As a woman in tech, what has been the most significant challenge you have faced, and how did you overcome it?

I’ve strongly believed that the seat at the table, be it technology or management, is based on merit, not gender. As is with any field, the ability to be able to use your voice for shaping direction, prioritization and delivery is key, and the overall organizational climate should be supportive of that.

Leading the technology function is as much about understanding the business and its levers, strategic initiatives and regulatory requirements, as it is about understanding people, applications, processes, infrastructure and security. Approaching challenges with an objective, solutions-oriented mindset and staying focused on execution is key to winning and retaining trust of stakeholders across the organization.

As Head of Strategy and IT at Zurich Middle East, I’ve been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work alongside women and men who are not just colleagues, but have taken on the roles of sounding boards, mentors and friends.

How do you see AI, data security, or tech innovation evolving, and what role do women play in shaping its future?

The technology landscape has been evolving very rapidly with developments across data and cyber security, automation, cloud computing, data mining and analytics and Generative AI.

The sheer number of women who have qualifications across the spectrum of technology and digital transformation is quite staggering, and the effort women undertake to ensure they’re up the curve when it comes to emerging technologies and advancements is commendable. I can vouch for that as I work along side a few of them every day.

As a field, technology provides more flexibility when it comes to timings, working onsite or offshore, remote learning opportunities, etc., which do go a long way in encouraging women to join/continue working/rejoin the workforce in case of sabbaticals. If more organizations can encourage and actively nurture such behaviors, we would be able to address quite a few of the challenges while creating an environment that truly nurtures innovation.

In one or two sentences, what does International Women’s Day 2025 mean to you as a woman in tech?

Like every day, International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate, encourage, nurture and champion the women in our lives, in our homes and in our organizations. As a woman in tech, it is also a reminder to continue to create an environment for women to join, thrive, grow, stay longer and in some instances, rejoin the workforce.

Integrator Media had an exclusive interview with Laurance Li, General Manager of HONOR GCC on how the HONOR Magic7 Pro is revolutionizing the premium smartphone market with AI-driven photography, productivity, and ecosystem expansion.

1. How does HONOR position the Magic7 Pro within the premium smartphone market in the Middle East?

The HONOR Magic7 Pro is positioned as a flagship device within the premium smartphone market in the Middle East, offering cutting-edge technology, AI-driven features, and powerful performance. With its sleek design, advanced AI capabilities, and top-tier camera system, the Magic7 Pro is designed for consumers who demand the best in innovation and user experience. The device targets tech-savvy individuals, professionals, and mobile enthusiasts in the Middle East who appreciate quality, performance, and the integration of next-gen technology into their daily lives. As the region’s consumers continue to embrace the latest in AI and mobile technology, HONOR aims to meet these needs with a device that sets new standards in the premium smartphone category.

2. The HONOR Magic7 Pro is said to redefine the photography experience with AI capabilities. Can you elaborate on how features like AI Super Zoom and Stage Mode work?

The Magic7 Pro takes smartphone photography to new heights with the integration of AI-powered features like AI Super Zoom and Stage Mode. AI Super Zoom, with a zoom range of 30x to 100x, uses advanced AI algorithms to ensure that even at high zoom levels, images remain sharp, clear, and free from distortion. The AI intelligently adjusts settings to optimize the image quality, making it perfect for capturing distant subjects with exceptional clarity. Stage Mode, on the other hand, is designed to enhance the way users capture dynamic scenes. By leveraging AI and motion sensing, it adjusts the camera‘s settings to capture fast-moving action while maintaining detail and smoothness, making it ideal for live events, sports, or other high-energy moments. These features work together to redefine the mobile photography experience, allowing users to capture stunning images with ease and precision.

3. HONOR’s MagicOS 9.0, built on Android 15 introduces several AI-powered features. Which of these features do you think will resonate most with users in the UAE?

