99x

Headquartered in Sri Lanka, 99x is one of Asia’s ‘Best Workplaces,’ and a global leader in high end product engineering and technology innovation, which is serving established and start-up independent software vendors (ISVs) globally – especially focussing on the Scandinavian market. The company has established offices in Oslo, Norway, to cater to its European clientele satisfactorily; and to date, it has a portfolio of over 150 high quality commercial software products developed since 2004. 99x employs over 400 technology and product specialists, and has been named a ‘Best Workplace’ in Sri Lanka for nine consecutive years.

Q: How can corporate respect help organisations tide over times of crisis?
A: In times of crisis, corporates play an essential role in helping to rebuild communities and restore people’s confidence in the economy.

As a respected business entity in Sri Lanka, we have proactively taken initiatives – beginning with contingency planning – to address multiple risk scenarios. We have taken measures to ensure that the concerns of our people and customers are addressed. And we treat our employees as life partners. Recently, we introduced a cost-of-living allowance for all our employees.

We have also taken initiatives to help tech start-ups and SMEs survive the crisis.

We have given fully fledged powered working spaces for those facing interruptions and difficulties due to the power crisis. We’re also working with industry associations to provide a short-term loan facility for successful start-ups facing cash flow issues to see them through the crisis.

Q: How does respect in the workplace help to nurture admiration for an organisation as an employer of choice?
A: Competent, committed employees are the strength of any organisation. At 99x, we invest in our talent, and offer a challenging environment based on meritocracy and mutual respect. Consequently, our employees embrace those values and act as brand ambassadors, taking ownership of their role in our success.

Our track record in being recognised as a Best Workplace, both in Sri Lanka and Asia, is evidence of our standing as an employer of choice.

Q: What role can corporates play in uplifting Sri Lanka’s image on the international stage?
A: We become an integral part of the customer’s core value chain, driving R&D and innovation. As a result, 99x enhances Sri Lanka’s profile as a source of outstanding tech talent capable of building complex digital products. As one of our clients commented: “Some of our most challenging work comes to Sri Lanka.”

We believe our business model of engaging with customers as a collaborative, consultative partner instead of a vendor inspires many other tech companies in Sri Lanka.

Q: Does social responsibility continue to be a part of the ‘corporate respect’ equation?
A: Our sustainability efforts are focussed on the pillars of education and the environment. In recent years, we have placed more emphasis on addressing immediate needs arising from the pandemic, and supporting state infrastructure and vulnerable communities.

The Sustainability Initiative is an active community within our company that drives multiple initiatives to create long-term value for the community and the environment.

We also believe in giving back to the academic community. To this end, we groom the future tech community through our university outreach programme ‘Dotitude,’ helping students approach the world of technology with confidence and passion.\

Q: How does a corporate’s commitment to continuous innovation help garner respect?
A: New ideas must be developed and tested before they can become breakthrough innovations. We have seen multiple examples where our customers engaged us on a ‘proof of concept’ to try out new ideas, which have grown to become complementary, monetised innovations.

In addition, 99x has a dedicated R&D team that can take on specialised assignments to experiment with emerging technologies, augmenting the capacity available in the core project team.

For years, 99x has encouraged employees to be entrepreneurial and give life to their ideas within 99x’s ‘StartupX Foundry’ incubator. ‘Tracified,’ a blockchain-based traceability solution incubated at 99x, which recently received investment from a Japanese venture capital firm, has matured to serve multiple international markets as well.

To be successful, businesses must manage their stakeholders’ perceptions. This becomes even tougher during a crisis. However, enterprises such as 99x strive to manage the expectations of employees, customers, investors and other stakeholders, factoring in the best interests of the business in the long term.

QUICK-FIRE ROUND

Three recommendations to revive Sri Lanka’s economy
Build a stable and credible leadership team for the nation.
Stabilise the rupee and ensure that dollar remittances are done through banking channels.
Revive the tourism industry after stabilising the economy.

Three most admired global business leaders
Elon Musk
Jack Ma
Reshma Saujani

Telephone 4721194  |  Email hello@99x.io  |  Website www.99x.io