Page 71 - KZN Leaders Portfolio E-BOOK 2107

In reference to his time spent at the various chambers,
Chief Executive Officer at Sigma International
A KASH SINGH’s success has been driven Singh said that this was his way of giving back to
communities and “having fun in the business world”. He
by ‘thinking big” and then having the
added that Business Chambers are capitalised by the time
determination to succeed.
forums or providing skills and knowledge free of charge.
Sigma International was founded fourteen entrepreneurs spend in service activities including joining
years ago in 2004. The company’s journey began when Singh currently runs the South African office of Sigma
Akash Singh and Christopher J. Naidoo met at university. International, which is unique in that it focuses on
Their membership of AIESEC, which is the world’s empowering and strengthening people and organisations.
largest student-run organisation, provoked a desire to The level one Broad-Based Black Economic Empowered
have a positive impact on society. Founded in 1948 and (B-BBEE) company provides a range of robust services
present in over 110 countries and territories and with that have a high economic and social impact.
over 60,000 members, AIESEC provides an international
platform for young people to discover and develop their Singh is a responsible and caring leader who has
potential as leaders. extensive experience in innovation, business strategy,
mentoring, coupled with strong commercial skills,
AIESEC offers young people the opportunity to particularly with regard to business turnarounds and
be global citizens, to be change agents and to get capital restructuring. He has trained or mentored in
experience and skills that matter. Singh says that the excess of 5 000 small, medium and large businesses on
learning and experience at AIESEC have helped mould various practical subjects.
himself and Naidoo.
He cites the ability to convince others to join the
Prior to founding Sigma International, Akash was the responsible leadership journey as a challenge. He truly
General Manager: Product at Nedcor (Banking Group) strives to be different in his approach to managing people.
as well as General Manager: Finance at BoE Bank. Prior
to banking, he was a Dispute Analysis and Investigations He said, “Sigma International takes its core values very
Manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers (Durban) where seriously and they are used on a daily basis to help guide
he had undertaken a series of investigations both in the the decisions and direction of the firm. The employees
private and public sector. Akash completed his articles work-shopped these over a number of sessions, so
at PricewaterhouseCoopers. He is a registered chartered they are all invested in ensuring that they are evident
accountant and has completed his MBA in strategic in the workplace and in our dealings with clients.” The
planning. values are Teamwork, Accountability, Entrepreneurial,
Innovation and continuous improvement, Performance,
Singh’s professional career and extensive experience Integrity and Respect.
has placed him at the forefront of local and global
economic development for businesses. Singh’s “Through our various successes we have written the
successes saw him being selected as the Standard Bank script to be able to assist business in KwaZulu-Natal.
Entrepreneur of the Year in 2005. We have a sustainable model and like to look at the
impact of our interventions, which must be relevant. Any
Driven by the desire to do more for people and gives change implemented must be exciting and not stressful,”
freely of his time, Singh has spent 10 years as a member commented Singh.
of the Board of the Durban Chamber of Commerce
and Industry (DCCI). From April 2013 to May 2015 He added, “The future of the Sigma International is also
he served as President of the Durban Chamber of built on business incubation and innovation, which allows
Commerce and Industry, which he says was a highlight new opportunities to be explored and actualised.” Our
of his Chamber experience. organisation is largely focused on turning around, improving
and focusing businesses (and organisations) for sustainable
He has also served as a council member of the South growth. Hence it makes us a very relevant company in
African Chambers of Commerce (SACCI) and President exiting times. More and more of our clients and stakeholders
at the KwaZulu-Natal Business Chambers Council. are looking beyond the profit line. Sigma International is
Additionally, Singh was the co-chair for business at the capitalised with a wide range of specialist’s skills to help
KwaZulu-Natal Economic Council. Singh is also the companies and organisations to look beyond profit.”
Honourary Consulate to the Republic of Philippines for
KwaZulu-Natal and a City Planning Commissioner for “In the future we would like to grow our private equity
eThekwini Municipality. He has recently been appointed investment portfolio and continue to stay locally relevant
a Council member representing business for the South and globally competitive,” concluded Singh.
African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) In his free time Singh enjoys relaxing by gardening and
eastern region. fishing – for one which he thinks is big!

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