Meet Awais Afzal, Digital Solution Technical Architect at Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, celebrating his first year as an IBM Champion in 2025.  

Awais’s favorite IBM product is IBM Fusion HCI, which he describes as a “performance beast” and a one-stop shop providing a dedicated environment for RedHat OpenShift on Cloud. He enjoys multiple forms of advocacy but has a particular preference for blogging, where he shares insights and solutions. What motivates Awais to give back to the technology community is the desire to deepen his understanding, solve external challenges, and help others grow. He loves putting a smile on someone's face through his efforts.  

Among his proudest accomplishments is being part of the first team to implement IBM Fusion HCI in the MENA region, showcasing both innovation and leadership in adopting cutting-edge technology. Recently, Awais attended IBM TechXchange in Dubai, appreciating the immersive learning experience, roadmap insights, and idea-sharing opportunities. 

To those interested in becoming an IBM Champion, Awais offers this advice: “It is a community that not only welcomes sharing and caring but promotes, encourages, appreciates and awards these traits.” 

Lightning round: 

• Q: If you didn’t work in technology, what would your dream job be? 
  • A: I am generally curious about anything and everything, and I like to learn and understand a lot. Solving problems is what I love, and I am in it. 
• Q: What would be your superpower and why?  
  • A: Quick learning, curious by nature, critical thinking and problem solving are my superpowers. 
• Q: Ice cream or cake?  
  • A: Both. 
• Q: Cats or dogs?  
  • A: None. 
• Q: Summer or winter?   
  • A: Winter. 
• Q: Morning or evening?  
  • A: Both. 
• Q: EBooks or paper books?  
  • A: Definitely paper books. 
• Q: TV shows or movies?  
  • A: Both. 
• Q: A night out or a night in?  
  • A: Either. 
• Q: Cannonball into the pool or dip a toe in first?  
  • A: Dip a toe in first. 
• Q: Go-to karaoke song?  
  • A: None. 
• Q: Drive or fly? 
  • A: Both, they have a different kick to each. 

Don’t forget to connect with Awais on LinkedIn and in the Community!                                                      

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