Associate Principal Solutions Architect

Sam is a certified Principal Solutions Architect Lead with over 20 years of experience in cloud computing, NFV, Telco Cloud, and advanced network architectures. Specializing in Red Hat, AWS and Azure, Sam has a proven track record in delivering cutting-edge cloud-native network solutions that enable digital transformation for clients in the telecommunications and IT industries.

A recognized expert in Agile, DevSecOps, and open-source, Sam leads cross-functional teams to design scalable, secure, and future-proof solutions. A strong communicator and strategic thinker, he excels at translating complex technical concepts into clear, actionable insights for all stakeholders. Sam ensures seamless alignment between business goals and technical execution.

Sam is passionate about mentoring teams, fostering innovation, and public speaking, including presentations at Red Hat Summit and local NZ community Meetup events. He has a proven track record of success with Tier-1 operators across APAC.

Sam Sun LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-sun-3133a123/

Principal Architect

Muhammad Umer Younis is a certified Principal Cloud & Infrastructure Architect with 18+ years building telco-grade, hybrid platforms across APAC and EMEA. Specializing in AWS, Azure, GCP, and Red Hat OpenShift/Kubernetes, he delivers cloud-native network foundations that power nationwide 5G, enable agentic AI, and turn strategy into measurable business outcomes for Tier-1 operators and enterprises.

A recognized leader in modern delivery at startup speed, security-by-design automation, declarative, version-controlled platform operations, ML-assisted reliability, and cloud value engineering, Umer aligns technical direction with board-level goals—translating complex architectures into crisp, actionable decisions for executives and engineers alike.

He scales people as well as platforms—coaching architects and engineers, and cultivating a builder’s culture where curiosity, autonomy, and ownership drive innovation that ships safely and delivers accountable results. Trusted by Tier-1 Operators across APAC and EMEA regions —and partners including Red Hat, Ericsson, Nokia, Dell, HPE, Broadcom, AWS, Google and Microsoft —Umer thrives on large-scale transformations that uplift customer experience, retire technical debt, and accelerate time-to-value.

Umer Younis LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muhammadumeryounis/

General Manager of AI and Data Foundations

Habib Baluwala is a seasoned AI and data leader with a proven track record in developing innovative data-driven products and transforming organizations with actionable insights. As the General Manager of AI and Data Foundations at One New Zealand, Habib leads a multidisciplinary team at the intersection of applied machine learning, platform development, and business strategy, creating a solid foundation for leveraging data as a strategic asset.

With a hands-on approach to leadership, Habib has deep expertise in building and architecting scalable data platforms and delivering cutting-edge machine learning solutions. His role focuses on driving business value by identifying and integrating diverse data sources into products that enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. Working closely with engineering and business teams, he strategically executes the development of AI-powered solutions, improving decision-making and competitive advantage.

A key aspect of his career is championing data literacy across organizations, enabling teams to leverage data effectively for smarter decision-making. Habib has also cultivated a culture of innovation, encouraging autonomy and empowering his teams to continuously improve processes and operational awareness.

Habib holds a PhD from the University of Oxford and has completed prestigious programs such as the Chief Data Officer Certification and Executive Data Science certification, equipping him with a blend of academic rigor and practical experience to lead in today’s data-centric world

Habib Baluwala LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/habibbaluwala/