Global customers now look at India not merely for cost efficiency but for expertise, strategic thinking, and tech leadership

The world today is being profoundly influenced by artificial intelligence. Every customer, every partner, and virtually every enterprise is looking at how to adopt AI to deliver better services, build stronger products, and improve efficiency.

Over the next five years, our core vision is to position Optimum Solutions as a leader in AI-led transformation services globally, says Balwant Jain in an interaction with the Bizz Buzz. The CEO of Optimum Solutions outlines the company’s AI-led growth strategy and its ambitious expansion into serving Japanese corporates from India.

With the launch of a new Global Capability Centre in Hyderabad, the Singapore-headquartered firm aims to combine technology excellence, cultural alignment, and long-term trust to drive global digital transformation

As CEO of Optimum Solutions, what is your core vision for the company over the next five years?

The world today is being profoundly influenced by artificial intelligence. Every customer, every partner, and virtually every enterprise is looking at how to adopt AI to deliver better services, build stronger products, and improve efficiency. Over the next five years, our core vision is to position Optimum Solutions as a leader in AI-led transformation services globally.

We are headquartered in Singapore and have built a strong partnership with a leading Japanese consulting firm. Through this partnership, we aim to roll out AI-driven transformation services to Japanese corporates from India. Serving Japanese clients from India has historically been challenging due to language barriers, cultural differences, and very high expectations around process and quality.

However, with over a decade of experience and a trusted partnership in place, we are uniquely positioned to support Japanese enterprises in their next phase of AI transformation.

India is increasingly becoming a global technology hub. How do you see India’s role evolving in the global IT and services landscape?

India’s role has evolved significantly. Earlier, India was primarily seen as a cost-arbitrage destination. Today, that perception has changed. India is known for strong capabilities, innovation, and value addition.

Global customers now look at India not merely for cost efficiency but for expertise, strategic thinking, and technology leadership. Our focus is to leverage India’s deep talent pool and technological strengths to serve global markets—particularly Japanese customers—by delivering high-value, AI-driven solutions.

What differentiates Optimum Solutions from other global technology consulting firms?

The biggest differentiator for any services company lies in commitment, trust, quality, and long-term relationships. At Optimum Solutions, we are not a staffing company; we are an IT solutions and services organisation. Our focus is on long-term platform development and transformation initiatives rather than short-term engagements.

We operate in nine countries and have over 4,000 employees. Across geographies, our approach remains consistent: build trust, maintain process excellence, and create sustainable value for customers.

In India, our work is centered on long-term, AI-led platform development. We follow a shared ownership and shared governance model with our partners, ensuring collective accountability. That mindset distinguishes us from firms that focus primarily on transactional engagements.

How do you see digital transformation reshaping businesses globally?

Digital transformation is not limited to Asia—it is reshaping businesses worldwide. AI, in particular, is transforming how corporates operate, how decisions are made, and how services are delivered.

The pace of change has accelerated dramatically. With rapid advancements in technology, organisations must adapt faster than ever before. Companies that fail to evolve risk falling behind. AI will fundamentally change business models, customer engagement strategies, and operational frameworks across industries.

What challenges do companies face while hiring skilled IT professionals, and how can they overcome them?

In any services company, people are the core strength. We operate in a knowledge economy where talent is everything. The biggest challenge is not just hiring technically skilled professionals but finding individuals who align with the organisation’s culture and long-term objectives.

At Optimum Solutions, we focus on two parallel strategies. First, we hire highly skilled professionals from the market. Second, and equally important, we invest significantly in developing our own talent. We recruit from colleges, hire professionals with limited experience, and train them extensively.

Beyond technical expertise, cultural sensitivity and communication skills are critical—especially when serving Japanese clients. Japanese corporates expect high process orientation, discipline, and precision. “Doing it right the first time” is not just a slogan—it’s a necessity. Therefore, we train our teams not only in technology but also in cultural nuances and language competencies.

How is artificial intelligence and automation impacting the IT services industry?

It is still early to make definitive conclusions because AI is evolving rapidly. Organisations are experimenting, learning, and adapting. However, history shows us that every major technological shift brings new opportunities.

Just as earlier waves of innovation created new industries and roles, AI will also open new avenues. While some roles may change, the broader impact will be positive, generating new forms of value creation and efficiency. The key is to adapt proactively rather than resist change.

What advice would you give to young professionals aspiring to build careers in technology consulting?

Continuous learning is essential. Technology evolves quickly, and professionals must consistently upgrade their skills.

However, technical competence alone is not enough. Attitude, integrity, and relationship-building are equally important. Trust forms the foundation of long-term success in consulting. Skills are valuable, but they must rest on strong character and professionalism.

Young professionals should focus not only on mastering tools and platforms but also on building credibility, reliability, and strong interpersonal relationships.

How important is cross-border talent mobility in today’s globalised market?

Advances in communication technology have reduced the need for constant travel. Remote collaboration has become highly efficient. However, personal relationships cannot be entirely replaced by digital interactions.

In a globalised world, cross-border mobility remains important. Building trust often requires face-to-face engagement, especially with clients who value long-term partnerships. While technology has made collaboration easier, the movement of talent across geographies will continue to play a vital role.

What leadership principles have guided you in building and scaling Optimum Solutions?

Leadership principles are simple, though not always easy to practice. First, think long term. Avoid short-term gains that compromise future sustainability. Second, maintain honesty and integrity. Trust must be built not only with customers but also with employees.

When employees trust leadership and customers trust delivery, growth becomes natural. Finally, consistency in quality and commitment to relationships are fundamental. Organisational growth is a byproduct of trust and discipline.

Today marks the launch of your new Global Capability Center (GCC) in Hyderabad. What does this milestone mean to you?

It is an extremely proud and fulfilling moment. We already operate GCCs serving clients in the US and Europe. Expanding this model to serve Japanese customers was always part of our strategic vision.

With the support of our Japanese partners, we are now able to demonstrate capabilities from India that meet the high standards expected by Japanese corporates. This GCC represents the next phase of our global expansion.