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TECHx
4 days ago
- Business
- TECHx
A Talk with HP's Green Visionary: Lavina Punjabi
Home » Women In Tech » A Talk with HP's Green Visionary: Lavina Punjabi In a special feature for TECHx Media's Women in Tech spotlight, we sat down with Lavina Punjabi, Sustainability Lead at HP Middle East and Africa. From her early beginnings in Sharjah to a transformative career that blends technology, business, and environmental impact, Lavina shares her journey with clarity, depth, and inspiring purpose. The School Leader Lavina Punjabi was born and raised in Sharjah and completed her early education at The Emirates National School in Sharjah and Our Own English High School in Dubai. 'These institutions have long championed female empowerment in the UAE,' she says, reflecting on the leadership roles she embraced from a young age, including head girl, prefect, and house captain. These experiences helped develop her confidence, collaborative spirit, and a deep sense of responsibility. 'Being actively involved in both cultural and academic communities shaped my perspective and voice,' she adds, crediting her early environment with reinforcing the UAE's progressive stance on empowering young girls as future leaders. She pursued a Bachelor's in Computer Information Systems at Skyline University College in Sharjah, which first sparked her passion for merging technology with purpose. Seeking a global view of business operations and strategy, she later earned dual master's degrees, an International MBA from Griffith University in Australia and a Master's in Supply Chain Management from MIT Zaragoza in Spain, affiliated with MIT Boston. 'These institutions not only focused on academic excellence,' Lavina says, 'but also instilled ethical values, progressive thinking, and adaptability to cross-cultural environments.' The experiences laid the foundation for her career, merging technical expertise with strategic leadership. Breaking Into Tech Lavina began her professional journey at Redington Gulf in 2006 as a Product Executive for HP Servers. 'It was more than a first job, it was a formative learning ground,' she recalls. The role allowed her to apply academic knowledge to real-world challenges in inventory, operations, and pricing. In 2017, she joined HP's Personal Systems division. Five years later, she transitioned into her current role as Sustainability Lead for HP Middle East and Africa. This shift, she explains, was driven by a combination of the UAE's growing emphasis on sustainable development, her personal desire to contribute to environmental well-being, and a deep alignment with HP's Sustainable Impact framework, which is built on Climate Action, Human Rights, and Digital Equity. 'This role feels like the intersection of purpose and profession,' she shares. 'It's where my values meet the scale and ambition of global impact.' Career Snapshot Lavina's academic and professional path reveals a well-rounded blend of global education and cross-functional expertise: 2001–2005 : Bachelor's in Computer Information Systems, Skyline University College, UAE : Bachelor's in Computer Information Systems, Skyline University College, UAE 2006–2009 : Product Executive – HP Servers, Redington Gulf, UAE : Product Executive – HP Servers, Redington Gulf, UAE 2009–2011 : International MBA, Griffith University, Australia : International MBA, Griffith University, Australia 2011–2012 : Master's in Supply Chain Management, MIT Zaragoza, Spain (affiliated with MIT Boston) : Master's in Supply Chain Management, MIT Zaragoza, Spain (affiliated with MIT Boston) 2012–2016 : Customer Service Specialist, Caterpillar, UAE : Customer Service Specialist, Caterpillar, UAE 2016–2017 : Logistics and Procurement, IHC Holland, UAE : Logistics and Procurement, IHC Holland, UAE 2017 : Joined HP as Junior ACM – Personal Systems, UAE : Joined HP as Junior ACM – Personal Systems, UAE 2022–Present: Sustainability Lead, HP Middle East & Africa, UAE 'Each stage contributed to a well-rounded skillset,' she says, 'shaping my ability to lead with purpose and drive cross-functional impact.' Owning the Sustainability Agenda As the region's Sustainability Lead, Lavina focuses on embedding sustainability across business functions and communities. Her work includes: Executing global programs like HP Planet Partners and the Supplies Take Back initiative, tailored to local markets Equipping internal Sustainability Champions and sales teams with tools to drive sustainability conversations with customers Translating global sustainability strategy into regional action plans She highlights several initiatives under her leadership: The Changemakers Challenge under the EXPO School Programme, showcased at COP28 The HP GameOn Hackathon series across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa through the HP Gaming Garage Lab A special 2025 edition of the hackathon in collaboration with Dubai Tourism (DET) Overseeing CSR initiatives for three years, working with NGOs and community groups to create impactful programs Closing the Awareness Gap One of the most significant challenges Lavina identifies is raising awareness around sustainability. 'It's not just about running programs, it's about helping people really understand the why behind them,' she says. To bridge this gap, she works to provide tools, training, and resources that empower HP teams, partners, and customers to make informed and sustainable choices. Dance, Cricket, and Connection Lavina's weekends are dedicated to what she loves most, dance, cricket, and family. She enjoys Bollywood dance, from semi-classical to contemporary styles, which she says helps her stay grounded and energized. Her passion for cricket began with Sachin Tendulkar's legendary 'Desert Storm' innings in 1998, watched live in Sharjah. Since then, she has attended World Cup matches in Australia and England. 