In this bonus episode, we sit down with Juan Loaiza, Executive Vice President, Mission-Critical Database Technologies, and Chris Chelliah, Senior Vice President, Technology and Customer Strategy JAPAC. Together they discuss the how enterprises are leveraging AI and cloud infrastructure, and updates on the Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) strategy in the JAPAC region.

Juan Loaiza, Executive Vice President, Mission-Critical Database Technologies, Oracle

He is responsible for leading product strategy, development, and management for the world’s leading transaction processing and engineered systems technologies, in the cloud and on-premises. His team is focused on automating and converging database technologies to make application development and operations dramatically easier, saving customers time and money and allowing them to focus on what matters most to them.

Juan holds BS and MS degrees in computer science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In 1988, he left the MIT doctoral program to join the Oracle Database engineering team and has been an innovator in database technologies ever since. In his free time, Juan is an active supporter of more than 15 organisations around the world that work to conserve wildlife and wild places, including WildAid and Wildlife Conservation Network.

Chris Chelliah, Senior Vice President, Technology and Customer Strategy, Oracle JAPAC

Chris Chelliah leads Oracle’s digital transformation strategy across Japan and Asia Pacific, driving hypergrowth in cloud infrastructure and autonomous databases. He oversees cloud specialist sales teams, industry architects, and Oracle Insight experts to deliver a consultative, customer-focused approach that helps businesses achieve their goals.

Chris has nearly 30 years of experience across a variety of portfolios in Asia Pacific, Europe, and North America. Previously at Oracle, he focused on customer success with consulting and implementation services in global projects in the telecommunications, financial services, and government sectors. He’s a frequent industry speaker and contributes regularly to trade and industry journals and opinion pieces on applications for emerging technologies.

In this episode, we sit down with Simon Hodgkinson, Strategic Advisor at Semperis, as he shares his insights on the persistent and evolving tactics of state sponsored cyber actors targeting Australian organizations. Simon explores motivations behind these attacks, emphasizing that their primary drivers are often espionage and the prepositioning of access in critical infrastructure rather than financial gain. He discusses the persistent targeting of Australia due to its geopolitical alliances, the growing desensitization to data breaches, and the rising threats to sectors like healthcare. Simon also highlights the dual-edged role of AI in both defending against and enabling sophisticated cyberattacks, the importance of speed in responding to incidents, and the necessity of robust foundational controls to manage growing risks.

Simon Hodgkinson, Strategic Advisor at Semperis

Simon Hodgkinson is the former Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at bp. He was responsible for cybersecurity including strategy, governance, architecture, education, counter threat operations, and incident response. He joined bp in 2002 and has held several senior IT leadership roles.

Prior to becoming CISO, he was the VP for Infrastructure & Integration Services at bp. During this time, he drove a significant improvement in IT operational integrity, led a transformation program and spearheaded the commitment to improve employees’ IT experience. He led the CISO function in bp Supply & Trading, where he delivered a program to improve cyber-controls, many of which have been implemented across the bp group. Before joining bp, Simon worked in IT for a dotcom, an investment bank, and commercial software companies.

In this episode, we sit down with Reuben Koh, Director of Security Strategy APJ at Akamai, as he explores the rapidly evolving landscape of cyber threats and strategies for defense. Reuben sheds light on the significant rise in sophisticated ransomware attacks, the increased targeting of industries like healthcare and finance, and the shifting tactics of threat actors, including data theft and extortion without encryption. He also highlights the surge of hacktivism linked to geopolitical events, the growing role of AI both as a weapon for attackers and a tool for defenders, and the challenges organizations face in balancing fast-paced innovation with cybersecurity preparedness.

Reuben Koh is a Director of Security Technology & Strategy at Akamai Technologies where he provides deep thought leadership and advisory in helping clients align security strategies with their core business initiatives and digital transformation processes.

He also works with Fortune 1000 enterprises and business partners across Asia Pacific & Japan in providing cybersecurity guidance and expertise, especially in domains such as Web Security, Zero Trust, SASE, XDR, network security and Security Operations.

With close to 20 years of experience in cyber security, Reuben previously held prominent leadership roles with industry leaders such as Symantec, CA Technologies, VMware and Cisco Systems. Reuben also holds various industry certifications such as CISSP, CISA, CISM and

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Peake, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Senior Vice President of Security at Smartsheet, as he explores what lies ahead for cybersecurity in Australia and its impact on businesses in 2025. Chris discusses the evolving role of AI—both as a tool for cyber adversaries and as an advantage for defenders—and highlights how AI-driven attacks are likely to decrease the time to exploit vulnerabilities. Chris also shares insights on communicating business enablement and risk with executives, the shift towards integrating security across all business functions, and the need for organisations to use security as a foundational business strategy in order to drive growth and customer confidence.

