Datasur’s Strategic Business Trip: Paving the Way for Innovation and Growth!

In November 2024, Datasur embarked on a pivotal business trip to Lithuania and the Netherlands, participating in the Big Data, AI & Cloud Conference 2024 and engaging in strategic meetings with key stakeholders. This journey was driven by our commitment to innovation, regional leadership, and sustainable growth. ​ Here’s a comprehensive overview of the key takeaways and strategic outcomes from this transformative experience. ​

Big Data, AI & Cloud Conference 2024, Lithuania ​

Our participation in the Big Data, AI & Cloud Conference 2024 in Lithuania was an enriching experience that provided us with deep insights into the latest advancements in AI, big data, and cloud computing. ​ We attended a variety of workshops and sessions that have equipped us with practical knowledge and strategies to enhance our service offerings. ​

One of the highlights was the deep learning workshop, where we gained hands-on experience with advanced AI techniques, including neural networks, transformers, and large language models (LLMs). ​ This knowledge will be instrumental in improving our data analytics and customer interaction tools. ​ Additionally, the data engineering workshop with Azure Databricks introduced us to the integration of Apache Spark and Delta Lake, which will significantly enhance our data management capabilities and operational efficiency. ​

The conference sessions were equally impactful, covering topics such as AI-driven automation, Lean Process Automation (LPA), and responsible AI. These sessions provided us with actionable insights to refine our operational workflows and service offerings, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of technological innovation.

Strategic Meetings in the Netherlands ​

Following the conference, we engaged in a series of strategic meetings in the Netherlands, which have laid the groundwork for several key partnerships and collaborations. ​

Microsoft
Our discussions with Microsoft focused on optimizing power management for data centers and exploring the feasibility of solar energy integration. ​ These initiatives align with our commitment to sustainability and will help us reduce operational costs while enhancing the reliability of our critical systems. ​ An energy audit scheduled for 2025 will provide a detailed roadmap for implementing these sustainable energy solutions. ​

Siphrone
We are thrilled to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Siphrone, making Datasur the exclusive partner for Siphrone’s cloud services in Suriname and the Caribbean. ​ This partnership will enable us to offer scalable, secure, and innovative cloud solutions to businesses across the region, driving digital transformation and establishing Suriname as a regional hub for advanced cloud services. ​

AethiQs
Our collaboration with AethiQs focuses on advancing AI and robotics in key sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and logistics. ​ By leveraging AI for predictive diagnostics, automated patient monitoring, and smart robotics for operational efficiency, we aim to address critical challenges and drive innovation in these sectors. ​ This partnership will position Datasur and AethiQs as key enablers of digital transformation in the Caribbean. ​

Equinix
During our half-day internship at Equinix AM7, we gained invaluable insights into advanced data center management practices. ​ This experience highlighted several areas for improvement and innovation, such as implementing predictive analytics for operational monitoring and enhancing our sustainability efforts. ​ We are excited to integrate these best practices into our operations to elevate our data center services.

DevX
Our meeting with DevX explored the development and integration of the Information System for Health (IS4H) in Suriname. ​ This collaboration will facilitate knowledge sharing and practical solutions to address Suriname’s unique healthcare needs. Additionally, we discussed the integration of financial applications to streamline our operations and improve efficiency. ​

Strategic Outcomes

The insights and partnerships gained from this trip have significantly enhanced our knowledge base and strategic direction. ​ We have formalized key partnerships with Siphrone, Microsoft, Equinix, and AethiQs, which will drive innovation and regional growth. Our focus on service and technology innovation has identified new use cases for AI-driven automation, cloud computing, and robotics, enhancing our service offerings and operational efficiency. ​

We are also committed to sustainability, partnering with Microsoft to explore energy efficiency and green energy solutions. ​ This aligns our operations with global sustainability standards and reduces our carbon footprint. ​ Furthermore, our human capital and knowledge development initiatives, including internship and knowledge exchange programs, will upskill our employees and build local expertise in advanced data center management practices. ​

Next Steps

To maximize the benefits of these outcomes, we will focus on formalizing our partnerships, accelerating innovation through pilot projects, and expanding our regional presence. ​ We will also embed sustainability into our operations and foster talent development through mentorship, training, and internship programs.

