A delegation from Standard Chartered comprising Srividya Subramanian (Vidya) Vidyasagar - Global Head, Cloud and Production Engineering, Wealth and Retail Banking; Ajanthan Sivathas - Chief Information Officer, and others visited the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 for an interactive knowledge-sharing session. They were welcomed at the Chamber by Secretary General OICCI M Abdul Aleem; Executive Director Kashif Shafi; and Assistant Manager IT and Administration Syed Waqar Arif.

Vidya gave an insightful presentation on “The Impact of AI and Data Democratization in Modern Enterprises,” offering a forward-looking perspective on how these technologies are reshaping the business landscape. She emphasized that the convergence of artificial intelligence and accessible data is not just a technological shift, but a cultural transformation that empowers decision-makers at every level. With self-service analytics and real-time insights, enterprises are increasingly enabling cross-functional teams to make informed decisions faster — driving innovation, operational efficiency, and customer-centric growth.

The session also addressed the structural and strategic challenges that come with this shift, including the need for robust data infrastructure, security protocols, and a workforce equipped with digital and analytical skills. Vidya underscored the importance of a strong data governance framework and cross-organizational alignment to fully realize the benefits of AI and data democratization. The session was attended by representatives of OICCI member companies.