Gates

Board of Advisors

Our Advisors are some of the most respected leaders from the Technology Industry in the region. They bring decades of experience in building and managing sustainable technology business across the region and shaping the technology industry. They guide our research, programs and engagements with channels and larger technology community. They have deep understanding of emerging technologies, new business models and an appreciation for the diversity in the region.

Somchai Sittichaisrichart Managing Director,
SiS Distribution, Thailand

Somchai Sittichaisrichart is the Managing Director for SIS Distribution Public Company Limited, a leading IT distributor which operates as a wholesale in computer, software, computer components, peripheral, office automation equipment, smartphone and cloud services. SIS was founded in 1998 and it has been listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand since 2004.

Currently, SIS distributes more than 70 leading and international IT Manufacturers to over 4,500 dealers across Thailand which are system integrators, resellers of corporate and government sectors and retailers.

HOANG TRUNG KIEN Chief Executive Officer

Mr. Hoang Trung Kien has served as the Chief Executive Officer of FPT Retail since March 2020.

His career with FPT began in 2000, and he has since been a pivotal figure in the company, holding various leadership roles across FPT Group's member companies. Notably, he has been a member of the FPT Retail Board of Directors since March 2018.

Mr. Kien brings a wealth of experience in system development, management, and business growth. Under his leadership, FPT Retail has navigated significant market challenges, including the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, and has cemented its status as one of the leading retail enterprises in Vietnam.

Ben Tan Ex-CEO, Courts Singapore,
Senior Executive Partner, SEA & Korea at Gartner

Ben is a senior business executive specializing in business strategy and digital transformation advisory. He has in-depth insight and knowledge of the Asia Pacific market, having spent the last 28 years in the region – competency from Board Member, Business Owner, Research, Advisory, Consulting, Program Management, Business Development, and Sales and Marketing roles.

Ben is currently an Executive Partner with Gartner Executive Programs based in Singapore, manages CIO and CxO relationships in Southeast Asia region. In this capacity, acts as mentor and trusted adviser to senior IT and business executives on mission critical initiatives and priorities that are underpinned by technology investments. He is also a frequent speaker and presenter at various forums.

Cyrus Daruwala Chairman, ASEAN Fintech Forum

For over 20 years, Cyrus has been working with financial institutions to help them assess their business and operational and technical challenges, select the right vendors/partners, better understand their IT TCO, and grow their customer base. Cyrus was the Managing Director Global Financial Services @IDC. His research and advisory practices covered banking, insurance, and capital markets and topics such as legacy modernization and transformation, hybrid cloud, Big Data and analytics, customer life-cycle management, digital experience, ecommerce ecosystems, IOT, cognitive, blockchain, and fintech.

Before joining IDC Financial Insights, Cyrus was a managing partner with a regional research and publication firm. He was instrumental in growing the firm’s proprietary as well as subscription-based research business along with the publishing businesses.

Executive Team

The Executive Team at GATES works closely with the Board of Advisors to build and deliver tolls that help technology channels and vendors grow their business in most cost effective and efficient manner. Through research, conversations and collaboration, we co-create tools and solutions crucial for the growth of any business in the region. When entering a new geography, or expanding market reach, GATES can act as your resource while building your market strategy. If you have products in place, our channel strategy tools and market intelligence research will help you achieve greater sell-through, gain market share, and succeed in additional channels and markets.