The Future is Data-Driven: Insights from Dato’ Seri Ivan Teh In an era where data is growing at an exponential rate, the question is n

The Future is Data-Driven: Insights from Dato’ Seri Ivan Teh

In an era where data is growing at an exponential rate, the question is no longer whether organizations should use data — but how well they are using it. At the SCDS 2016 conference, Dato’ Seri Ivan Teh, Founder and Managing Director of Fusionex, shared his expert view on how businesses can fully unlock the power of Big Data. His presentation, titled “Making the Most of Big Data,” offered practical advice and strategic insight into what it takes to succeed in the digital age.

Turning Data into Decisions

Dato’ Seri Ivan Teh highlighted that every organization today generates vast amounts of data — from customers, operations, transactions, digital platforms, and connected devices. However, raw data is only useful when it is translated into knowledge. This is where Big Data Analytics (BDA) becomes vital.

He stressed that real-time data analytics allows organizations to act faster and smarter. Rather than waiting for traditional reports or historical reviews, companies can use real-time dashboards to monitor performance, track customer behavior, detect anomalies, and make informed decisions quickly. Whether it’s preventing fraud, optimizing inventory, or predicting customer needs, data-driven insights can drive both strategy and day-to-day action.

One Size Doesn’t Fit All

https://fskm.uitm.edu.my/scds2016/abstractivanteh.htmlA key takeaway from his talk was that Big Data solutions must be tailored. Different industries face different challenges and collect different kinds of data. A healthcare provider, for instance, must handle sensitive patient records and comply with strict regulations, while a logistics company may need to track vehicle movements, delivery schedules, and fuel efficiency.

Dato’ Seri Ivan explained that effective Big Data strategies must be built around industry-specific needs. This includes identifying the right data sources, choosing the most relevant analytic models, and making sure the insights align with business goals. Simply gathering data isn’t enough; companies must know what to do with it.

Powering Analytics with AI and IoT

Teh also pointed out how technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Deep Learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are transforming how data is used. AI systems can learn from patterns in data, make predictions, and even automate decision-making. IoT devices, on the other hand, allow businesses to collect real-time data from machines, vehicles, or environments.

By combining Big Data with these technologies, businesses can move beyond simply understanding the past — they can start predicting the future and even shaping it.

Building the Right Culture

While tools and technology are important, Dato’ Seri Ivan emphasized that people and culture play an even bigger role. Companies need strong leadership to champion data initiatives, skilled teams to analyze and interpret data, and a company-wide mindset that values evidence-based decision-making.

He also warned of common challenges: data privacy concerns, poor data quality, lack of integration between systems, and organizational resistance. Overcoming these requires clear governance, cross-department collaboration, and continuous learning.

Conclusion

Dato’ Seri Ivan Teh’s message is both inspiring and practical: Big Data is not just a trend — it’s a strategic necessity. Organizations that learn to harness their data, invest in analytics, and foster a data-driven culture will lead their industries. The future belongs to those who make smarter decisions, faster — and Big Data is the key to doing just that.