'Above all,' she says, 'spending time with family and friends gives me the reset I need. Whether it's a casual get-together or a quiet meal at home, those shared moments keep me connected and balanced.' Impact That Matters Lavina takes pride in the tangible results of her work. She supports HP's regional implementation of initiatives such as AMPLIFY IMPACT, Planet Partners, and local environmental efforts including carbon neutrality projects, community planting, and cleanups. These programs not only foster regional engagement but also provide practical, culturally relevant sustainability tools. She also works closely with HP's global education team to expand digital skills training in the MEA region. Through platforms like HP LIFE and HP Gaming Garage, along with events like hackathons and bootcamps, Lavina is helping drive HP's ambition to empower 150 million people by 2030. 'I also contribute to CSR initiatives that support marginalized communities,' she explains, 'enhancing employability through IT training and digital equity efforts that align with HP's human rights commitments.' Words to Young Women To young women aspiring to make their mark in tech and leadership, Lavina shares this message: 'Be bold. Be curious. Dream bigger than what feels comfortable. Doors will open in ways you never imagined, just as they did for me when I pursued not one, but two master's degrees, something I hadn't envisioned at the outset. Trust the process, even when the path feels unclear.' She also emphasizes the power of collaboration. 'One quote I often use at work is: 'Teamwork makes the dream work' , a reminder that supporting those around you brings deeper fulfilment than any milestone alone.' Inspired by Many Lavina attributes much of her success to the support of family, teachers, and mentors. 'Their guidance and belief have been unwavering,' she says. She also acknowledges the professional leaders and colleagues who have shaped her outlook and leadership style across the organizations she's worked with. From her beginnings in Sharjah to shaping HP's sustainability strategy across MEA, Lavina Punjabi's journey is a compelling example of what's possible when passion, purpose, and perseverance come together.
TECHx
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- TECHx
Honor of Kings Interview: Custom Hero and Beyond
Home » Editor's pick » Honor of Kings Interview: Custom Hero and Beyond Game Producer Dean Huang shares insights into Honor of Kings' evolution, new features, and future roadmap. Honor of Kings continues to expand its global presence. As the gaming market grows across the MENA region, where 70% of the population is online, the title is gaining strong traction. TECHx Media spoke with Dean Huang, Game Producer of Honor of Kings , to explore the game's latest updates, including its first customizable hero and what's coming next for players around the world. A Mobile MOBA Designed for Accessibility For those new to the game, Honor of Kings is a Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) title made for mobile devices. In each match, two teams of five players compete to destroy the opponent's crystal. 'Before each battle, players choose from over 100 Heroes,' said Huang. 'Each Hero has their own strengths, weaknesses, and backstory.' This structure helps keep gameplay fresh while encouraging strategic thinking. Flowborn: Customizable Hero Feature One of the major updates is the launch of Flowborn , a customizable hero. According to Huang, this addition reflects the team's evolving design goals. 'In most MOBA games, players control predefined Heroes,' he said. 'But we wanted to try something different. What if players could enter the battle with a style and skill set of their choosing?' Flowborn is the result of that idea. Players can choose between three classes: Mage, Marksman, or Tank. They can also adjust appearance and play style. Maintaining Balance for Long-Time Players With a large daily active user base, adding new features brings challenges. 'We need to keep existing players engaged and also attract new ones,' Huang explained. 'This means adding new content like Heroes, while ensuring fair gameplay.' The team works closely with the player community. Feedback plays a key role in balancing new additions. Huang emphasized that success in Honor of Kings is determined by player performance, not purchases. 'Our approach is always free and fair to play,' he said. Challenges in Development Introducing a fully customizable hero brought new technical and creative demands. 'Balancing Flowborn was more complex than usual,' said Huang. 'Each class needed to feel distinct but not overpower others.' The team conducted internal testing but remains open to ongoing feedback. 'We'll continue to fine-tune based on how players respond,' he added. Global Roadmap As Honor of Kings expands globally, new features and collaborations are in development. 'We are exploring new gameplay modes and updates that take advantage of improved mobile hardware,' Huang said. The team is also working on brand partnerships that will be revealed later this year. 'We have some exciting collaborations lined up,' he confirmed. 'We'll share more soon.' As mobile gaming continues to rise in the MENA region, Honor of Kings is adapting with new features like customizable heroes and player-driven design updates. TECHx Media will continue to follow its journey and how it shapes the MOBA space globally.
