Alex Ustaris is currently CTO of PHINMA Education Holdings Inc. – the largest school system in the Philippines with institutions in Indonesia. He is also a current Chairman of the Boards of 2 tech startups: RAIR Technologies, Inc. and CX Erudite Tech, Inc. Some of his previous roles were Group CTO & GM of Shared Services Center, Hijo Group of Companies – with business interests in agriculture, food manufacturing, logistics, and eco-tourism; Head of IT Operations & Digital Transformation in MERALCO – the largest energy distribution utility in the Philippines; GM of the Global Centers of Excellence of Amkor Technology & Watson Wyatt. Alex also had stints in Metro Pacific Investments Corp, Arthur Andersen / Andersen Consulting /SGV Group, and Bank of America.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with CIO Magazine, Alex shared insights on the evolving role of the CTO, the secret mantra behind his success, personal hobbies and interests, future plans, words of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Hi Alex. What inspired you to pursue a career in IT and leadership, and how have you seen the field evolve over time?
Ever since I was a child, I’ve been fascinated by what makes electronic devices and gadgets tick. At the time, my uncle was one of the pioneers of ICT in the Philippines, which further fuelled my interest and inspiration in this field. For me, this isn’t just a job—it’s a vocation, one that I approach with dedication and passion. I’m truly happy and fulfilled in what I do.
Over the past 30 years in IT, I’ve witnessed extraordinary changes in the technology landscape. There’s always been one defining technology that drives innovation and transforms how we view tech. From personal computers in the 1990s, to the internet’s rise in the late ’90s and early 2000s, to the dominance of social media and cloud computing in the 2010s, and now, the rapid advancement of AI in the 2020s—each era has ushered in revolutionary shifts.
The cycle of change is accelerating. As technology evolves faster, the consumer’s attention span becomes shorter, which creates new challenges for those of us in the tech industry. We’re now expected to deliver results more quickly, with broader, more meaningful impact. To me, this reflects humanity’s incredible ability to innovate and adapt in increasingly shorter cycles of time.
What do you love the most about your current role?
Since 2012, I’ve been focused on pursuing roles and organizations that create a meaningful impact on both my community and society as a whole. My current role has been the most impactful by far. After all, what could be more fulfilling than improving lives through education for the underserved?
How do you see the role of the CTO evolving in the next 5-10 years, and what skills and qualities will be essential for success in this role?
The role of the CTO/CIO has evolved significantly from what was once known as the EDP Manager, and later the MIS Manager, during the “Beetles era.” Back then, it was largely a back-office function, often an afterthought. Over time, the role evolved into the CIO, and more recently, branched out into specialized positions like the CTO, CDO, CISO, and others.
This evolution mirrors the technological drivers of innovation. As AI and related technologies continue to rise, there will be a growing demand for data- and AI-centric roles, such as the Chief Data Officer and Chief AI Officer.
The modern CTO must adapt to these shifts, embracing a more collaborative approach with both tech and business leaders. In the next generation of CTOs, the role will be less about managing technology and more about providing business leadership, driving innovation, and responding to the changing behaviors and attitudes of customers.
You have been a recipient of numerous awards and recognitions over the course of your career including ETCIO Awardee for Transformative CIO 2024, ISOG Cybersecurity Awards 2024 Best CTO, World CIO 200 Awardee for 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024, BTX Top Executive Awards 2021 by the Global CIO Forum to name a few. Our readers would love to know the secret sauce behind your success.
I am truly grateful for the recognition bestowed upon me by these organizations. However, it has never been my intention to seek awards while fulfilling my role as a CTO. I have always had a strong sense of purpose and a sharp focus on the path I’ve chosen. Everything else is secondary—except for my family and the Lord, who gives me my ultimate purpose.
I believe that true satisfaction doesn’t come from accomplishments that don’t benefit those around you, especially your loved ones, nor from achievements that fail to glorify your Creator.
Implementing a million-dollar tech doesn’t define who I am. At the end of the day, it’s the wacky antics of my granddaughter Bea and the warm, loving embrace of my wife Lei that truly make me whole.
When you know your North Star—and it’s the right one for you—you’ll often find the path to genuine success.
What does the term “authentic leadership” mean to you?
A few months ago, I woke up to a message from a colleague saying that I am the reason he stays in his job. That was a true goosebumps moment! Authenticity in leadership is all about being sincere and empathetic toward your team.
There’s an old saying that a leader should lift their people, so they, in turn, can lift the leader. But moving up the ladder isn’t the ultimate reward of leadership. The real reward lies in making your team feel seen and heard, showing them that you’re human too—just like they are. The true measure of success is in how your leadership makes others feel valued and appreciated.
Is there a particular person you are grateful for who helped get you to where you are?
I grew up witnessing the passion and dedication my late father had for his vocation. He held a demanding job that required immense patience, integrity, and the ability to make just decisions. He clearly had a “North Star” that guided him, lighting the way through all the twists and turns life threw his way. My own life’s North Star has always been closely aligned with my father’s passion and purpose.
What are some of your passions outside of work? What do you like to do in your time off?
I read books that have nothing to do with work! I’m a fan of both classic and contemporary literature. I’ve always been an avid reader, ever since I was a kid—right after I learned the alphabet, haha! One person once joked that my bookshelf looks a bit morbid, with titles like To Kill a Mockingbird, A Time to Kill, and Inferno. Guess I’ve got a dark side, haha!
I also make it a point to eat healthy and stay physically active—walking, running, and working out. Because of that, I’ve managed to avoid COVID and any major illnesses for the past six years or so.
Which technology are you investing in now to prepare for the future?
The future of education lies in hyper-personalized learning, which requires a deep and timely understanding of each student’s unique learning needs and the targeted interventions that will help them succeed. Implementing this approach becomes a significant challenge, especially for educational institutions serving students who often lack college readiness due to underprivileged life circumstances.
As a result, most off-the-shelf Learning Management Systems fall short for these types of students. To truly address this challenge, we envision a tailored solution: a combination of a Data Lakehouse, Advanced Analytics, AI, and Machine Learning. This integrated system would generate dynamic learner profiles and pull relevant learning content from an ECM system, creating a more effective, personalized learning experience.
What is your biggest goal? Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?
In my current role, my primary goal is to democratize learning and empower students with the digital technologies and tools they often lack due to their underprivileged circumstances. It’s an ambitious goal, but I aim high—and more often than not, I hit the mark.
On a personal note, my biggest aspiration is to live past 100. I have special needs children who will rely on me for the rest of their lives, and I want to be there for them. Growing old with my sons, Kirby and Matthew, and walking my daughters Lexy and Blei down the aisle are dreams I hold close to my heart.
What advice would you give to individuals looking to break into the IT field or transition into a leadership role?
IT is an exciting and ever-evolving field. If you enjoy days that are never the same and thrive on learning something new every day, IT could be the perfect fit for you. And if you find purpose in shaping human experiences through technology, then it might just be your calling.
If you’re passionate about working with people and helping them connect to a greater purpose, leadership roles might be in your future. The ultimate example of leadership is Jesus Christ—He is the epitome of a servant leader, always guided by His unwavering North Star.