Executive Vice President – Network and Strategy, Chayora
Yali is the executive vice president of Chayora, responsible for network and strategy and supporting delivery of large, scalable high performance data center campuses in China. Previously, Yali was the executive director of Verizon, responsible for global network planning, engineering, and network product development. Yali was also the vice president of ChinaCache global business development where she was instrumental in building the first Internet exchange (CHN-IX) in mainland China.
Yali holds a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from Peking University, an MBA from University of Dallas, and a Master of Science in computer sciences from University of Texas in Dallas. Yali is an advisory council member of the Pacific Telecommunications Council (PTC).
How can telecommunications technologies help humanity?
People, society, and communities all over the world are connected by the telecommunications infrastructure. Especially in recent times, it is clear that Internet services and the global digital infrastructure are the foundation that keeps the world up and running. Remote working, distance learning, e-commerce, telemedicine, online banking, and e-government are a fundamental part of our lives.
There are still parts of the world that are remote or less developed and may not have sufficient coverage. However, I do believe that as telecommunications technologies continue to advance, it will overcome challenges and enable Internet services in remote areas as well as enable services that can help people that are less privileged.
What network-related development will have the greatest impact in our industry?
5G and IoT. 5G is a game-changer. It enables faster, more stable, and more secure connectivity that advances everything from self-driving vehicles to smart grids for renewable energy, to AI-enabled robots on factory floors.
How does PTC fit with your company’s goals or your overall career purpose?
The PTC Annual Conference brings together senior industry leaders to build partnerships and share insights on trends, strategies, and best practices. It’s all about collaboration and supporting the community. This fits perfectly with Chayora’s vision of being a trusted digital infrastructure partner, delivering large, scalable high performance data center campuses supporting efficient, high value access to the digital economy.
What advice would you share with current and future graduates interested in this field?
Follow your heart and dive into the technology field that’s meaningful to you! Technology will continue to play a huge role in digital transformation and new opportunities are only just beginning! Highly motivated, creative, and passionate graduates like you will help to build a great future.
What has been a positive outcome organizationally or individually given the current state of the world?
While people in the world were placed under tremendous pressure, the current crisis pushed forward certain industry developments. Cloud based services and the global digital infrastructure accelerated its growth and brought benefits to society – introducing hybrid work schedules and more environmentally friendly working practices.
About Chayora
Chayora is a world-class infrastructure developer based in Hong Kong with a primary focus on building data center platforms in China. Chayora enables international online companies to effectively access the vast and rapidly developing Chinese market. We provide the fastest, most reliable, and assured route to your business engagement in China. Chayora is developing a series of hyperscale, fully licensed data center campuses in key locations across China: initially in Tianjin to serve the greater Beijing and northern provinces; and in Shanghai to serve the eastern provinces.
