In the vast landscape of corporate leadership, only a few individuals stand out as game-changers — leaders who not only build organizations but also shape industries. The Maneesh Global Leadership Journey is one such story, a remarkable 28-year odyssey across continents, industries, and innovations.
For over two decades, Maneesh has been based in Singapore and various Asia Pacific countries, steering multinational corporations, influencing trade relations, and driving transformative change. His professional canvas spans more than 10 countries — from the US, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai to Japan, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, and India. His journey reflects a rare combination of academic brilliance, strategic vision, and a deeply human approach to leadership.
Maneesh Global: Foundations of a Visionary Leader
An engineering graduate in Electronics & Telecom, Maneesh augmented his technical expertise with a Post Graduate Certificate in General Management (PGCGM) from the prestigious Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta. This blend of engineering precision and management acumen became the cornerstone of his leadership style — pragmatic, results-oriented, and future-focused.
But Maneesh’s success is not just about qualifications; it’s about mindset. He approaches business with clarity, decisiveness, and a refusal to accept “no” as a final answer. This perspective has consistently helped him navigate complex corporate landscapes and deliver outstanding results.
Steering Global Corporations to New Heights
Over nearly three decades, Maneesh has held leadership roles such as Chairman, COO, Group CEO, and Technology Head in global corporations including Philips, IBM, Olivetti, and Spice International. Currently, he serves as Director and Board Member of Digilife Technologies Limited (formerly SEVAK Limited), a Singapore Exchange (SGX) listed company valued at over $250 million.
When he joined SEVAK in 2010 as Group CEO, he quickly proved his ability to drive transformation. By 2019, the Board promoted him to Executive Chairman. Under his stewardship, the company expanded its horizons beyond telecommunications and IT integration to embrace electric vehicle innovation.
Maneesh Global: Pioneering Electric Mobility in Singapore and ASEAN
One of the most defining chapters in the Maneesh Global Leadership Journey has been his role in launching Singapore Electric Vehicles Pte Limited, Singapore’s first fully commercial electric vehicle fleet company. Recognizing the impending EV revolution, Maneesh shifted the company’s focus from “Information to Innovation.”
He championed the creation of the Singapore Vehicle Advanced Keylogger (SEVAK) Software — a homegrown, cloud-based SaaS innovation designed by his in-house engineering team. This move showcased not just his technological foresight but also his ability to turn ideas into scalable realities.
Leadership Under Pressure – The $1 Salary Story
True leadership shines brightest in times of crisis. In 2015, when the global mobile phone industry crashed, SEVAK faced massive losses. Shareholders were restless, and the company’s future seemed uncertain. At the Annual General Meeting, Maneesh made an unprecedented gesture — he voluntarily reduced his salary to S$1 per year until the company returned to profitability.
This act of accountability inspired his board, management team, suppliers, and vendors to rally together. Within just 12 months, he led the company back into the black, removing it from the SGX watchlist and setting it on a path of sustained profitability.
Championing Trade, Innovation, and Community Impact
Beyond corporate boardrooms, Maneesh is a pillar of Singapore’s business community. Elected Vice Chairman of the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce (SICCI) in 2020, he leads committees on Incubation & Startups and Bilateral & Multilateral Trade Relations.
He has also been Treasurer and Executive Committee member of SGTech, and an active participant in organizations like the Singapore Institute of Directors (SID), Singapore Computer Society (SCS), Singapore Venture Capital & Private Equity Association (SVCA), and Singapore Business Federation (SBF).
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Maneesh played a crucial role in SICCI’s COVID Relief Task Force, coordinating with the Red Cross and the Indian High Commission to deliver aid across India. His humanitarian spirit underscores his belief that leadership is as much about compassion as it is about strategy.
Sportsmanship, Culture, and Personal Passions
Leadership, for Maneesh, is not confined to corporate achievements. A state-level cricket player in India and a captain of Division 1 teams in Singapore, he draws powerful analogies between sport and business — teamwork, resilience, and strategy. A creative soul, he holds a diploma in playing the Tabla and a certificate in Film Production & Planning, proving that a well-rounded leader brings diversity of thought to the boardroom.
Maneesh Global: Leadership Philosophy – Turning Dreams into Collective Success
At the heart of the Maneesh Global Leadership Journey is a simple but profound philosophy:
“Leadership is about living your own dream and making others a part of that dream in its execution and achievement.”
His leadership strengths include:
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Always seeking solutions instead of defaulting to “no.”
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Doing the right thing, consistently.
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Unwavering commitment to goals despite adversity.
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Courage to make tough decisions.
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Valuing family as the foundation of emotional strength.
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