Chris Peake is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Senior Vice President of Security at Smartsheet. Since joining in September of 2020, he is responsible for leading the continuous improvement of the security program to better protect customers and the company in an ever-changing cyber environment, with a focus on customer enablement and a passion for building great teams.

Chris holds a PhD in cloud security and trust, and has over 20 years of experience in cybersecurity during which time he has supported organizations like NASA, DARPA, the Department of Defense, and ServiceNow. He enjoys biking, boating, and cheering on Auburn football.

In this episode, we sit down with David Wiseman, Vice President of Secure Communications at BlackBerry, as he discusses the growing challenges around digital sovereignty and trust in consumer messaging apps. David explores the limitations and risks of using platforms like Signal, WhatsApp, and Telegram for sensitive or official communications, highlighting issues such as identity spoofing, loss of data control, and the collection of valuable metadata by adversaries. He explains BlackBerry’s shift to software-based secure communications that provide governments and enterprises with the necessary controls for confidentiality, compliance, and usability—delivering “consumer app” simplicity with enterprise-level security.

BlackBerry Role

In his role as the Vice President of Secure Communications, David is a seasoned international public speaker, whose responsibilities include leading the Secure Government Communications business in the Americas and APAC. He specializes in applying technology to real life mission critical business systems with a focus in communications, security, and safety.

David and his team support our customers in understanding how to secure their mobile communications from the most advanced adversaries, especially in complex and highly secure sectors such as defense and military, including NATO. David has been with BlackBerry for ten years, joining the organization in November 2014.

Experience

David has 25+ years of experience in software, security, information management, mobility and communications at BlackBerry, IBM, SAP, Sybase, and the US Navy. His expertise in Secure Communications leads BlackBerry in the vision of securing a connected future you can trust, helping governments to augment and fortify digital defences to strengthen national security

Notable Achievements

David helped design the world’s first large-scale environmental geo-spatial database for NASA. He also helped design the software for one of the first shipboard radar data fusion systems for the US Navy.   At BlackBerry, David and his team have helped NATO and multiple global governments operating in challenging geo-political environments to establish trusted, secure communications channels from the battlefield to the boardroom – using military-grade software to ensure classified conversations and messages remain private.

In this episode, we sit down with Anand Pashupathy, Vice President and General Manager of Product Assurance and Security at Intel, as he discusses the current state of enterprise security, emphasizing growing concerns around data exfiltration, IP leakage, and the increasing sophistication of cyber attacks fueled by AI. He provides insight into how technologies such as Intel SGX and TDX are setting new standards for data protection in use, particularly as AI transitions from cloud-centric to enterprise-wide applications. Anand also highlights the industry’s journey towards ubiquitous confidential computing, the importance of ecosystem collaboration, and the growing need to create greater awareness and education as the security landscape rapidly evolves.

Anand Pashupathy is Vice President and General Manager of Security Software & Services (S3) Division in the Office of the Corporate Technology Officer organization where he leads a team of senior leaders whose purpose is to deliver security software technologies, services, and practices that empower our customers to achieve their security objectives. His organization’s product portfolio includes Confidential Compute, Ecosystem Enabling, Security Corporate Technology Initiative, Open Source Security Supply Chain, etc. Anand is also responsible for Intel’s Confidential Compute vision, strategy, and execution. Previously Anand has held many engineering, program wide and GM leadership roles at Intel. Additionally, Anand has been granted six patents and currently serves a governing board member of the Confidential Computing Consortium.

Anand is a strong advocate for women and underrepresented people in technology, he serves as the Executive Sponsor for an internal employee resource group. For his advocacy and leadership contributions to diversity and inclusion, Anand received the 2023 Global Diversity and Inclusion Achievement Award for Executive Advocate for D&I. Outside of work, Anand and his family love to travel and experience cultures from around the world. He earned his MBA from the Kellogg School of Management, and a Master’s degree in Computer Science and has been with Intel since the nineties.

In this episode, we sit down with Doris Spielthenner, Managing Director and Regional Manager APAC from SMA Australia, as she discusses the intersection of cybersecurity and Australia’s push towards net zero energy. Doris emphasizes the need for harmonization of cybersecurity standards across Australia and explores how decentralized renewable energy networks require robust cybersecurity measures to prevent potential threats. She discusses Australia’s leading position in rooftop solar penetration and the social challenges of transitioning to large-scale renewable infrastructure.

As Managing Director of SMA Australia and Regional Manager APAC, Doris Spielthenner heads the Residential, C&I and Large Scale Utility business across ANZ, India, China and Taiwan, South East Asia, Japan and Korea. Doris Spielthenner joined SMA from senior management positions in the software and professional services industries across APAC, Europe, and the US.

Doris is passionate about building and growing businesses, with strong leadership across B2B and B2C, recently in the Greentech industry. She is a dynamic, results-focused leader with a top tier consulting background and strong planning and execution experience. She is also the co-founder of a global software business.

