Spokesman Report
In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) stand out as two of the most transformative forces shaping the future. Leading this transformation is Huawei Technologies, whose advanced innovations and strategic investments are driving significant advancements globally. Huawei, in collaboration with its local partners, is accelerating cloud adoption and helping organizations harness the power of its AI solutions through setting up local cloud nodes. One notable partnership has been established between Huawei Pakistan and Mr. Bob Din, Chairman of Khazana Enterprise and a recognized pioneer of cloud technology in Pakistan. This collaboration led to the creation of Pakistan’s first financial sector cloud. In an insightful conversation with Mr. Attiazaz Bob Din, the Founder and Chairman of Khazana Enterprise, we explore the transformative impact his company has had on the cloud space in Pakistan and how Khazana is aiming to revolutionize the cloud & AI adoption in Pakistan by setting up a state-of-the-art purpose-built facility for cloud & AI computing.
Q-We are curious to know about your early days, please tell us about your journey leading towards this success?
A-“I was born and brought up in Lahore and enrolled in Forman Christian College before moving to the US in 1970 to pursue a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. After two years, I shifted to Business Administration. Upon returning to Pakistan briefly in 1975, I then went back to the US to start a career in manufacturing while pursuing an MBA. Recognizing the competitive nature of the industry, I knew a master’s degree was essential for success. After working in manufacturing, I bought a Computer land store near Los Angeles airport. With continuous hard work, we took En Pointe Technologies public on the NASDAQ. I was one of the few Pakistani Americans to ever list a company on the US stock exchange—a rare achievement for foreign-born CEOs. Leveraging the success of the public listing and annual sales exceeding $700 million, I ventured into various businesses, including my first cloud business, din Cloud. After a successful exit, I returned to Pakistan to establish something that would leave a legacy for my home country. This led to the formation of Khazana Cloud.”
Q-What are your views on fostering a collaborative and innovative team environment at Khazana Enterprise.
A-“Fostering a collaborative and innovative team environment involves creating an open culture where team members feel valued and encouraged to share ideas. I prioritize clear communication, regular brainstorming sessions, and cross-functional collaboration to leverage diverse perspectives. Recognizing and rewarding creativity, providing opportunities for professional development, and ensuring a supportive work atmosphere are key strategies I use. I also emphasize the importance of learning from failures and viewing them as opportunities for growth.”
Q- Based on your experience of deploying the country’s first FSI cloud, and your intent to move ahead with a national one, what are your Insights into Pakistan’s Cloud Market and Huawei’s contributions?
A– “My vision for the future of cloud adoption in our industry is centered around the integration of AI-driven applications and scalable cloud infrastructure to transform business operations and decision making processes. I foresee AI becoming deeply embedded in all aspects of business, from automating routine tasks to providing predictive analytics that guide strategic decisions. Cloud technology will continue to evolve, offering more robust and secure platforms for hosting these AI applications, facilitating seamless scalability, and enabling real-time data processing and analysis. The convergence of AI and cloud will drive significant advancements in personalized customer experiences, operational efficiencies, and innovative business models. This is why Khazana is developing a cloud-based AI service in collaboration with Huawei, which is expected to revolutionize the cloud industry in Pakistan.”
Q-What are your thoughts on the competitive landscape of the market and its future prospects?
A-“In Pakistan, there are many competitors in the cloud space, which are primarily telecommunications companies leveraging their data centers for co-location services. However, their cloud business is mainly co-location at the moment, while our aim is to provide a services-based cloud data center where everything can be offered as a service. In the realm of AI, we face challenges due to the need for GPU processors and strong computing speed. Countries like Pakistan and China have restrictions on public sales of chips like Nvidia. However, with Huawei developing its own LLM models and GPU cards, we can leverage our relationship to offer AI loads very soon.”
Q-In your opinion what is the future of AI in Pakistan
A-“While cloud computing laid the groundwork, AI is poised to be the next frontier of technological advancement. Cloud provides the infrastructure and computational power necessary for AI to thrive. Without the cloud, the scale and speed at which AI can operate would be severely limited. Currently, most AI transactions occur in the US, but with proper execution and Huawei’s support, we can experience a paradigm shift in the AI growth in Pakistan. AI has the potential to transform various industries, from healthcare to agriculture. The possibilities are endless, and we are only scratching the surface of what AI can achieve.”
Q, In concluding remarks, where do you see Pakistan as a global leader in Cloud and AI technologies?
Despite the immense potential, the integration of cloud and AI is not without challenges. Data privacy and security remain paramount concerns where Khazana and Huawei have worked diligently to have multiple layers of security for their customers. Bob advocates for stringent regulations and robust security frameworks to protect sensitive information and Pakistani data must reside within Pakistani shores. “Trust is the cornerstone of any technological advancement. We must ensure that our systems are secure and that users have confidence in the technology.” Looking ahead, Bob is optimistic about the future. He believes that continued innovation, coupled with strategic investments in education and infrastructure, can position Pakistan as a global leader in cloud and AI technologies. “The future is bright. With the right vision and commitment, we can achieve remarkable milestones.”