Introducing Chiko, our Programme Director (Innovation)
When Chiko packed his bags and moved his family to Singapore, it wasn’t just a relocation – it was a bold step into building something extraordinary.
When you meet Chiko, Knovel Engineering’s Programme Director (Innovation), one thing becomes instantly clear – he’s a creator at heart. Whether it’s a start-up, a children’s book for his family, or an entirely new innovation centre, Chiko thrives on creating things that didn’t exist before.
At 35, married with kids, Chiko speaks with the kind of quiet enthusiasm that comes only from someone who’s constantly experimenting, learning, and bringing ideas to life. “I love to walk in paths that people haven’t walked in before,” he shares. It’s this same curiosity that led him to found his first AI start-up before the boom of generative AI, and even join the team building an innovation centre from the ground up.
The Builder’s Mindset
Today, in his role as Programme Director, Chiko’s work is as diverse as it is impactful. “My day-to-day revolves around leading innovation programmes at the innovation centre,” he explains. “But more than that, I see my role as anticipating what’s next – what obstacles we might face, and what opportunities lie ahead.”
Drawing from his experience establishing innovation programmes and centres across different markets, he shares that success isn’t just about technology – it’s about timing, adaptability, and people.
“In the world of start-ups, people often focus on the shiny dashboards,” he laughs. “But the truth is, customers only pay when you hit a real problem, not because your product looks good.”
What really drives long-term innovation, according to Chiko, is trust. From building up start-up programmes from the ground up, to leading a team that celebrates every milestone together with its partners, trust is essential to working within and outside of the team.
Building from the Ground Up
When Chiko first joined the centre’s team, it was a lean team of four. “We literally discussed everything from what carpet to put in the office to which start-up programmes to run,” he recalls, laughing. “It was truly building from scratch.”
And then came the big moment – the official launch of the innovation centre, with Minister K. Shanmugam pressing the symbolic rocket launch button. “That was the moment it felt real. Two years later, we’ve achieved so much – but there’s still so much more to do.”.
As the innovation centre seeks to bring about partnerships between the public safety and security and global start-ups, Chiko has led the team to scout over thousands of start-ups across 7 cohorts of its open innovation challenge. Among these, 66 start-ups have gone on to work with end users in science and tech domains.
Three years in, the centre continues to grow in scale and reputation in the public safety sector, strengthening the testament of Knovel’s expertise along the way.
A Global Perspective, Rooted in Curiosity
For Chiko, the decision to move across the world to join Knovel in Singapore was both a professional and personal one. “I’ve always been fascinated by Asia – the DNA of its culture, way of work, alongside other elements. The idea of building something new here, in a region that’s so dynamic, was too exciting to pass up,” he says.
He admits that cultural differences posed early challenges, especially in the way the team approached or managed processes in the beginning. But for him, these were opportunities to learn and grow. “We formed deeper friendships and learned from each other.”
There’s no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way – just synergy. When we align toward the same vision, everything moves forward.
Chiko david, programme director (Innovation)
That blend of his culture’s dynamism and Singaporean meticulousness has become a defining part of Chiko’s leadership style. “Back home, founders are known for launching from 0 to 100 fast – but what I’ve learned here is the value of long-term planning and responsible scaling. Combining both is powerful.”
The People Behind the Innovation
One particularly symbolic moment for Chiko was the traditional pineapple-rolling ceremony at the opening of Knovel’s new Tai Seng office. “It was my first time participating in something like that,” he says. “But it was meaningful – it represents good luck and growth, and we’ve definitely seen that come true.”
Beyond the technology and projects, what Chiko values most is the people. “We have such a diverse mix of brilliant minds here – engineers, designers, business strategists, and AI experts. It’s not just about what we build, but who we build it with.”
So what’s a typical day like for him? “It usually starts with coffee… and ends with coffee,” he jokes. “Between meeting start-ups, visiting end-users, brainstorming with the team – it’s a constant cycle of discovery and creation.”
His go-to productivity hack or tip? “Don’t push back things – what ever you have – do it on the spot, in the way that will require you the minimal effort but still get the desired outcome.”
The Human Side of Innovation
Outside of work, Chiko finds balance in family and simple pleasures like soccer. “I work out early in the mornings so I can spend time with my kids before school,” he says. “On weekends, I try to put my phone aside and focus on family, reading, and friends.”
His creativity also flows into personal projects – like the children’s book he once wrote as a birthday gift for his wife, featuring their kids and a friendly alien. “It was a way of bringing my imagination home,” he smiles.
When asked for his advice to employees both present and future, Chiko pauses before replying: “Think big, be modest, execute well – one step at a time.”
A Journey Worth Joining
Reflecting on his time at Knovel so far, Chiko sums it up in one word: journey. “It’s been a journey for me and my family, both personally and professionally. There have been challenges, but also incredible opportunities. And as I always remind our team – it’s not just about the big wins. Celebrating small milestones is how we know we’re moving in the right direction.”
“Aim for the moon, worst case you’ll land on a star.”
For those considering joining Knovel, his message is clear: “If you’re curious, if you’re a builder, if you thrive in dynamic environments – this is the place for you. There’s so much potential here.”
Knovel Engineering: Your Trusted AI Solutions Partner
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Partnering with Knovel Engineering allows you to confidently navigate the AI landscape, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and best practices to drive innovation, enhance efficiency, and gain a competitive edge in the modern business world.
Are you ready to join a team where curiosity and impact go hand-in-hand?
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