Hello, I'm
SJ Liong
Seasoned CTO and Digital Transformation Leader with 23+ years of turning business strategy into scalable products, secure platforms, and operational change across startups, SMEs, and MNCs in 10+ countries.
Specialising in AI automation, enterprise architecture, cloud, and cybersecurity, with a delivery record spanning 218+ projects and ISO 27001:2022 certification with zero non-conformances.
23+
Years Experience
218+
Projects Delivered
10+
Countries
337+
Processes Automated
My Expertise
What I Do
AI & Intelligent Automation
Designing LLM integrations, RAG systems, and automation workflows that reduce manual work and speed up decision-making.
Digital Transformation
Leading end-to-end transformation across software, infrastructure, cloud, governance, and enterprise operating models.
Cybersecurity & ISO 27001
Building practical cybersecurity and resilience programmes spanning ISMS, SOC/SIEM, MDR, disaster recovery, backup strategy, data resilience, and audit-ready ISO 27001 operations.
Software Architecture
Architecting scalable, high-availability platforms, APIs, and product ecosystems across Microsoft stacks, JavaScript ecosystems, AI integrations, and modern data platforms including MariaDB and PostgreSQL.
Cloud & Infrastructure
Delivering hybrid cloud, high-availability infrastructure, and secure multi-site connectivity for growing operations.
Programme & Team Leadership
Leading cross-border teams, large delivery portfolios, and multi-million budget execution with clear operational accountability.
Career Highlights
Key Achievements
ISO 27001:2022 with Zero Non-Conformances
Secured certification while concurrently leading company-wide digital transformation for a publicly listed business.
20+ Enterprise Systems in 4 Years
Delivered fintech-grade applications, high-availability systems, multi-channel commerce, and group-wide integrations at Tomei Consolidated Berhad, including a fintech product built in 5 months with 7 enterprise-system integrations.
AI-Powered Cognitive Talent Matching
Designed an AI engine that analyzes skills, personality, and career trajectory to recommend jobs and upskilling paths.
Distributed Teams Across 4 Countries
Built and led teams across Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and India with continuous delivery handoff workflows.
Azure Stack HCI with No Single Points of Failure
Implemented resilient hybrid infrastructure across firewalls, core switches, servers, and dual-ISP connectivity.
Global Deployments in 10+ Countries
Delivered technology platforms across Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, the UK, and the USA over 23 years.
23 Years of Experience
Resume
Executive Summary
CTO and digital transformation leader with 23+ years of experience aligning business strategy, enterprise platforms, cybersecurity, and delivery execution across retail, education, hospitality, government, property, and multi-business groups. Known for leading cross-border teams, modernising legacy environments, and translating emerging AI capabilities into practical operational outcomes.
Selected Impact
218+
Projects delivered across product, infrastructure, security, and transformation programmes
337+
Processes automated through RPA, workflow orchestration, and AI-enabled operations
10+
Countries served through regional deployments, distributed teams, and international rollouts
0
ISO 27001:2022 non-conformances during certification delivery at listed-company scale
AI & Automation Specialisation
- LLM integration (GPT-4, Claude) for document intelligence, chatbots, decision-support
- RAG systems for internal knowledge bases & customer-facing AI
- Automation pipelines: n8n, Make, Power Automate, Zapier + Python
- RPA deployments reducing manual processing by 60%-80%
- AI-driven marketing: predictive segmentation & funnel optimisation
- Cognitive AI talent-matching engine with career roadmap analysis
Experience
Chief Technology Officer
Led enterprise-wide transformation for a publicly listed jewellery group across retail, manufacturing, finance, and shared operations. Built and scaled cross-border teams across Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and India while delivering 20+ systems covering e-commerce, POS, CRM, EDMS, trading workflows, microfinancing, RFID, and automation initiatives. Built a fintech product in 5 months that integrated with 7 enterprise systems. Achieved ISO 27001:2022 with zero non-conformances and modernised core infrastructure through Azure Stack HCI, SOC, SIEM, and disaster recovery readiness.
Selected Platforms Delivered: POS, CRM, e-commerce, RFID, microfinancing, EDMS, trading workflows, RPA, agentic AI.
Chief Technology Officer
Led EduCloud, a national-scale learning-to-employment platform connecting education, skills development, job matching, and government-backed ecosystem partners. Directed product, platform, and integration strategy spanning AI-powered talent matching, marketplace workflows, mobile apps, and API connectivity with PTPTN, MPC, and Skillsoft.
Chief Technology Officer
Owned full P&L, commercial direction, and technology strategy for a digital business focused on university and lead-generation ecosystems. Combined business development, operational leadership, funnel optimisation, and automation-driven marketing execution to improve growth performance and delivery efficiency.
IT Director (Group)
Oversaw group IT across property, print media, F&B, hospitality, and digital ventures, aligning shared technology governance with the needs of highly different business models. Delivered high-availability media systems, franchise POS standardisation, and digital audience analytics while supporting expansion across property and consumer-facing operations.
Chief Technology Officer
Delivered hospitality and guest-engagement platforms including CRM, membership, and reservation systems to hotel and resort groups across the UAE, Cyprus, Europe, Asia, and the USA. Managed multi-country solution delivery with a strong focus on operational continuity, rollout quality, and client-facing technology outcomes.
Lead Software Engineer
Led engineers and solution architects delivering Electronic Document Management Systems for government ministries, with work spanning document-intensive public-sector and legal-process environments. Contributed technical leadership across solution design, implementation coordination, and delivery execution.
Education
MBA - Master of Business Administration (Honours)
University of Strathclyde, United Kingdom. Thesis: Customer buying psychology and motivational behaviour in software & internet environments.
BSc in Computing - First Class Honours
University of Staffordshire, United Kingdom. Final year project: 3D directory system with AI-driven shortest-path algorithms.
Certifications
Project Management Professional (PMP)
Neuro-Linguistic Programming Practitioner (NLP Practitioner)
Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)
Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA)
Sun Certified Java Programmer (SJCP)
Core Strengths
Industries Served
Technical Skills
Programming
Knowledge
Media & Speaking
Media & Speaking
Adapting to Disruption with a Digital Makeover
View article
Simplifying IT: A Roadmap for Midsized Firms
View article
Get In Touch
Contact
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