A VISIONARY SHAPING THE AI REVOLUTION
Dr. Anton Ravindran is a pioneer in artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging ICT technologies with nearly four decades of a distinguished career in technology, business, and academia. His journey includes founding IT & AI firms, knowledge and skills transfer, contributing to national IT standards development, and governance frameworks—chronicles of a success saga infused with creative vision and pragmatic acumen. His last book, published in May 2022, titled Will AI Dictate the Future?, was written ahead of the current frenzy about Gen AI and LLMs. It reflects a perspective from a technology visionary and sets him apart.
“DR. ANTON, A VISIONARY TECHNOLOGIST BLENDS TECHNICAL EXPERTISE, INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE WITH ENTREPRENEURIAL SUCCESS, DRIVING INNOVATIVE IT SOLUTIONS GLOBALLY. AS AN ADVOCATE FOR ETHICAL AI, HE PROMOTES RESPONSIBLE GROWTH WHILE MENTORING FUTURE ENTREPRENUERS & INNOVATORS”
Dr. Anton pursued his higher education in the US and obtained a BSc in Computing & Information Systems and an MBA with a specialization in IT. He later earned his doctoral degree in IT Management from Australia on an International Academic Merit Scholarship. His forward-thinking vision of incorporating cutting-edge technology into efficient business solutions has established him as a leader in Singapore, as well as in regional and global entrepreneurial IT communities. Lately, as the President of Alliance for AI & Humanity (AAIH), initiatives are being undertaken to promote responsible AI by tackling ethical, privacy, and legal issues.
A STELLAR CORPORATE & ENTREPRENEURIAL CAREER
His early professional career involved experiences with top-tier MNCs such as IBM, Computer Associates, Sun Microsystems, and Oracle in their heyday. At Sun Microsystems, he was responsible for managing a network of nearly 100 Authorised Training Partners (ATP) across Asia South for transferring technical know-how, particularly on their flagship Java technology. Sun Microsystems invented Java, and its “write once, run anywhere” philosophy enabled developers to create applications that could run on any device. His outstanding performance at Sun Microsystems also earned him the President’s Club Award.
A multifaceted leader, Dr. Anton started his entrepreneurial journey with a fervent vision to connect innovation with practical applications. The IT enterprises he founded include Genovate, Knowledge Window AP Pte Ltd, GICT Pte Ltd, SmartLaw Pte Ltd, and Rapidstart Pte Ltd. Under his direction, these businesses thrived as brilliant examples of technical innovation.
The seasoned IT professional is the co-founder and former Group CEO of Genovate Pte Ltd. He grew the company’s operations into 17 cities across seven countries and established it as the largest SAP Authorised Training Partner (ATP) and IT solutions provider in the Asia-Pacific region. Under his leadership, Genovate trained more than 10,000 SAP-certified professionals in Asia. Additionally, he serves as a director and advisor at multiple enterprises, where he has driven disruptive innovations that have influenced industries.
AN ADVOCATE FOR ETHICAL AI
Dr. Anton is the author and co-editor of six books. His last book, Will AI Dictate the Future?, is a fascinating read that analyzes AI’s fundamental impact on business and society. It also addresses how the various phases of AI will have a huge influence on our lives.
According to Prof. Liz Bacon (Former President of the British Computer Society), it is “a must-read for all.” The book encapsulates decades of expertise and diverse perspectives, offering a roadmap for navigating an AI-driven world. Abraham Vergis, S.C., says that Dr. Anton Ravindran is “the voice that needs to be heard.” This book is not just a read—it is a movement toward understanding and preparing for an AI-driven world.
According to Prof. the Hon. Stephen Martin AO (Former Speaker of Parliament of Australia & Chairman, Bank of China, Australia), the book is “a grand contribution… to one of the most important questions of the age.” It also features guest chapters written by distinguished experts.
The book emphasizes the significance of developing AI responsibly and advocates human-centric AI development and ethical norms. Dr. Anton also examines the ethical and security quandaries associated with the growth of AI, such as employment displacement, algorithmic bias, and the possibility of autonomous weapons. The book’s focus on the human element is among its most engaging aspects.
ACADEMIC CONTRIBUTIONS AND MENTORSHIP
Dr. Anton has also made seminal contributions to academia as a visiting/adjunct professor and researcher at the University of Bedfordshire (Luton, UK), Birla Institute of Technology & Science (Dubai Campus), Fresenius University of Applied Sciences (Germany), and Bina Nusantara University (Indonesia). As a mentor at universities including NTU and National University of Singapore Enterprise, he has helped aspiring entrepreneurs promote innovation at the local level.
His affiliation with professional bodies, such as the Singapore Computer Society (SCS), where he was the President of the Cloud Computing chapter for eight years, and the British Computer Society (BCS), demonstrates his dedication to technology and transferring technical know-how. He was conferred as a Fellow of both BCS and SCS. He is also a Chartered Engineer (UK) and has co-authored and edited five other books.
A SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE THINKER
A member of Taman Jurong Citizens’ Consultative Committee since 2004, Dr. Anton’s community work accents his conviction that technological advancement must coexist with social responsibility. He has also contributed to various national organizations/bodies, including the People’s Association of Singapore (Talent Advisory Panel), Singapore Computer Society, Singapore IT Standards Committee, National Internet Advisory Committee, and the Singapore Manufacturing Federation. Through these organizations, he has actively contributed to industry and society in the development of technology standards and guidelines, transferring technical know-how, and advising and mentoring startups and entrepreneurs.
RACKING UP ACCOLADES
Dr. Anton has received several recognitions, including the Singapore Top Entrepreneur of the Year in two consecutive years (2005 and 2006) and the GOPIO Leadership Award in 2005. He was named the overall winner of the Singapore Indian Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2006 for large enterprises, among other awards such as “Enterprise 50” for his organization.
His contributions to AI and technology have been highlighted by major media outlets in the region, including CNBC, Channel News Asia, Oman News, The Straits Times, Business Times, The Star (Malaysia), Bangkok Post, Jordan Times, Daily Financial Times & Daily News (both of Sri Lanka), Today, and The Peak.
Dr. Anton is married to Ms. Mala Ravindran, a lawyer with over three decades of experience. Their partnership embodies the synergy between law and technology—an idea brought to life through SmartLaw’s AI-driven legal solutions.
