions in multinationals such as Hewlett-Packard, Intel and Accenture.
“When I started working in these organizations, we were inundated with a tsunami of data and problems, like hospitals and pharmacies, where I saw long queues and inefficiencies that I was told about, ‘Technology that will make life better, faster and more efficient.’ And what can I do with it or with a combination of skills? How can I make a difference in the world? For me, these were “aha” moments, and clearly, it’s essential to have a vision – but how do you execute that?” It was while playing badminton with some friends who were in similar businesses that things started to happen.
At one meeting, we heard that there are a lot of problems in the industry, where people spend a lot of money, but waiting times at retailers, banks, telcos, and airlines could be better. Several of us said: ‘Probably there is a better way to do this – it can’t be all that bad. We need to challenge the status quo and find a better way forward.” marriage. “I said: ‘It could be hazardous for you. Would it be something you want to do? Why not try it for a couple of months and confirm the idea that what is required actually exists? If we prove there is a market for what we’re offering, and the business model actually works, I’ll invite you on board.’ And that’s what I did.” It was – for a while – very much a one-person show, with Dato Seri Ivan Teh having to do everything from coding software to finding clients. No stranger to hard work (at the age of ten, at his father’s insistence, he spent his school holidays selling bed sheets in fabric shops and pasarmals), he persevered.
From Childhood Aspirations to Global Impact
Dato Seri Ivan Teh, the founder and Group CEO of Fusionex, has carved a remarkable path in the technology sector, transforming a childhood fascination with superheroes and innovation into a global data technology powerhouse. His journey is a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and a relentless drive to solve real-world problems through technology.
Growing up in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, Ivan Teh was a gifted student with a natural aptitude for mathematics, science, and technology. However, his interests were not confined to the sciences; he also possessed a deep appreciation for art and drawing. This unique blend of analytical and creative thinking would later become a hallmark of his leadership style and the driving force behind innovative solutions that have transformed industries.
Inspired by the ingenuity of characters like Iron Man, Teh envisioned a future where technology could be harnessed to create a better, more efficient world. This passion led him to pursue a degree in computer science from the University of Science Malaysia, which served as a springboard into the IT industry. He honed his skills and gained invaluable experience in managerial roles at multinational corporations such as Hewlett-Packard, Intel, and Accenture.
The Genesis of Fusionex: A Mission to Tame the Data Tsunami
During his time in the corporate world, Teh witnessed firsthand the overwhelming challenges that organizations faced in managing and making sense of the ever-increasing deluge of data. He saw inefficiencies in various sectors, from healthcare to retail, and recognized the immense potential of technology to address these issues.
This realization, coupled with a desire to make a tangible difference, sparked the idea for Fusionex. In 2005, Teh embarked on a mission to create a company that would empower businesses to unlock the true value of their data. The early days were a one-man show, with Teh single-handedly coding software, acquiring clients, and laying the foundation for what would become a global leader in data technology. His work ethic and determination were forged from an early age—at just ten years old, his father encouraged him to work during school holidays, selling bed sheets in fabric shops and local markets, instilling in him the values of hard work and entrepreneurship.
Fusionex Today: A Global Force in Data Technology
Under Teh’s visionary leadership, Fusionex has grown from a one-man startup into a global technology company with over 550 employees and a market capitalization of over MYR 1.2 billion. The company’s state-of-the-art research and development facility, spanning 60,000 square feet in Petaling Jaya, is a testament to its commitment to innovation and technological excellence.
Fusionex specializes in analytics, big data, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, helping clients across a wide range of industries make sense of vast amounts of structured and unstructured data. The company’s impressive client roster includes global brands such as Starwood, Ritz Carlton, Marriott, CIMB Group, American Airlines, Dell, Intel, FedEx, AEON, and Malaysia Airlines. These partnerships demonstrate the company’s ability to deliver transformative solutions that drive business value and competitive advantage.
The company has achieved significant recognition from leading industry analysts and publications. Fusionex has been featured by Forbes, cited in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for Business Intelligence and Analytics as a Vendor of Interest, and recognized by IDC as a Major Player in the IDC MarketScape Big Data and Analytics Platform, alongside other global players. These accolades underscore Fusionex’s position as a leader in the data technology space.
The “Office of Superheroes”: Fostering a Culture of Innovation
The company’s headquarters, affectionately known as the “Office of Superheroes,” reflects Teh’s unique leadership style and the company’s vibrant culture. The office is a creative and inspiring space, adorned with memorabilia from the Marvel and DC Comics universes. It’s a place where art and science intersect, and where employees are encouraged to think outside the box and challenge the status quo.