MagicOS 9.0, built on Android 15, introduces a wide range of AI-powered features that will resonate deeply with UAE users, particularly those who value efficiency, personalization, and a seamless mobile experience. One standout feature is Magic Portal 2.0, which allows users to interact with multiple apps simultaneously and manage tasks more efficiently. This is ideal for the UAE’s fast-paced, tech-savvy consumers who rely on multitasking and productivity. Additionally, the AI SuperNotes feature, which intelligently organizes and transcribes notes, will appeal to professionals and students alike. UAE users will also appreciate the enhanced AI security features, including AI Deepfake Detection, which ensures safer online interactions and strengthens user privacy. Overall, these AI-driven tools are designed to deliver a smarter, more intuitive user experience, perfectly aligned with the UAE’s high-tech, on-the-go lifestyle.

4. How does the integration of Google Gemini enhance the HONOR Magic7 Pro’s productivity and creativity features?

The integration of Google Gemini with the HONOR Magic7 Pro significantly enhances its productivity and creativity features by leveraging Google’s AI technology to improve multitasking and content creation. Gemini allows the Magic7 Pro to process tasks more quickly and accurately, especially when running resource-intensive applications like photo and video editing tools. For productivity, Gemini’s AI-driven assistance helps users manage workflows efficiently, from automatically organizing emails and calendar events to suggesting content and documents based on usage patterns. On the creative side, Gemini enables smoother rendering and enhanced photo and video editing experiences, making it easier for users to create high-quality content on the go. Whether it’s editing photos, composing emails, or managing daily tasks, Gemini’s integration helps users do more with less effort, boosting both productivity and creativity.

5. Are there any plans to expand the HONOR Magic7 Pro’s ecosystem with complementary products or features?

Yes, HONOR is continuously working to expand the Magic7 Pro’s ecosystem, ensuring it delivers a seamless and integrated experience across multiple devices. In addition to smartphones, we’re expanding our portfolio with AI-powered wearables, like the HONOR Magic Watch 5, and accessories designed to enhance the overall user experience. We’re also looking to integrate more features that enhance the user experience, such as cross-device syncing, improved AI-powered fitness tracking, and expanding our ecosystem to include collaborations with other tech platforms. The goal is to create a holistic ecosystem where all HONOR devices work together to enhance the user’s daily life, whether it’s through smarter health, productivity, or entertainment features.

Note: The word count of the final file needs to be around 600-800words. The questions are flexible, feel free to add, edit or remove the question as per the client’s convenience, ensuring that the theme of the interview remains intact.

Seagate’s Vision on the Evolution of Data Storage and Its Future in an AI-Driven World

Exclusive Interview with Arnab Majumder, Country Manager, Saudi Arabia at Seagate Technology

In this exclusive interview, Arnab, Seagate’s Country Manager for Saudi Arabia and MENA, shares insights from his two decades of experience in the IT industry. He discusses the evolving landscape of data storage, the rise of AI, and Seagate’s innovative solutions in data security, speed, and sustainability. From the launch of the Mozaic platform to the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility, Arnab highlights Seagate’s role in shaping the future of data storage technology. He also provides an outlook on the increasing role of data centers in AI adoption and why the Middle East is uniquely positioned to be a global leader in this space.

You have around two decades of experience and have worked in some of the major global IT companies. What kind of changes have you seen throughout your career?
Throughout my career, one thing has remained constant—my association with data. I started by selling ERP software, specifically SAP, which was commonly known as an ERP solution but was, in essence, a data management software. From there, I transitioned into servers and storage, which again revolved around data and compute. Later, I focused on data backup, and now, for the past two and a half years at Seagate, I have been managing data storage from an endpoint perspective, what we call Edge to Cloud.

Over time, the importance of data has increased tremendously. Initially, discussions around data were confined to the data center. Then came hybrid models with the introduction of private and public cloud. The conversation evolved further with IoT, and now we are in an AI-enabled world, particularly machine learning and AI-driven applications, which make data more crucial than ever. As someone once said, “Data is more valuable than oil,” and that statement holds true. Data can make or break organizations over time.

With the rise of AI technologies, data storage has become even more crucial. How is Seagate addressing this need?
With the emergence of AI-driven solutions and machine learning applications, we have seen a massive shift in data storage demands. AI has fundamentally reshaped the way organizations interact with data, requiring scalable, high-performance solutions.

