Having high integrity and always giving the best are values that Zainal Amanshah Zainal Arshad, group chief executive officer of REDtone International Berhad, holds dearly. Guided by these values and strong leadership, REDtone is now a serious player in the global arena.

Tech&U finds out more.

Q: Can you describe your current scope of responsibilities? And

what do you enjoy most at work?

A: I am responsible for REDtone’s business in Malaysia. I enjoy the fact that we are a telco challenger, bringing alternative services to customers that help them save money and make money at the same time.

Q: What is your management philosophy?

A: High integrity, and no matter what or where you are working, always do your best and maximise your time.

Q: What would you consider a significant achievement in your work life so far? And where do you see yourself in five years?

A: REDtone growing into what it is now is in itself a significant achievement. Five years on, I’ll still be working on something. I’m not ready to retire at all.

Q: In your opinion, what are among the key information and communications technology (ICT) challenges faced in Malaysia, especially in the areas of research and development (R&D) and commercialisation of technology products? What would be your answers to address them?

A: Malaysia’s R&D has certainly made progress since the formation of MSC Malaysia and through the efforts of MDeC (Multimedia Development Corporation). But our domestic addressable market is small. We have to venture overseas, which is harder than it seems. This is where R&D companies originating from countries or continents with bigger populations (the United States, Japan and Europe) have a headstart, as they can commercialise their products faster. And this is where e-commerce can bring a different opportunity, as it is borderless.

Q: What are your hopes for ICT in the country in terms of the sector, technology development and usage?

A: I hope the Government can give further incentives for locally developed solutions, practise meritocracy when awarding tenders or spectrum and that our regulator can create policies that facilitate business as opposed to not doing anything or putting unnecessary barriers to doing business.

Biodata

Zainal Amanshah Zainal Arshad joined REDtone Telecommunications Sdn Bhd in 2000 as executive director for the call centre and computer technology system and subsequently became responsible for the discounted call business in Malaysia. In 2003, he was appointed to the board of directors of REDtone.

He also represents REDtone as deputy chairman of pro-tem ASP Association and is a member of the Malaysian Access Forum Berhad.

Prior to REDtone, he worked with NCR Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Solsis (M) Sdn Bhd, Xylog Business Solutions Sdn Bhd and Lotus Consulting Malaysia.

Zainal has a bachelor degree in electrical engineering from the University of Kent, United Kingdom.