CEO Insights Magazine

The Asia-Pacific region is rapidly evolving, with cities embracing smart technologies to enhance public safety, streamline urban management, and improve quality of life. As urban populations grow, governments and businesses are investing in integrated systems, like video surveillance, access control, and data analytics, to respond to complex security and operational challenges. According to IDC, smart city spending in APAC is projected to surpass $64 billion by 2026, with public safety as a major driver. In this dynamic environment, Daniel Lee’s multifaceted background as a trained engineer, seasoned entrepreneur, and strategic leader positions him as a key player in shaping safe, resilient, and connected urban ecosystems.

Daniel’s journey is anything but conventional. With over 20 years of experience founding and leading startups in both IT and physical security industries, in private and public companies, his career has been a fusion of grit, vision, and purpose. At Genetec, Daniel has been instrumental in transforming the company's presence across APAC, regionalizing product offerings, and forging strong partnerships to meet the region's fast-evolving needs. He emphasizes growth with purpose, contributing back to society, protecting assets, and ultimately, saving lives. Most recently, Daniel completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) program, further reinforcing his strategic insight and governance capabilities.

Embarking on an engaging conversation with CEO Insights Asia magazine, Daniel divulges the intricate facets of his journey as one of the prominent leaders in Singapore. Let's delve into it.

How do you stay attuned to evolving technology trends and market insights?

We take a two-pronged approach. First, we subscribe to independent forward-looking research like Omnia, which helps us identify trends and assess their relevance. Second, we conduct our annual research, surveying leaders across our industry to gather insights that reflect real-world shifts. This blend of external and internal intelligence ensures we remain informed and adaptable, constantly innovating with purpose and relevance.

What innovative tools or methods have you implemented to accelerate your team’s innovation process?

Innovative tools are everywhere today, but the real value lies in how we use them. At Genetec, we have adopted intelligent automation tools like Copilot, which has become widely used across our teams. It is a powerful tool that supports productivity and innovation, but I always remind our people to be mindful because everything is recorded and traceable. So, while it enables efficiency, it also calls for responsibility in how we communicate and document ideas.

Beyond that, we leverage our internal learning management system (LMS), which is incredibly rich in resources. It includes a wide array of collaboration tools and organizational knowledge that help teams connect, learn, and move forward effectively. However, tools alone aren't enough. We ensure our teams are specific in their planning, articulate clear objectives, and assign the right stakeholders to drive accountability and results.

What key traits do you look for in a market leader when exploring potential collaborations or partnerships?

Two key traits I prioritize are trust and consistency. Markets are always evolving, but a solid, reliable relationship can weather those changes. For me, trust begins with transparency. When we find the right partner, we are open in our communication and share information honestly, and we expect the same in return.

Equally important is understanding the dynamics of the relationship, and what it takes from both sides to make it successful. We also value a partner’s speed of response. Many of our initiatives are timesensitive, so being responsive and agile is crucial. Market leaders should also have a proven track record of delivering value, staying on top of trends, and adapting with clarity and confidence in uncertain times.

What future destination are you aiming for in your journey?

Looking ahead, my long-term vision is centered on building a resilient organization, one that can adapt, withstand external shocks, and thrive amidst uncertainty. Internally, this means ensuring we have the right people in the right roles while strategically focusing on high-growth opportunities. Externally, we remain mindful of how countries, particularly those reliant on foreign direct investment, may be more vulnerable in this evolving landscape.

For Genetec, Asia-Pacific region is highly relevant to our growth, and we are aligning our strategy with three major trends that are shaping the future here. First, hybrid cloud adoption is transforming how organizations manage flexibility and security. Second, we are focused on breaking down silos through cross-team collaboration, unifying IT, security, and operations. Third, we see business intelligence as a game changer, turning data into actionable insights for smarter, faster decisions.

Based on your experience, what is one piece of advice you would offer to leaders in this field?

This industry is evolving faster than many realize. We are transitioning fully into an IP-driven world, where it's critical to distinguish between hype and true value. Focus on solving real problems, not pushing solutions in search of relevance. Understand your customers deeply, their needs, their challenges, and how technology truly impacts their business.

Also, remember that leadership is about humility and learning. I encourage team members to ask questions, challenge ideas, and be authentic in a collaborative environment. In a diverse region like APAC, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Understanding cultural nuances and embracing diversity are vital to meaningful engagement. Leadership, to me, is not just about making decisions, it's about fostering an environment where people can thrive, innovate, and grow.

Daniel Lee, Managing Director, Genetec

Daniel Lee, Managing Director of the APAC at Genetec Asia Pacific has a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics from UNSW and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. With over three decades of experience, he has held key roles at Hills Limited, Lan 1, and Thomson Sintra Pacific.

Hobbies: A good workout at the gym, Muay Thai and Yoga, Playing golf and traveling with the family.

Favorite Cuisine: Cantonese, healthy food Favorite Book: Odyssey: Pepsi to Apple by John Sculley and John A. Byrne