For many organisations, the real challenge is not technology. It is access to senior specialist capability when it matters most. Projects stall, upgrades drag, and performance issues linger when teams rely on mixed-experience support models. MGA operates differently as a senior-only consulting and managed services firm. Every engineer is deeply experienced, hands-on, and capable of resolving issues end-to-end without escalation. This ensures faster diagnosis, lower risk, and better outcomes where judgment matters most. Mark Gurry & Associates (MGA) is purpose built for this mandate, with a senior only consulting model spanning every major platform and modern deployment pattern, from Oracle and SQL Server to PostgreSQL/ TimescaleDB, SAP HANA, MySQL, Redis, Kafka and SOLR, across on prem, hybrid and multi cloud environments. The results are core systems that stay secure, high performing, and always available. All this while delivering measurable outcomes that save time, money and risk. “Embedded in transformation, we help design cloud migration strategies, deliver performance engineering during application rollouts, and build observability frameworks that elevate metrics into business insight,” says Mark Gurry, CEO. Hybrid Cloud and Real Time Data, Optimized MGA’s end to end database service blends deep platform skills with a full stack command of middleware and integration, so gains hold under production pressure instead of collapsing at peak. Senior consultants design and run hybrid architectures on AWS, Azure and Google Cloud, orchestrating staged moves from legacy to open source or multi cloud strategies without service disruption, with auditable control. Fluency in PL/SQL, Transact SQL and PG/SQL pairs with expertise in WebLogic, Kafka, Java, REST and XML to isolate root causes across application, database and network layers, delivering durable fixes, not one off tuning. This cross platform expertise helps clients avoid vendor lock in while right sizing licenses and adopting best fit architectures that reflect workload reality rather than vendor momentum. MGA has executed multiple cross database migrations, including Oracle to Postgres projects that converted stored procedures for mission critical ingestion and designed bidirectional replication between Oracle and Postgres for resilience in national environments. For a legal services firm that is partitioning and compressing a long horizon time transaction table with hundreds of millions of rows, it reduces month end from hours to minutes. A chronic bottleneck becomes predictable throughput.
Best AI Powered Data Protection Solutions 2025
When speed, operational efficiency and intelligent automation work together, data protection becomes seamless. Automated checks surface risks early and keep compliance workflows moving, freeing data protection officers (DPO) to devote their time to strategic initiatives. DPOinBOX.AI brings this needed pace to everyday data protection and governance work. It harnesses generative AI and authoritative regulatory references to develop robust tools that complete data protection tasks up to 10 times faster than conventional methods, even in resource-constrained environments. Developed by Straits Interactive and powered by its Capabara AI engine, DPOinBOX.AI combines data protection and governance expertise to deliver a reliable, knowledge-driven solution. It empowers organizations with unparalleled support to govern, assess, protect, sustain and review data protection activities. “DPOinBOX.AI earns customer loyalty through its proven efficiency in handling complex data protection tasks,” says Kevin Shepherdson, founder and CEO. Small and medium enterprises leverage the platform to streamline tasks and meet regulatory obligations with ease. At the same time, large organizations rely on it for rapid risk control and fast, consistent compliance reviews across multiple business units with effectiveness. Stringent data privacy laws make the regulatory landscape increasingly complex. DPOinBOX.AI helps transform and simplify this into self-help environments, informing users on the various aspects of personal data regulations and guidelines. The AI DPO Assistant, built for DPOs, provides in-depth, reference-based answers needed for various tasks and regulatory queries. By leveraging retrieval augmented generation (RAG) from Capabara’s authoritative knowledge base, it offers strategic advice on personal data law, regulations and regulators’ guidelines.
Top Compliance Solutions Provider in Asia 2025
Financial institutions routinely seek advice on regulatory compliance and licensing. But do they get focused support and high-impact engagement to stay truly compliant? Peak Compliance Associates (PCA) has built a solid reputation for its personalized approach to delivering regulatory compliance. The Asia-focused financial services compliance consulting firm is known for going the extra mile to deliver high-quality work clients can trust. A low client-to-consultant ratio enables it to dedicate time and attention to each client. PCA offers a triad of services spanning regulatory licensing, compliance advisory and compliance training and education. “Our goal is to future-proof compliance and provide exceptional services to our clients,” says Alex Esson, founder and CEO. “Every business is different, so our approach reflects that.” Esson is personally involved as the primary case officer and main point of contact for most clients. With him at the helm, the team delivers a standard of service and experience to clients that is rare in today’s compliance world.
