Elevator Pitch: Senna Labs CEO Opal Kijtikhun on her IT Consulting Journey

Gone are the days when handwritten letters and landline telephones were the norm. The digital age ushered in a new era where technology is omnipresent nowadays. From how we work to simply communicate and interact with each other, everything is now interconnected through automated machines and mobile apps.

Lest we forget that the information technology landscape is ever-evolving and filled with surprises, offering various functionality provided by consulting firms. From outdated software versions to security breaches lurking in the shadows, IT consulting is not just about offering solutions to clients but also digging out gaps within every business’ progress and innovation. As IT consultants, they specialise in planning, designing, and installing technology — whether hardware or software — utilised by organisations and companies alike.

In Bangkok, one of the IT consulting companies that provides these tech-related services is Senna Labs, founded by Piyaporn “Opal” Kijtikhun. The company was named after Opal’s daughter, in tribute to the legendary F1 driver Ayrton Senna.

With seven years of experience, Senna Labs specialises in custom software development, user experience, mobile app solutions, web development, and more. The Beat Asia chatted with Opal to learn more about Senna Labs and her career in IT consulting.

What inspired you to delve into the startup industry and led you to pursue IT consulting?

I've always been captivated by the spirit of innovation, and the startup industry seemed like the perfect avenue to bring creative solutions to life, particularly in building digital products. IT consulting allows me to fuse my passion for technology with a desire to make a meaningful impact.

Some examples of creative solutions include implementing AI models to inspect buildings for clients using drones equipped with cameras, reducing the need for manual inspection, and generating real-time reports. Additionally, we developed a platform for monitoring raw material usage to anticipate material shortages, and we created a project for monitoring machines to reduce operational costs. These solutions have significantly enhanced efficiency and productivity for our clients.

Could you share a few insights about the current landscape of IT consulting for mobile and web applications in Bangkok?

Bangkok's IT consulting landscape is evolving rapidly, aligning with dynamic global tech trends. Currently, there's a noticeable shift towards emerging technologies like AI integration, reflecting the growing needs of clients for enhanced security measures and cutting-edge solutions.

Additionally, the demand for seamless mobile and web applications has surged, with a particular emphasis on creating intuitive user experiences and incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) for more personalized interactions.

As the CEO of Senna Labs, what are some common challenges you encounter?

Leading Senna Labs presents challenges such as navigating the ever-changing tech landscape, ensuring seamless team collaboration, and staying ahead of industry trends to meet client expectations effectively.

One notable instance was when we integrated AI-powered code generation tools into our development workflow. This innovative technology fundamentally changed the way programmers work by automating certain aspects of software development, such as generating boilerplate code or optimising algorithms. However, adopting these AI-driven tools presented challenges in terms of understanding their capabilities, ensuring compatibility with existing codebases, and upskilling our team to leverage them effectively.

To overcome these challenges, we invested time in comprehensive training programmes and collaborated with AI experts to gain insights into best practices. Additionally, we conducted pilot projects to assess the performance and suitability of these tools in real-world scenarios.

Through diligent experimentation and continuous learning, we successfully integrated AI into our development processes, resulting in increased productivity and accelerated project timelines.

You also serves as the chief technology officer (CTO) at CarsmeUp. Is this also a startup company, and how do you manage both roles?

CarsmeUp is indeed an exciting startup, positioning itself as a dynamic car marketplace. In my role as the CTO, I lead the development team in crafting and refining the platform, ensuring it provides an innovative and user-friendly experience for both buyers and sellers in the automotive space.

Effectively managing both roles involves meticulous time management, strategic delegation, and fostering a collaborative environment within the teams at both Senna Labs and CarsmeUp.

Given your legal background, how do you integrate your legal expertise into IT consulting?

My legal background provides a unique perspective in navigating regulatory frameworks, ensuring compliance, and offering strategic insights into legal aspects related to IT consulting.

Integrating legal expertise into IT consulting involves providing strategic insights to clients on legal considerations related to their technological initiatives. For example, when advising clients on data privacy regulations, we offer insights into compliance requirements such as Thailand's Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) and recommend measures to safeguard sensitive information.

Additionally, we assist clients in drafting and negotiating contracts for software development, licensing, and intellectual property protection. By combining our legal knowledge with IT consulting services, we ensure that our clients' projects are legally sound and aligned with regulatory requirements.

In your opinion, what skills or experiences are crucial for success in this industry?

Success in IT consulting demands a blend of technical expertise, adaptability to emerging technologies, effective communication, and a strong commitment to understanding and meeting client needs.

What advice would you give to someone looking to enter the field of IT consulting?

To thrive in IT consulting, cultivate a continuous learning mindset, stay abreast of industry trends, build strong client relationships, and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.

This interview has been edited for clarity. Read more about Opal Kijtikhun  here. Stay updated on Senna Labs’ latest updates by checking its website.

Enjoyed this article? Check out our previous Elevator Pitch profiles here.