‘Immerse yourself in optimism. Positive thoughts bring positive energy, have a can-do attitude, never say never, be persistent and resilient, give up on giving up, and work smart. While an old man of 50 can’t dance, a young man of 70 can. Be happy with your outcome as it takes only 14 muscles to smile but 72 to frown!’ says Sonia Bashir Kabir. She shares her aspirations and success in a rendezvous with Dhaka Tribune.
Please tell us about your career?
I started my career in Silicon Valley after completing my MBA. I worked in the Valley for a few Fortune 100 hi-tech companies Sun Micro-systems, Oracle and other start-ups. Work experience in the Valley helped me meet some of the greatest minds associated with the .com boom. It also opened my eyes to the endless possibilities technology can provide to anyone, anywhere at anytime. I moved to Bangladesh 6 years ago and continued working for hi-tech companies like Microsoft, Dell and a local IT company Aamra Technologies.
My career has witnessed a reversal of technology adoption i.e. from high to low but that has been good in a way. I can envision a “Digital Bangladesh” since there is much to do here.
What is Dell’s vision in Bangladesh?
Our vision is to become a trusted solution provider to all our clients (existing and prospective). We are investing in Dell Authorised Service Partners for both our client and enterprise product lines.
We are aligning internally to embrace the new wave of technology that cloud computing will bring and preparing our offerings for the local market.
How is Dell incorporating its effort with the Government sector?
Dell aims to partner with the Government of Bangladesh besides being a top hardware solution provider. With this aim, we have taken a number of initiatives that we are proud of. “Dell She Power” is an example that I am proud to share; Dell has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of ICT to connect 100,000 grass-root women entrepreneurs to the cloud, empowering these women with access to technology.
You recently became a Board Member of Bangladesh Cricket Board, Women’s Wing, what’s your inspiration behind it?
I have always been into sports. I don’t remember being second in any sprint or race in my life from 1st grade to 12th grade. When I was in the 6th grade, I played volleyball and cricket for Abahani and then for the Bangladesh National team. Being part of BCB is definitely a result of my passion for sports. It also enables me to inspire young players; encouraging them helps me to re-live my childhood.
How actively do you participate in sports despite your busy schedule?
I love sports. Sports are like therapy for me. I have golf clubs, a Basketball hoop, a dartboard and a cricket bat in my office. When we are stressed out, we take a break. The team and I bond through these sports-filled breaks.
How did you come to form BWIT?
I co-founded Bangladesh Women in Technology (BWIT) to create a movement, bringing more women to the technology sector. We reach out to young women and encourage them to study science.
How was your experience of participating in Young Leaders?
It was an honour to have been invited by the British High Commission and the Dhaka Tribune to participate as a Young Leader. It was a rewarding experience sharing views with upcoming leaders for a vision for 2025, and being able to discuss my thoughts on changing norms has been amazing.
I wanted to express my passion for using technology in every aspect of our vision with experts from other fields.
What are your interests?
I am very keen to promote technology, and see how it can become an integral part of our lives. My interest lies in bringing technology (as an enabler) to women specifically.
Any quote for our readers?
“The past cannot be changed but the future can always be moulded:” Sonia B. Kabir
What’s next from Dell?
Expanding the “Dell” brand as an end-to-end solution provider, form personal computers and laptops to server storages, switches, batteries UPS and more.
How does Dell plan to achieve these goals?
Our tag line is “The Power to Do More” and our team is one of the brightest and the best in the industry. We believe in synergy, while being conscious about ethics. We try to win with value and service, and deliver with passion.