TECHx
23-06-2025
- Business
- TECHx
The Quiet Ascent of Zainab Al Lawati in Tech
Home » Women In Tech » The Quiet Ascent of Zainab Al Lawati in Tech From the classrooms of Muscat to boardrooms across the MENA region, Zainab Al Lawati, Business Development Manager at PowerDMARC, proves that women in tech can lead with confidence, credibility, and impact. Featured in TECHx Media's Women in Tech series, her work is opening doors for both markets and mindsets. From Muscat, With Ambition Zainab Al Lawati was born and raised in Muscat, the capital of Oman. Growing up in the 1990s, she witnessed a time of significant transformation in the role of women in society. 'Women were beginning to enter the education sector, take up ministerial positions, and hold influential roles,' she recalls. Her own schooling experience was progressive. She studied in a co-ed environment where girls received equal attention and encouragement. 'The teachers invested in shaping us. Girls had the same rights and attention as boys,' Zainab says. Being the first child, and the first daughter, in her family made her journey even more meaningful. Her mother, a highly educated professional, became her first mentor and strongest supporter. 'She made sure I received quality education and even arranged for tutoring after school. I hated it at the time,' she laughs. 'But looking back, it made all the difference.' Her upbringing was shaped by a belief that women could, and should excel. Today, she proudly notes that women in Oman are not only ministers but also governors and decision-makers, enjoying full rights and opportunities. A Global Opportunity Opens Zainab's educational journey took a significant turn when she received a government scholarship to pursue higher education abroad. At just 17, she moved to the Netherlands to study International Business Administration at NHL Stenden University. 'It was a major shift. Living independently in Europe, surrounded by diverse cultures and ideas, shaped me deeply,' she says. Her undergraduate program blended theory with real-world application. 'We didn't just learn business concepts, we applied them in real scenarios. That practical exposure gave me a head start professionally.' Zainab didn't stop at a bachelor's degree. She continued at the same institution to earn a Master's in Digital Innovation. The program bridged her interest in tech with her business background. 'I've always been drawn to technology. The master's helped me see tech from a business lens,' she explains. 'It wasn't about coding. It was about understanding how tech can transform industries.' This passion sparked a deeper interest in cybersecurity. On returning to Oman, she pursued further professional certifications, including Certified Information Security Manager (CISM). 'I'm a saleswoman, yes. But I believe a saleswoman should speak tech fluently. That's how you add real value to your clients.' First Job, First Principles Zainab Al Lawati's first job came while she was still in the Netherlands. She joined Neat, a Norwegian hardware firm specializing in video conferencing solutions, as a Business Development Representative. Her job involved more than just client relations. 'I was on the front lines, handling live chats, troubleshooting, and doing video support for technical issues.' This early exposure to hardware gave her a taste of real tech. When she moved back to Oman, she shifted focus to cybersecurity. 'Cybersecurity fascinated me. The more I learned, the more I realized how essential it is to modern businesses.' She dove deep, learning how cybersecurity infrastructure is built, how products are integrated, and how organizations stay protected. This technical understanding became a cornerstone of her career. Proving Herself in a Man's World As a woman in the cybersecurity space, Zainab faced hurdles early on. 'I did feel underestimated, both by colleagues and clients. Some assumed I didn't have the technical know-how,' she says. Instead of being discouraged, she chose to rise above it. 'I spoke confidently about what I knew. And what I didn't know, I made sure I learned. I joined technical demos, I asked questions, I showed up.' Another challenge was managing the emotional dynamics of the workplace. 'As women, we're often expected to do more. That strength sometimes becomes an excuse for others to offload more on us,' she observes. She also recalls how emotional manipulation or 'valuation games' sometimes affected professional interactions. 'People, whether male or female sometimes use emotional angles to influence women in business discussions. But these experiences have made me tougher, more composed, and emotionally intelligent.' Her message: 'Challenges will come. But they shape you. Let them.' North Africa, Levant & Beyond Today, Zainab Al Lawati is steering growth across the MENA region at PowerDMARC. As Business Development Manager, she handles both channel partnerships and direct end users across the region. 'I work with a brilliant team, technical implementers and account managers who support our regional expansion,' she shares. In the past year, she's led some of the company's most significant milestones. 'We expanded into Morocco and Tunisia. In Morocco, we onboarded Onetech Africa as our first distributor. In Tunisia, we successfully partnered with Ooredoo Tunis for one of the largest regional implementations.' Her work also helped PowerDMARC solidify its presence in the Middle East through key partnerships. 'We signed with Spire Solutions, adding PowerDMARC to their cybersecurity portfolio,' she says. The roadmap ahead includes entering new, complex markets. 'We're looking at Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt in the coming months pending political and economic conditions. These are markets with huge potential.' A Word to Women & the World As a prominent woman in cybersecurity, Zainab has a message for aspiring female professionals: 'We are survivors. We know more than they think. We can always do more.' Her advice to young women entering the tech industry? 'Don't doubt yourself. Learn the tech. Understand the business. Speak with confidence. And never let a 'no' define you.' To the industry at large, she adds: 'Technology is shaping the world. It doesn't discriminate. There is room for everyone, regardless of gender. What matters is passion and knowledge.' Zainab Al Lawati is not just building markets, she's building momentum for women in tech. Her career is a case study in how education, determination, and a bold vision can lead to real impact in a male-dominated industry.
