CXO Aspect – Saiful Bakhtiar Osman

Today on #CXOAspect, we’re spotlighting Saiful Bakhtiar Osman, a seasoned IT leader whose 25-year journey on the front lines offers powerful insights into building resilient, future-ready infrastructure in an increasingly complex digital world.

When asked about the importance of IT resilience and how it has evolved over the years, he shares:

“People often say IT professionals are the unsung heroes. When everything runs smoothly, nobody notices. But after 25 years on the front line, I’ve learned that resilience is built quietly, long before a crisis hits.

Backups alone don’t cut it anymore. Especially in sectors like real estate, IT and Operational Technology (OT) are deeply intertwined. We’re responsible for ensuring that elevators, HVAC systems, and security infrastructure run seamlessly alongside core IT systems. If this integration isn’t managed properly, risks begin to surface.

Over the years, a few key lessons have stood out. Being present as a leader truly matters. I make it a point to join my team during our twice-yearly IT Disaster Recovery exercises. It’s not just a formality, your presence boosts morale and reinforces that resilience is serious business. It’s about leading from the front.

Equally important is asking the right questions. Instead of asking, ‘Are we safe?’, I encourage leadership teams to ask, ‘How quickly can we recover?’ The first question offers comfort, but the second drives real, actionable planning that ensures business continuity.

And of course, using the right tools is critical. AI-driven threat intelligence allows us to detect early warning signs, like spotting smoke before a fire. This shift helps us move from reactive problem-solving to proactive protection.”

When asked what advice he would give to fellow leaders and board members, he adds:

“IT resilience should be viewed as strategic business insurance. It protects your brand, your revenue, and your operations. Most importantly, it must be built steadily and thoughtfully—not rushed in moments of crisis.”

And reflecting on his journey, he concludes:

“Alhamdulillah for the dedicated teams I’ve been fortunate to lead on this journey. The work never truly stops..”

CXO Junction remains dedicated to providing you with exclusive insights into transformative leadership journeys. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to bring industry news to you.

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