Daniel has turned his youthful dreams into a business providing innovation globally, and still likes to lie on a beach!
What’s your story?
Born and raised in Indonesia. I have always dreamed of being a mover and shaker in Asia’s branding and technology industry, from Indonesia to the world.
Together with my partners, we founded WIR Group – a new breed of creative and innovative technology companies which combines a branding approach with highly-interactive patented AR, VR and AI technologies.
WIR Group has rapidly evolved from a startup into an emerging tech powerhouse serving more than 20 countries globally, with offices in Jakarta and Jogjakarta and representatives in Singapore, Silicon Valley, Barcelona & Malta.
Driven by rigorous brand thinking, WIR tech offerings and units have been awarded many prestigious accolades such as: US-based Rebrand 100 Global Awards in 2016, 2014 and 2013, Best AR campaign developer 2015 by AWE (Augmented World Expo) in Silicon Valley. We won different categories during The SMARTIES APAC 2015 and we were listed in Innovation 40 (i40) as one of the 40 most innovative companies globally in 2014.
We also managed to extend the utilization of augmented reality technology into a more fundamental and realistic business model in 2015 by founding DÄV, the world’s first AR-based One-on-One interactive media placement company with a vast coverage nationwide. During the same period another new unit, Mindstores, was established to develop the first ever AR/VR virtual store network with access to more than 100,000 virtual store owners.
Currently serving as Executive Chairman, I am also often invited as a speaker at tech and innovation forums, such as : Slush 2015 (Helsinki, Finland), Digital Hollywood 2015 (USA), Inside 3DPrinting 2015 (Silicon Valley, USA) and Business Rockstars Radio Talk show (Los Angeles, USA). I was a member of the judging panel at the 2015 Annual Ernst & Young (EY) Entrepreneurial Winning Woman, and spoke at the 2019 World Economic Forum at Davos, Switzerland – Indonesian Pavilion.
What excites you most about your industry?
AR, VR and AI are THE NEXT BIG thing to come as 4G is now moving to 5G. We will certainly experience a new kind of world. Heading to a FRAMELESS future does excite me!
What is your connection to Asia?
As an Indonesian I am sitting in the world’s 4th largest market, while delivering innovation to Asia’s major cities.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Jakarta – where WIR was founded
Yangon – where we rolled out Myanmar’s first Augmented Reality case in 2015
Brunei – where we first showcased AR packaging in 2010
Singapore – being in Jakarta , you can’t escape the best economic hub for reaching other countries.
Shanghai – where we first dealt with our Chinese partner
Tokyo – which has the most productive pre Marketing Road Show
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Life is too short so dream big, start small and move real fast!
Who inspires you?
My father
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
Singularity
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
Give more time to my family.
How do you unwind?
Northshore – Haleiwa and Jimbaran Beaches
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Tokyo – my second home
Everyone in business should read this book:
The Start Up Nation!
Shameless plug for your business:
Our engine generates multiple growth and business for our clients.
How can people connect with you?
Email – [email protected]
Social Media Links?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-surya-054731a
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To hear how entrepreneurs around the world overcome their challenges, search your favourite podcast platform for ‘CallumConnects‘ to hear a 5-minute daily breakdown.
Callum Laing is an entrepreneur and investor based in Singapore. He has previously started, built, and sold half a dozen businesses and is now a Partner at Unity-Group Private Equity and Co-Founder and CEO of MBH Corporation PLC. He is the author of three best-selling books ‘Progressive Partnerships’, ‘Agglomerate’, and ‘Entrepreneurial Investing’.
Connect with Callum on Twitter and LinkedIn
Download free copies of his books at www.callumlaing.com
