A global study commissioned by CA Technologies indicates that organizations in Hong Kong have the highest recognition of IT in Asia Pacific. The study interviewed 685 CIOs from organizations with over 500 employees and found 50% of the Hong Kong respondents said their management views IT as fundamental to the organizations' success--the highest rate in the Asia-Pacific region.

This higher level of digital literacy among senior executives in Hong Kong means local IT leaders can leverage their position to bring more strategic impact to the organization and move up the corporate ladder.

Moving into a business role is considered a major breakthrough for many IT practitioners. But it may not be suitable for everyone.

YB Yeung, former regional CIO and Assistant General Manager at HSBC, is a local IT leader who worked in both IT and senior business positions at the bank. He said IT personnel seeking to upgrade their career should identify the qualities and skills required before planning a transition towards a business role. Currently an adjunct professor at City University Hong Kong and mentor of CIO Connect's Next Generation Program, Yeung said major qualities required include understanding business operations and decision-making processes.