Best Software Testing Company 2025
Shanghai BWF Software Technology is recognized as one of China’s leading providers of end-to-end software testing services. The company has built a closed-loop testing ecosystem that strengthens with every engagement. Founded in 2004, it has developed deep industry expertise over more than twenty years, supported by a comprehensive framework that integrates system development, customized testing solutions, talent cultivation, testing metrics, and continuous training to drive ongoing improvement. Its service portfolio includes functional, performance, security, and compatibility testing, along with testing talent development and staffing. The company serves as a long-term quality partner, working with clients to elevate their software quality assurance maturity over time. Client engagements begin with a collaborative approach. Customers outline their software quality objectives, and the company recommends tailored solutions aligned to those needs. Key considerations are reviewed openly with the client before finalizing the most effective plan. “Adhering to our customer-first principle, we respond promptly and formulate solutions quickly,” says Bo Li, CEO, Shanghai BWF Software Technology.
CXO INSIGHTS
Facing Digitalization as Cyber Security Professional
Oliver Valentino, Head of Information Security & IT GRC, Amar Bank
Mastering Digital Change and Driving Revenue through Innovation
Nazih Battal, Chief Information & Technology Officer, RASHAYS
Driving IT Transformation at Lactalis Australia
Sabina Janstrom, Chief Information Officer, Lactalis Australia
Meeting Business Travel Demands with Intelligent Platforms
Zamil Murji, Chief Technology Officer, Corporate Travel Management
Navigating Compliance Challenges in ESG AML and Digital Onboarding
Chuan Lim Ang, Managing Director and SG Head of Compliance, CIMB
Bridging Innovation, Strategy and Patient Connection
Shigeto Miyamoto, VP of Digital Solutions, APAC, Syneos Health
Agentic AI in Cybersecurity: Your Tireless Digital Ally
Charmaine Valmonte, FVP & Chief Information Security Officer, Data Protection Officer, Aboitiz Group
IN FOCUS
Strategic Data Consulting Across Clouds in APAC
Database consultants have transformed from hardware specialists to strategic cloud architects, adapting to hybrid and multi-cloud environments, leveraging DBaaS, and enhancing business outcomes through advanced data management strategies.
AI-Powered Data Protection Transitions from Reactive Defense to Predictive Security in APAC
A paradigm shift in APAC cybersecurity is emerging, focusing on proactive AI-driven predictive models to protect data against sophisticated cyber threats.
EDITORIAL
Strengthening the Data Foundations of Modern Enterprises
One major shift is the move toward cleaner, more intentional data architecture. Companies want database models that support real-time insight, reliable performance and seamless integration across cloud and on-premise environments. Done well, this enables teams to make faster decisions, provides better reporting and lays the foundation for more meaningful automation.
Security has also moved into a new phase. With identity misuse, AI-powered attacks and supply-chain exposure becoming increasingly common, enterprises are adopting intelligent protection systems that analyze anomalies and respond faster than human teams can.
Driven by demand for data expertise and protection, the big data consulting and cybersecurity markets are projected to reach approximately $36.75 billion and $133.8 billion, respectively, by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 13.9 and 24.8 percent.
This edition of APAC CIOoutlook demonstrates how enterprises across the region are fortifying their digital foundations through more intelligent data architecture and advanced protection systems. It features a thought-provoking article by John Gaspar Antonio, CIO and Vice President for Information Technology & E-commerce and Data Protection Officer at Metro Retail Stores Group and Ashley Wan, Regional Data & Analytics Director, APAC at Richemont.
We also bring you the stories of leading organizations driving excellence in data infrastructure resilience, intelligent protection and software assurance. A noteworthy feature is that of Mark Gurry & Associates.
In this edition highlighting the capabilities and leadership approaches shaping enterprise transformation in 2025, we hope you gain meaningful guidance to create more intelligent, resilient digital operations across your organization.
