99x champions an employee-centric approach, offering transparency and innovation while empowering employees with decision-making authority. By blending advanced technology with nurturing growth opportunities, it facilitates comprehensive skill development. As 99x expands globally, millennials gain diverse career experiences. Despite its growth, the firm retains its core values, preserving a dynamic culture attractive to millennials.
As one of the Best Workplaces for Millennials by Great Place to Work, what factors contributed to 99x’s success in creating an appealing work environment for this demographic?
Prasadie: At 99x, we empower our predominantly millennial workforce by recognizing their value, fostering inclusivity, and streamlining workflows with cutting-edge technology. Our strategic approach successfully marries professional development with personal enrichment, thus cultivating an appealing and productive workplace.
Amid pandemic-induced changes, we upheld our work-life balance ethos, facilitating the home-office transition, and our flat structure promotes transparency, innovation, and learning from failure while aligning corporate goals with employee aspirations. Committed to professional growth, we support higher education and encourage participation in industry groups, like SLASSCOM, AWS User Group, and Colombo Blockchain Meetup, amplifying employees’ visibility.
How does 99x support the professional development of its millennial employees and ensure their long-term career growth within the company?
Prasadie: At 99x, we cultivate our millennial workforce’s growth through a clear career progression path, diverse development opportunities, and effective mentoring programs targeting technical and soft skills. We facilitate learning through internal platforms and external training while covering the costs of industry sessions and conferences. Global expansion affords our team opportunities to lead international projects and work overseas while those who prefer to stay in Sri Lanka can still gain international exposure through our globally diverse team.
99x has been making significant strides in expanding its global reach. Can you tell us about the key strategies or initiatives that have enabled your company to enter new markets successfully?
Chamal: 99x has always prioritized global expansion as part of its strategic plan. A significant capital investment in 2021 enabled us to extend our operations in Europe and various Asian countries, culminating in the establishment of a technology centre in Malaysia, while also exploring other nations like Thailand and the Philippines for remote talent.
Our expansion strategy hinges on critical partnerships. By aligning strategically with the Malaysian Digital Economic Corporation and several Malaysian universities, we have gained access to a rich talent pool, enhancing our Malaysian presence. In recognition of our contributions to the Malaysian digital economy, one of our subsidiaries has been awarded the Malaysian Digital Status by the Corporation.
Additionally, our collaboration with Malaysian universities helps us develop the necessary competencies for a product engineering company.
As a software company operating in a highly competitive industry, what sets 99x apart, and how do you leverage your unique strengths to further enhance your global presence?
Prasadie: At 99x, we believe our unique strength lies in our people and their exceptional talent. This is always our answer when asked about our distinctive advantage. Our team’s skill and excellence have played a pivotal role in amplifying our global presence, enabling our customers to interact more closely with our talent. We also place significant importance on customer satisfaction. We are confident that our commitment to delivering high-quality work can further extend our reach globally. Ultimately, our team’s exceptional skills and talent are the driving forces behind our global success and expansion.
In the context of expanding its global reach, what are the challenges and opportunities that 99x anticipates in the coming years, and how do you plan to address them while maintaining your company’s culture and values?
Chamal: Sri Lanka’s escalating trend of emigration presents a distinct challenge for IT firms like 99x. However, we view this as an impetus to innovate and bolster our talent retention strategies, resulting in mutual benefits for our employees and the nation. We deem it vital to band together and propel Sri Lanka’s development, surmounting existing obstacles to enhance our international standing.
As we plan for future expansion, we eagerly anticipate integrating numerous newcomers into our vibrant team and our hybrid and remote work models. Upholding our cherished company culture amidst the adoption of remote work, a shift driven by the desire of prospective employees to engage with our dynamic culture will pose an invigorating challenge requiring inventive solutions.
As we plan for future expansion, we eagerly anticipate integrating numerous newcomers into our vibrant team and our hybrid and remote work models. Upholding our cherished company culture amidst the adoption of remote work, a shift driven by the desire of prospective employees to engage with our dynamic culture will pose an invigorating challenge requiring inventive solutions.
Our ongoing global expansion offers exciting opportunities. Our employees can experience working in our Malaysian technology centre or closely interacting with our European customers, evolving into global consultants. These experiences provide invaluable exposure to varied cultures and professional practices.
Amidst these challenges and opportunities, our dedication to preserving our core values and company culture remains unshaken. We are confident that our range of initiatives at 99x will safeguard our identity while fostering growth and innovation.