Seagate ensures that the data solutions we provide to customers have infinite potential. We are not restricted to specific compute capabilities, IOPS, or throughput. Instead, we focus on exceeding expectations, ensuring that data can be stored, retrieved, and archived at any time without barriers. The key elements remain securing, storing, retrieving, and managing data efficiently over the long term. As AI models become more sophisticated, data centers will need to scale exponentially, and Seagate is committed to supporting this evolution through cutting-edge innovations.

AI has also increased the demand for faster storage. How is Seagate addressing storage capacity and speed?
With the launch of the Mozaic platform last year, which we introduced globally in Dubai, we have taken data storage to the next level. Users today don’t just need to store data; they need to access it at high throughput and IOPS. To meet this demand, we have introduced chips on our hard drives—what we call System on a Chip (SoC)—to enhance performance significantly.

Additionally, with the emergence of our cutting-edge HAMR (Heat-Assisted Magnetic Recording) technology, we are ensuring that our hard drives are ready for AI-driven applications. A decade ago, storing data was the primary concern; today, the focus is on how quickly and efficiently data can be retrieved. Our advancements in high IOPS and throughput ensure that the user experience remains optimal. As AI applications evolve, real-time data access and low-latency performance will be critical, and Seagate is prepared to meet these growing demands.

With the increase in data, security concerns have also risen. How is Seagate addressing data security?
Seagate prioritizes data security and has implemented multiple measures to protect user information. One of our key security features is Self-Encrypting Drives (SED), which ensure that stored data is only accessible to authorized users. Encryption-enabled drives play a crucial role in preventing unauthorized access, safeguarding against threats such as ransomware and malware.

At Seagate, we believe that storing data and securing data go hand in hand. That’s why our drives are equipped with built-in encryption, adding an extra layer of protection at all times. This ensures that even if a drive is lost or stolen, the data remains inaccessible to unauthorized individuals. Beyond encryption, we continuously integrate advanced security features into our drives to provide the highest level of protection for our customers. Cyber threats are evolving rapidly, and we are committed to staying ahead by ensuring that our storage solutions are secure against emerging risks. Seagate remains dedicated to offering robust security measures to protect sensitive information.

The increasing volume of data also leads to concerns about e-waste. What steps is Seagate taking to promote recycling and sustainability?
Seagate is committed to sustainability. As part of our efforts to tackle e-waste, we are committed to refurbishing and recertifying drives to extend their lifespan. Additionally, we are investing in innovative technologies to lower power consumption, making our storage solutions more energy-efficient. This includes not only hard drives, but also entire systems that are designed to reduce power usage. Our consumer tech solutions are now also being manufactured using recycled materials, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability

Additionally, Seagate has a Take-Back Program, where we collect used storage devices, ensuring that materials are repurposed and reintegrated into the production cycle. By prioritizing sustainability at every level, we are addressing the environmental impact of data storage while maintaining high-performance standards. Seagate is also working closely with partners to promote a circular economy, reducing waste and improving the lifecycle of storage solutions.

Seagate is always present at major tech events like Intersec, GITEX, and LEAP. How important are these events for the company?
These events are of pivotal importance to us. Over the last three years, we have participated in GITEX and Intersec, including Intersec Saudi Arabia, and have had a strong presence. This year, we are also participating in LEAP. Such events provide us with the opportunity to reach a broader audience and showcase our latest technological advancements.

Every year, Seagate comes up with transformative technologies. For example, last year, we introduced the Mozaic platform, and we are continuously expanding its capabilities. We also use these platforms to highlight innovations like HAMR, self-encrypting drives, and AI-driven storage solutions. Many customers approach us at these events with questions about AI-driven storage and video surveillance in an AI-enabled base. We are always excited to share insights on our Mozaic platform, SkyHawk AI drives, and enterprise data storage.

Beyond enterprise solutions, Seagate is also contributing to the growing gaming industry, particularly in the Middle East. Our FireCuda series of high-performance drives is designed to meet the high-performance demands of gamers, and we are eager to showcase these advancements at LEAP.

The Middle East is at the forefront of change and innovation, particularly in Saudi Arabia, which is investing heavily in smart cities, AI, and technological advancements. Seagate is excited to be part of this transformation, providing the storage infrastructure required for these ambitious projects.