In this episode, we sit down with Ginny Badanes, General Manager of Democracy Forward at Microsoft, as she discusses the multifaceted threats posed by nation-state actors around elections, particularly the use of AI in influence operations. Ginny highlights the critical need for society to adopt a healthy skepticism toward information, scrutinizing the trustworthiness of sources and the potential for AI manipulation. We delve into the activities of significant nation-state actors like China, Russia, and Iran in recent elections, and the emergence of AI-driven fake news sites used for propaganda. Additionally, Ginny provides insights into the deceptive use of AI beyond political contexts, including its impact on women and financial fraud schemes.

Ginny Badanes is the General Manager of Microsoft’s Democracy Forward program, an initiative within Microsoft’s Technology for Fundamental Rights organisation. At Microsoft, protecting fundamental rights means promoting responsible business practices, expanding accessibility and connectivity, and advancing fair and inclusive societies. Ginny’s team is focused on addressing challenges to global democratic stability, with efforts aimed at safeguarding open and secure elections, promoting a healthy information ecosystem, and advocating for corporate civic responsibility. In 2024, a key focus of her team’s work was raising awareness about the deceptive uses of AI in elections and combating these cyber and AI enabled threats.

Ginny has spent her career at the intersection of politics and technology, advising presidential and senate campaigns on leveraging data and technology. She was named among Washingtonian’s 2021 & 2022 “Most Influential People” list for national security and defense.

In this bonus episode, we sit down with Mick Dunne, Chief Security Advisor at Microsoft, Ben Lamont, Chief Data Officer & Helen Schneider Commander, ACCCE and Human Exploitation for the Australian Federal Police and Leigh Williams, Chief Information Officer, Information and Technology Executive at Brisbane Catholic Education. Together they discuss the function of the Customer Security Officer team, how the AFP is using AI to protect Australia and its people, and the impact AI has on education.

Mick Dunne heads the new Customer Security Officer team across Asia who are part of a global team for over 40 former CISOs, CTOs and deeply experienced SMEs. They are focused on providing trusted, deep expertise and advice to customers, Microsoft area leadership and to feedback key strategic investments and product roadmap. Prior to Microsoft Mick was the CISO at AustralianSuper, bringing a long history as a security leader and also one of the first organisations to adopt Security Copilot.

Ben Lamont is the Chief Data Officer at the Australian Federal Police (AFP). In this role, he is responsible for developing and implementing the AFP’s technology strategy and data management initiatives. Ben’s work focuses on addressing capability gaps and leveraging opportunities to enhance the AFP’s operational effectiveness. His leadership ensures that the AFP remains at the forefront of technological advancements in law enforcement.

Helen Schneider is a Commander with the Australian Federal Police (AFP). She leads the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE), which focuses on combating online child sexual exploitation and abuse. Commander Schneider has been instrumental in coordinating significant operations, such as Operation Bakis, which led to the arrest of numerous offenders and the rescue of children from harm. Her work involves collaborating with both national and international law enforcement agencies to tackle complex and sensitive cases, ensuring the safety and protection of children.

Leigh Williams is the Chief Information Officer at Brisbane Catholic Education. With a career that began in teaching, Leigh has held various leadership roles, including CEO, Executive Director, and COO. She oversees digital, information, and IT infrastructure for hundreds of locations and over 13,000 staff. A passionate advocate for digital innovation and education, Leigh is a published researcher and has led keynotes and workshops globally. She holds multiple post-graduate qualifications in Education, IT, Leadership, Management, and Business.

In this bonus episode, we sit down with Bret Arsenault, Corporate Vice President and Chief Cybersecurity Advisor at Microsoft, Janice Le, GM of Microsoft Security, Compliance, Identity & Privacy, and Chris Lloyd-Jones, Head of Architect & Strategy in the Office of the CTO from Avanade. Together they discuss Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative (SFI), securing AI, and the culture and change program needed with AI.

Bret Arsenault is the Corporate Vice President and Chief Cybersecurity Advisor at Microsoft. With over 30 years at the company, he leads global efforts in information security, compliance, and business continuity. Bret oversees a team dedicated to protecting Microsoft’s assets and advises Fortune 100 leaders on cybersecurity strategies. He is also the Chairman of Microsoft’s Information Risk Management Council and a founding member of the Executive Security Action Forum (ESAF).

Janice Le is the General Manager of Microsoft Security, Compliance, Identity & Privacy. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, she leads a global team dedicated to safeguarding Microsoft’s customers and their data. With a strong background in software development and cybersecurity, Janice drives innovation and strategic initiatives to enhance security and compliance across Microsoft’s vast ecosystem.

Chris Lloyd-Jones is the Head of Architect & Strategy in the Office of the CTO at Avanade. He leads strategic initiatives and architectural frameworks to drive innovation and digital transformation. With a strong background in technology and leadership, Chris plays a crucial role in shaping Avanade’s technological direction and ensuring alignment with business goals.