TECHx
19-06-2025
- Business
- TECHx
Ashok Harpalani: 30+ Years in UAE's Evolving Tech Scene
Home » Tech Value Chain » Resellers » Ashok Harpalani: 30+ Years in UAE's Evolving Tech Scene From running a footwear business in India to starting one of Dubai's early IT ventures, Ashok Harpalani's path took unexpected turns. In this exclusive conversation with TECHx Media, the Computronic UAE founder looks back at how he built a career in a changing business environment, from the impact of the Gulf War to the early days of digital adoption. His story reflects a time when decisions were driven by instinct and experience, and progress came through steady effort. Ashok Harpalani, Founder of Computronic UAE, has seen the UAE's digital landscape evolve from its infancy. With decades of experience in business and technology, his story is one of persistence, adaptation, and transformation. His journey began in 1982 with an idea. By 1986, after a visit to his in-laws in the UAE, that idea started taking shape. Back then, he was running a successful wholesale and retail footwear business in India. Before considering Dubai, he explored Asia, including a two-year stay in Bangkok to pursue garment trade. A legal dispute forced him to return home, where he refocused on his footwear business. Dubai didn't immediately impress him. But on a later visit, the city's pace, lifestyle, and business potential left a strong impression. Wanting more out of life, he took a leap. In 1990, he handed over his business to his brothers and moved to Dubai. Along with a partner, he entered the textile wholesale market. They did well at first, but the Gulf War in 1992 brought significant financial losses. The period that followed was difficult. Despite the pressure to return to India, he chose to stay in Dubai. He worked in textile retail for two years, searching for a new direction. Over tea one day, he discussed his frustration with a friend's brother who had IT experience. That conversation sparked a new idea: to launch an IT store. With no technical background but growing curiosity about the digital world, he co-founded Computronic in 1992. Dubai was just beginning its digital journey, and Harpalani sensed the shift. He believed technology wasn't just a passing trend, it was the future. Starting in IT was not easy. He had to adapt to local business customs, build trust in a new industry, and understand consumer preferences. Distributors were hesitant to support newcomers. But banking support and straightforward business regulations helped him move forward. He focused on a limited product range and gradually built a strong foundation. Over the years, he witnessed the UAE's transformation. The rollout of high-speed internet, 4G and 5G, and free nationwide fiber-optic upgrades marked the country's serious commitment to digital growth. Data centers and cloud adoption became the norm. Smartphones and e-commerce reshaped everyday life. He saw banking evolve from cash to contactless payments and online transfers. Small businesses gained reach through digital platforms. The UAE's shift to a tech-enabled society was underway. In the last decade, Harpalani observed a growing demand for skills like coding, data analytics, and AI. Education systems adjusted, and the government supported tech startups with funding and incubators. New laws around data and cybersecurity ensured a safe digital environment. Initiatives like Golden Visas for AI professionals showed national commitment to innovation. As a result, the UAE became a global tech hub. Harpalani noted how the youth embraced technology not just as users, but as creators. For him, resilience has been key. Business and life brought many challenges. Each setback taught him to rise stronger. He believes in discipline, consistency, and ethical conduct. These values helped build trust with clients, employees, and partners. His wife's support played a critical role, especially during the years when work consumed most of his time. Gratitude and empathy, he says, helped him stay balanced and connected to people around him. Over time, his relationships with distributors, peers, and mentors became central to his success. He credits his father for instilling ambition and his mentors for providing direction. These bonds gave him strength during uncertain times. If given a chance to restart, Harpalani says he would follow the same path, driven by passion for technology and the desire to build something meaningful. He would still start small, test ideas, and scale with discipline. Most of all, he would prioritize relationships and continuous learning. In closing, he acknowledges the visionary leadership of the UAE. Their commitment to creating a tech-forward environment made his journey possible. And today, as he looks back, Harpalani remains deeply grateful, not just for the success he's achieved, but for being part of the UAE's ongoing digital story.