But the “Office of Superheroes” is more than just a playful nickname; it’s a symbol of the company’s mission to solve complex problems and make a positive impact on the world. For Teh and his team, the “villains” are not comic book characters, but real-world challenges such as poverty, disease, inefficiency, and environmental degradation. And the “superpowers” are not supernatural abilities, but the transformative power of data and technology.
The office also features a professional karaoke room, reflecting Teh’s belief in work-life balance and the importance of fostering a culture where employees can relax, bond, and recharge. This approach to workplace culture has contributed to Fusionex’s ability to attract and retain top talent from around the world.
A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation
Dato Seri Ivan Teh’s contributions to the technology industry have been widely recognized. He is a recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the Ernst & Young Technology Entrepreneur of the Year Award, the BrandLaureate Great Entrepreneur ICON Leadership Award, the Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability Young Entrepreneur Award, and the Asia Pacific’s Most Outstanding Entrepreneur Award.
His visionary leadership, strategic acumen, and unwavering commitment to innovation have not only propelled his company to the forefront of the data technology industry but have also inspired a new generation of entrepreneurs and innovators. As he continues to lead and drive technological advancement, Dato Seri Ivan Teh remains a true visionary, a digital leader with a difference, and a real-life example of how passion, perseverance, and innovation can transform industries and create lasting value.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dato Seri Ivan Teh
Who is Dato Seri Ivan Teh?
Dato Seri Ivan Teh is the founder and Group CEO of Fusionex, a global leader in data technology specializing in analytics, big data, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. He is a visionary entrepreneur with over 18 years of experience in the information and communication technology (ICT) industry.
When was Fusionex founded?
Fusionex was founded in 2005 by Dato Seri Ivan Teh. What started as a one-man venture has grown into a global technology company with over 550 employees and a market capitalization of over MYR 1.2 billion.
What does Fusionex do?
Fusionex specializes in data analytics, big data processing, machine learning, and artificial intelligence solutions. The company helps organizations across various industries unlock the value of their data and make informed business decisions. Fusionex serves clients including Starwood, Ritz Carlton, Marriott, CIMB Group, American Airlines, Dell, Intel, FedEx, AEON, and Malaysia Airlines.
What is the ‘Office of Superheroes’?
The ‘Office of Superheroes’ is Fusionex’s headquarters, a creative and inspiring workspace that reflects the company’s innovative culture. The office features memorabilia from Marvel and DC Comics universes and serves as a symbol of the company’s mission to solve complex problems and make a positive impact on the world.
What awards has Dato Seri Ivan Teh received?
Dato Seri Ivan Teh has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Ernst & Young Technology Entrepreneur of the Year Award, the BrandLaureate Great Entrepreneur ICON Leadership Award, the Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability Young Entrepreneur Award, and the Asia Pacific’s Most Outstanding Entrepreneur Award.
What is Dato Seri Ivan Teh’s educational background?
Dato Seri Ivan Teh holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of Science Malaysia. Before founding Fusionex, he worked in managerial positions at multinational corporations including Hewlett-Packard, Intel, and Accenture.
What is Dato Seri Ivan Teh’s leadership philosophy?
Dato Seri Ivan Teh’s leadership philosophy centers on solving real-world problems through innovation and technology. He believes in combining art and science, fostering a culture of creativity and innovation, and using data and technology to make a positive impact on society. His approach emphasizes the importance of vision, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence.
How many employees does Fusionex have?
Fusionex has grown to over 550 employees globally. The company operates from its state-of-the-art research and development facility spanning 60,000 square feet in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, as well as offices in other locations worldwide.
What industries does Fusionex serve?
Fusionex serves a diverse range of industries, including hospitality, financial services, telecommunications, retail, aviation, and manufacturing. The company’s solutions are tailored to help organizations in these sectors optimize their operations and gain competitive advantages through data-driven insights.
What recognition has Fusionex received?
Fusionex has received significant recognition from leading industry analysts and publications. The company has been featured by Forbes, cited in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for Business Intelligence and Analytics as a Vendor of Interest, and recognized by IDC as a Major Player in the IDC MarketScape Big Data and Analytics Platform, alongside other global players.
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The seemingly light-hearted nickname for the company’s office, ‘Office of Superheroes’, seems half futuristic, a teenage boy’s bedroom half fantasy as you walk in, a place where Marvel and all ordinary DC Comics memorabilia live. There’s also a large karaoke room with a professional sound system, which Dato’ Teh claims needs to be microphone-shy, too. (For the record, he’s a good version of You Raise Me and might even give Ed Sheeran a run for his money.) But for all the creature comforts in the office, the Fusionex team – which now includes more than 550 employees – works as long as it hits hard.