Shiv Kumar Singh
COO and Head, Smart City Global COE, NEC Corporation India
Shiv Kumar Singh, chief operating officer and head, Smart City Global Centre of Excellence, NEC Corporation India, has led the launch of several groundbreaking products in alignment with the “In India, for India, and From India, For Global” initiative. These include NEC Mi-Eye, an intelligent video analytics solution leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision for robust analytics; NEC Mi-City, a citizen engagement portal integrating AI to advance digital initiatives; and NEC Mi-Command, an integrated command-and-control centre enhancing command/control capabilities through AI integration. He believes product innovation is a significant challenge, requiring extensive ideation, a positive mindset, and creativity.
His career began in the armed forces, where his engineering acumen facilitated significant advancements. Following his military tenure, Singh joined HFCL Limited, serving six years as president of technology, business development, product development and solutions for telecom, IT and defense businesses.
One of his most memorable assignments has been leading product development and innovation at NEC Corporation India. He led the teambuilding for the command-and-control application, which is integral to smart city infrastructure. “The project’s completion was a testament to our team’s dedication, resilience, and innovative spirit. Witnessing the pride and satisfaction on my team’s faces was incredibly rewarding,” he says.
Singh expects a heightened focus on advancing AI’s pivotal role in the current technological landscape. For smart city projects, AI provides critical insights and foresight, aiding government decision-making processes. The IT and telecom sectors are also experiencing rapid growth in the expansion of 5G, the launch of 6G and increasing fibre deployment leading to digital enablement and increased data consumption. Optical technologies will play an important role in this area. “Ensuring the security of machines, endpoints, networks, and transactions remains a top priority, with AI significantly enhancing data management and operational efficiency. NEC leads the way in these technological advancements,” he adds.
Singh describes his management style as deeply rooted in collaboration, empowerment, and continuous feedback, aligning closely with NEC Corporation India’s values of innovation and inclusivity. He believes in fostering an environment where every team member feels valued. Singh holds an engineering degree from Osmania University, an M.Tech from IIT Bombay, and an MBA in Marketing and Finance from the Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management.
