Leading a global technology company is no easy feat. Local boy A.J. Wang, senior vice president and chief technology officer of D-Link Corp, shares his views on his experience and the trends in the industry.

Q: How is it like working in a global technology company and helming the technology development group?

A: My main responsibility is to review and manage technology trends that can be made into a D-Link product for our consumers. My achievement is achievements of my colleagues. Together we have made D-Link an international brand and have recently became the No.1 brand worldwide for 802.11n products in our category.

I am very blessed and proud that no matter how one begins in life, a determined vision and ambition can lead to a successful career. I am very glad to be part of a multinational company that embraces a culture of hard work and determination.

Q: What are among the challenges you’ve faced at D-Link, especially in developing the company’s product direction?

A: As in any business, it is not easy to race forward with competition abound and products that may or may not fit a particular market. This is especially true for a technology-based company like D-Link. Tech-based products faces an uphill battle in market maturity, particularly in educating what the product does and where it fits.

In our industry, often than not, there is nothing to model upon. So, predicting what technology trend to go after is quite a challenge.

D-Link is fortunate to have invested in many technologies and in many countries. Our presence and strength from both developed and emerging countries helped us determined (by experience) what key technology and product to target in those specific markets.

Q: Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

A: If the economy holds on, you will still see me at D-Link, continuing our quest to bring products that network people faster and better. Building networks for people, faster and better, like our slogan.

Q: What are your plans for D-Link in the networking solutions space for the next five years?

A: In the coming years, for our business products, we are edging up to Metro/Carrier Ethernet. In the consumer space, we intend to make the connected home a reality. Connected home links your network beyond just the simple home gateway/router.

Q: As a veteran in the technology field, what do you think a country like Malaysia should focus on to become a global tech player?

A: Malaysia is unique in its culture and diversity and should use it to its potential. We have a breed of young, skilled workforce that can be trained and collaborate with potential hi-tech countries to transfer their knowledge centre, quality control and technology management, etc.

Q: What’s your job philosophy?

A: Contribute what you must. Put in the time and effort expected of you.

BIODATA

As D-Link’s senior VP and CTO, Wang is responsible for the company’s technical initiatives globally. He leads the engineering team that designs, develops and manufacturers advanced communications and digital electronic technology for the D-Link product line.

Prior to joining D-Link, he spent 10 years leading teams of systems engineers at CSS Labs in the US, where he was the director of technical services. He also held a position as the general manager for The Binary Group Inc.

He holds a Bsc in Electrical Engineering from Iowa State University and Bsc in Computer Systems Engineering from Western Michigan University, and is happily married with two children.