This years’ ‘International Professional of the Year’ went to CQUniversity MBA graduate Kumar Parakala at This month’s Digital Disruptors Awards.
The award recognises his track record as a thought-leader, industry adviser and champion of the ICT profession.
Held in Sydney, the Digital Disruptors Awards were announced by the South East Asia Regional Computer Confederation (SEARCC) and Australian Computer Society (ACS), who turned the spotlight on the very best that Australia and the Asia-Pacific region has to offer.
More than 1000 industry, business and political leaders gathered to recognise outstanding achievement.
Mr Parakala is the co-founder and managing director of Technova, and a former senior partner of KPMG.
He said he is greatly humbled and privileged to be receiving the award, and said that CQUni’s MBA gave him an excellent foundation in business management skills and enhanced the chances of his success.
After expressing his gratitude, Mr Parakala said the nomination demonstrates “the tremendous goodwill, support and friendship of many who have enabled my professional success over the last two decades.”
“The digital revolution is profoundly changing the way people work and live with huge social, economic, political and cultural implications.
“We are all embarking on a very exciting journey.”
CQUniversity Associate Vice-Chancellor (NSW) Phillip Cenere said Mr Parakala is a valuable member of the CQUniversity community, and the award is a testament to his lifetime of service to the technology industry and his mentorship of up and coming leaders.
Mr Parakala was also recognised as a leader and champion of the ICT profession for over 20 years.
He has also been recognised by ACS with the award of Fellow and Honorary Life Member.
“This contribution has extended well beyond Australia, and it is befitting that Kumar’s commitment across the Asia-Pacific has been recognised by SEARCC,” ACS CEO Andrew Johnson said.
The award’s judging panel received more than 100 nominations of successful business and academic leaders from the region, before finally going to Mr Parakalao.
“Our congratulations to Kumar Parakala for winning the International Digital and ICT Professional of the Year 2016 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to private and public sectors as a thought leader and trusted adviser,” SEARCC secretary-general Yohan Ramasundara said.
Mr Parakala is a member of CQUniversity’s NSW Regional Engagement Committee who has frequently praised his postgraduate education.
