As Chief Innovation Officer, Kugan leads CelcomDigi’s Innovation Centre (IC), a division of the company established to develop, partner, and commercialise next-generation digital solutions for Malaysian consumers and businesses.
Kugan and his team have been integral to the company’s efforts to build a thriving local innovation and digital ecosystem, whose efforts have recently culminated in the launch of the CelcomDigi AI Experience Centre (AiX) in July 2024. The AiX is a one-stop immersive innovation and collaboration hub to lead, inspire, and advance the creation of world-class digital solutions across a range of sectors and verticals. Supported by a wide ecosystem of leading global technology players and local partners, AiX will serve as a focal point for cross-industry collaborations, leveraging 5G, AI and other emerging technologies. It is designed to spur rapid technology advancements and growth of new digital start-ups, enterprises, and future competencies to build a flourishing innovation ecosystem and fuel Malaysia’s digital transformation.
Kugan was previously the Chief Emerging Business Officer of Celcom, with 20 years of extensive experience in the telecommunications industry. Prior to that, Kugan was the Chief Marketing Officer at Smartfren Indonesia and a Board member of Sinarmas Digital Ventures responsible for the overall commercial business. Kugan started his career with Ericsson Sweden and has worked in various international markets covering Europe and North Africa during his tenure with Ericsson Sweden before joining Digi and Maxis in various leadership positions.