TECHx
02-06-2025
- Business
- TECHx
Vik Malyala Talks AI, Efficiency, and Sustainability
Home » Interview Of The Week » Vik Malyala Talks AI, Efficiency, and Sustainability We caught up with Vik Malyala, President and Managing Director of Supermicro for the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region, during COMPUTEX 2025 to discuss the evolving technology landscape, Supermicro's competitive edge, and the company's strong commitment to sustainability in data centers. TECHx Media: Supermicro has been a regular exhibitor at Computex over the years. What's different this time around? Vik Malyala: This year, the biggest theme we see across every booth and every corner of the show is AI-first. While the industry has traditionally showcased a broad mix of solutions, the profile of customers and applications is clearly shifting. There's a major focus on AI, whether it's training or inferencing workloads. Even outside enterprise AI, there's a buzz around gaming and workstation improvements that enhance user experiences. What's encouraging is the quality of conversations, people are genuinely engaged, eager to understand the technology deeply. It feels like no one wants to miss out on the opportunities AI is creating. Computex continues to be an excellent platform for us to connect with customers, understand their needs, and showcase how Supermicro fits into their AI journeys. TECHx Media: What would you say is Supermicro's competitive advantage over other global players? Vik Malyala: One key differentiator is our time to market, and that's not as simple as it sounds. What really enables us is our fully vertically integrated approach. We design, develop, manufacture, integrate, test, and support everything under one roof. We call this the 'building block' approach. This approach allows us to keep pace with rapid technology transitions and bring fully vetted platforms and solutions to customers faster than others. The second big focus is energy efficiency. Data centers and customers are often constrained by power availability, so optimizing deployments within a power budget is critical. For over 16 years, Supermicro has prioritized energy-efficient designs, helping customers adopt green technology at scale. If you don't embrace energy efficiency, you risk falling behind. In summary: rapid development, energy-efficient customization, and application-optimized solutions are the pillars of our differentiation. TECHx Media: AI is a huge reality right now. How has Supermicro integrated AI into its product portfolio, and what real-world impacts are you seeing? Vik Malyala: That's a complex but fascinating question. To improve human experience through AI, huge computational power is needed, especially for developing massive large language models, some with over a trillion parameters, and growing. A handful of companies develop these models, and efficiency is critical. We look closely at power usage effectiveness (PUE), and one way to improve PUE is liquid cooling, which is far more efficient at removing heat than traditional air cooling. Supermicro has pioneered large-scale liquid-cooled compute infrastructure. Just recently, we announced the Supermicro DLC2 system, which can remove up to 98% of heat using liquid cooling. This drastically improves data center efficiency, lowers power consumption, and supports sustainability goals. On the inferencing side, the real-time application of AI models, we offer over 20 different solutions integrating accelerators from Nvidia, Intel, AMD, and others. These come in various form factors to meet the diverse needs of data center cores and edge deployments. Our goal is to deliver the right-sized, optimized solution for each customer, always aligned with energy efficiency and performance. TECHx Media: Sustainability and green computing seem integral to Supermicro's strategy. How important is this focus? Vik Malyala: Sustainability is core to everything we do. Data centers today consume 2-3% of global power, and with ever-growing data center sizes, moving from tens of megawatts to gigawatts, power consumption is skyrocketing. Through our data center building block solutions (DCBS), we optimize every element of data center design and operation. This holistic approach ensures we manage sustainability in a meaningful, measurable way. It's not just a buzzword for us, it's embedded deeply in our culture and operations. Given the scale of deployment we're seeing now, our commitment to green technology is more visible and more critical than ever. Watch full video interview on TECHx TV.