Conclusion

Datasur’s participation in the Big Data Conference 2024 and subsequent strategic meetings marked a significant step forward in advancing our strategic goals. ​ The insights gained, partnerships established, and action plans initiated during this business trip reflect our commitment to innovation, regional leadership, and sustainable growth. ​ By leveraging the latest trends in cloud computing, AI, big data, and robotics, we have positioned ourselves as a forward-thinking ICT leader in Suriname and the Caribbean.

We are excited about the future and look forward to driving digital transformation, operational excellence, and customer-centric innovation in the region. ​ Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to revolutionize the ICT landscape and deliver exceptional value to our clients and stakeholders. ​

For more information, please contact our team.
Hereby, Dr. Anvit Ramlakhan, CEO, Datasur ​
and Mr. Jurgen Schmeltz, Operational Affairs Manager, Datasur ​

Whitney de Rijp, MBA in Innovation and Technology.
Whitney de Rijp is a young driven Surinamese woman. She has been working at Datasur for over 6 years. Together with her top team, they ensure that customer data is stored securely all over the world which helps them focus on their core business.

Integrity, authenticity and just being herself is the mode for success as a Commercial Affairs Manager. Furthermore, she finds it very important to maximize effectiveness and of course lead by example. For both the internal and the external organization she is very transparent, which also fosters loyalty and engagement with the company goals.

Jurgen Schmeltz has as a Bachelor's degree in Information and Communication Technology and several IT certifications. His IT career started in Johannesburg, South Africa at IBM where he gained international experience for 5 years. When he came back to Suriname, he worked for two IT companies and also gained experience in VOIP, Backup Solutions and Microsoft Products.

At the moment Jurgen is a Cloud and Datacenter Infrastructure Specialist with many years of experience in the field of Microsoft Virtualization, Workplace Automation, Backup, Replication and Data Center Infrastructure. He currently holds the position of Operations Manager and is responsible for managing the Datacenter Operations such as Cloud and Network infrastructure.

Furthermore, he is also responsible for managing daily Facility Operations of the Datasur Datacenters and Project Lead for Cloud and Datacenter expansion projects. In his free time he’s a parttime lecturer at the two technical Universities in Suriname.

On behalf of Datasur Jurgen Schmeltz is also chairman of SUR-IX. The Suriname Internet Exchange Point which will be operational before the end of 2022

Sheetal Ganput works as the General Affairs Manager at Datasur. In this role she is part of the management team and reports to the CEO of Datasur.

She is a very self-driven, detail-oriented & hardworking young professional. She has helped to reorganize the company in the field of Office, HRM and Supply Chain Management.

Sheetal has her B.Sc. in Business Management and also completed her M.Sc. completed in Business Management with a specialization in Strategy, Entrepreneurship and Leadership. She is very progressive and is currently doing her Ph.D. study in Leadership & Management

Our CEO, Dr. Anvit Ramlakhan is a prolific strong inspiring inclusive young professional leader from Suriname, working in different fields to contribute for the betterment of humanity and the world. He is an experienced executive with a demonstrated history of working in the ICT industry for several years, with a widespread of skills in operations, quality, risk, project, business, strategy, product portfolio management (just to name a few). At Datasur Anvit oversees the total company performance on strategical level, with a strong focus on business growth, innovation, customer experience and financial profitability.

Furthermore, Anvit contributes to development of the Surinamese youth by lecturing and tutoring at four university study organizations in Suriname on undergraduate and postgraduate levels within study fields such as ICT, Electrical engineering, Organization management, Process management, Business intelligence, MBA, etc.

He has a strong professional background with a cum laude doctorate (Ph.D. in Management- Information and Technology) from the Akamai University in USA, Master of Science (M.Sc.) with merit in Information Systems from Anglia Ruskin University in London, UK and Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Telecommunications from Anton de Kom University in Paramaribo, Suriname. He currently is finishing up his MBA in Strategic Management and Leadership at the London School of International Business, London, UK.

Anvit has several prolific leadership and business certifications, ongoing humanity service, extensive spiritual drive and a personal theme which is as follows: “Continuous progressive successful excellence”. He is part of volunteer organization HSS for 20+ years, through which character molding, collaboration and way of living for the youth is created and augmented.

In January 2022 he has been elected for two years as Chairman of the ICT Association in Suriname, in order to help strategize the sustainable digital economic development of Suriname. Furthermore he also has been elected as Chairman for the Suriname Business Youth Association in June 2021 for a period of two years, whereby development and support of young entrepreneurs and professionals is one of the main goals. Anvit is also part of the presidential working groups on areas of e-Government and wage council.