As a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) in today’s rapidly evolving landscape, there is a need to effectively navigate the dynamic convergence of technology and business. This requires agility and foresight to anticipate and adapt to changing trends and advancements. By leveraging a deep understanding of emerging technologies and industry dynamics, the CTO is able to drive innovation and spearhead transformative initiatives within the organization.
With a track record of technical expertise and numerous accolades, Dr. CP Lee has extensive 20+ years of experience in driving partnerships, generating new business, fostering customer loyalty, and boosting overall financial impact. Throughout his career, Dr. Lee consistently demonstrated his ability to take charge of vital and high-profile projects, consistently delivering exceptional results within demanding deadlines.
The interview showcased Dr. Lee’s remarkable proficiency and his effective leadership as the CTO at Mola:
What inspired you to pursue a career in technology, and how did you get started in this field?
Starting as an introvert back in the early days of childhood, I have been hooked on computers since the introduction of the Ataris and the Apple IIs … My first introduction to the Apple II-GS was the turning point where I sort of decided this was the future and this is where I wanted to be. Since then, I have actively been gearing myself into this arena, learning programming at the young age of 10, and here I am.
As the Chief Technology Officer at Mola, what are some of the biggest challenges you face in developing and implementing technology solutions for the Media and Entertainment industry, and how do you address them?
Technology challenges across industries. I believe many of us who helm the technology teams are facing similar issues throughout our appointment. As the field of technology is a rapidly evolving arena, it will almost be impossible to pick the correct tool all the time. Our value in leading in such an arena is to look beyond, focus on grabbing the correct devil’s horn at the moment, and plan for possible pitfalls in the future. Every day is a new challenge as more sophisticated bad actors come online.
Another common challenge that most tech leaders face is the fight against budgeting for the future versus the now. It’s a delicate approach that relies on the experience of each individual’s exposure to the market.
What are some of the most important principles that guide your approach to technology development, and why are they so important?
Technology development, to me, relies on two key fundamentals: the need to have and the want to have. Focusing on the fundamentals, we have the layers approach: impact on user experience, impact on system design, and impact on security. This matrix drives our approach to deciding what to do and when to do it.
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest developments and trends in technology, particularly as they relate to the M&E industry, and what resources do you rely on?
In today’s world, the world is our oyster, with the tremendous amount of information one can derive online. However, this information also comes with its own pitfall: one has to listen above all the noise and decipher the truth from the propaganda, the possible from the possible, and the possible from the fakes. A combination of online and offline resources is critical to staying true to the mission of finding the best technology for the job.
What do you think are some of the most pressing issues facing the M&E industry today in terms of technology, and what can be done to address them?
The challenges we faced were consistent and similar through the generations: protecting our content, both online and offline. Hence, instead of trying to lock down and protect the content lock, stock, and barrel, new approaches need to be looked at—timeliness of delivery, design of engagement, etc. Working with key partners across the globe is the best chance for any player to beat the clock in this.
The next important element, related to technology, is how each platform can evolve to suit the changing nature of the user’s preferences and taste, how we can revolve the existing content pool besides adding new content with no limits, to ensure the users are taken care of in their consumption of content.
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out in the field of technology development, and what qualities do you think are essential for success in this field?
For a start, the hunger to learn and the humbleness to follow are the two key traits I will look for in anyone starting in the technology field. The field is vast, and there are many things we do not know until we come across them. The hunger to keep learning and the humility to follow are things anyone in the field needs to have, especially at the start.
How do you balance your demanding career with your personal life, and what strategies do you use to stay energized and motivated?
I believe in time-out theory and the Law of Attraction. These two beliefs have held me throughout my journey, one to break my routine pattern and to find new journeys forward, and the other to bring the future to fruition.
Accolades in the Spotlight
The Globee® Awards, organizers of the world’s premier business awards programs and business ranking list has named Dr. Ching Pee Lee a winner in the 18th Annual 2023 Globee® Awards for Information Technology.
Dr. Lee was nominated for the Chief Technology Officer of the Year Award and became a Bronze Globee® Winner.
“I’m proud to win the Globee and be recognized as an industry player. Behind this distinguished success are our product innovations and relentless drive to stay customer focussed. We believe this recognition from Globee Awards further validates our commitment to our customers.” Commented Dr. CP Lee.
