I’m thrilled to sit down with Chloe Maraina, a Business Intelligence expert whose passion for big data and visual storytelling has positioned her as a visionary in data management and integration. With a sharp eye for innovation, Chloe has been instrumental in driving transformative projects that turn complex data into actionable insights. In this interview, we dive into her groundbreaking work, the impact of her initiatives on organizational success, and her thoughts on the evolving role of technology in the ASEAN region, especially in the context of the CIO100 ASEAN Awards 2025.
Can you share the story behind a project or initiative that you feel truly showcases your team’s innovation and deserves recognition at the CIO100 ASEAN Awards 2025?
Absolutely, I’m proud to talk about a recent project where we tackled a major challenge in customer behavior analysis for a regional retail client. The business problem was clear: they had tons of data but couldn’t make sense of it to predict trends or personalize offerings. My team developed a custom dashboard using advanced analytics and machine learning to visualize patterns in real-time. What made this stand out was how we integrated disparate data sources into a single, user-friendly interface. It wasn’t just a tool; it was a game-changer for their decision-making process.
How has this kind of work influenced your organization’s broader goals or success?
The impact has been significant. For that retail client, the dashboard led to a 20% increase in customer retention within six months because they could finally tailor promotions based on solid insights. Internally, it’s improved our efficiency too—our team spends less time on manual data crunching and more on strategic planning. Most importantly, it aligns with our mission to empower businesses with data-driven decisions, which has strengthened our reputation as a trusted partner in the region.
What was unique about the approach you took in driving innovation through this project?
I think what set us apart was our focus on storytelling through data. We didn’t just throw numbers at the client; we used visualization tools to craft a narrative that made the insights accessible to everyone, from executives to store managers. We also adopted a hybrid model of cloud-based and on-premise systems to ensure scalability without compromising security. There were hurdles, like integrating legacy systems, but we overcame them by iterating quickly and involving end-users in the feedback loop from day one.
As technology continues to evolve, how do you see data management contributing to sustainability efforts in the ASEAN region?
Data management has a huge role to play in sustainability. For instance, by analyzing energy consumption patterns, companies can reduce waste and optimize resources. We’ve started exploring projects that help organizations track their carbon footprint using predictive analytics. It’s about using data to make smarter choices—whether that’s cutting down on unnecessary server usage or optimizing supply chains to lower emissions. I believe this will be a key focus for tech leaders in ASEAN as environmental priorities grow.
How are you fostering talent or culture within your team to keep up with the fast-paced world of data science and business intelligence?
I’m a big believer in continuous learning. We’ve set up regular workshops and mentorship programs to help team members upskill in areas like AI and cloud technologies. I also encourage a culture of experimentation—failure is okay as long as we learn from it. One story that comes to mind is a junior analyst who, through our mentorship program, developed a new algorithm for data processing that cut report generation time by half. Seeing that kind of growth is incredibly rewarding.
Looking ahead, what is your forecast for the future of data management and integration in the ASEAN technology landscape?
I think we’re heading toward a future where seamless integration and real-time analytics become the norm, not the exception. With the rise of AI and generative technologies, data management will be less about storage and more about actionable intelligence. In ASEAN, where digital transformation is accelerating, I expect to see more organizations adopting hybrid cloud solutions to balance cost and scalability. My forecast is that within the next five years, data will be the backbone of every strategic decision, and leaders who can harness it effectively will define the region’s success.
