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We talked to Google Product Manger Pankaj Pilaniwala about being an APAC Search Awards Judge

Author image Published by Sue Johns-Chapman
Published Date 06.12.2022

Hi Pankaj, Why did you become a judge for the awards

I wanted to be on the judge panel for the APAC Search Awards because I am passionate about helping others succeed in the tech industry. As an ex-founder and innovator, I feel that I have a wealth of knowledge and experience that I can share with others. Through my participation on the judging panel, I hope to give back to the community by providing thoughtful feedback, and insightful ideas for improvement. Furthermore, as an expert in this field, it’s important for me to stay abreast of new technology advancements and being on the judging panel would give me a great opportunity to do that. 

Overall, I look forward to being on the judge panel because it would give me an opportunity to contribute to the tech industry meaningfully. I believe that my experience and expertise would prove invaluable to the panel and the creators.  It is an honor for me to be part of something so important and rewarding.

What you like to see in APAC Search Award entries?

As a judge on the panel, I’m looking for companies that have innovative products and solutions that have the potential to solve real issues. Furthermore, I am looking for teams who are truly passionate about their work – people who think outside the box and come up with creative solutions to complex problems. Innovative thinkers who can keep pushing boundaries while still being realistic in their approach to developing products is key. Ultimately, my goal is to find inspiring entrepreneurs that understand how important it is to develop groundbreaking products which can improve lives. Through my participation on the judging panel, I aim to recognize those teams and encourage them in their work. Thank you for the opportunity to be part of this exciting journey!

Why are Search Awards are important for the industry and the future?

Awards play an important role in the industry because they serve as recognition for teams of innovators who have worked hard to create products that truly make a difference. As such, awards are a great way to motivate creators and inspire them to come up with new ideas and breakthrough solutions. Awards also foster healthy competition within the tech community – ensuring that companies continue pushing boundaries and strive to make their products better than ever before.  Additionally, awards help promote positive awareness about products or technologies, giving users confidence when choosing which ones to use. These reasons alone demonstrate why awards are so important for the tech industry! 

Pankaj shares this message.

I look forward to being part of this process by serving on the judge panel and helping recognise teams and individuals who strive to make our lives better with groundbreaking products. It is an honor for me to be part of something so important and rewarding.  I’m confident that my experience and expertise in the tech industry will prove invaluable to the panel and the creators, inspiring them to keep pushing boundaries while still being realistic in their approach. Together, we can ensure that tech will continue to thrive for years to come!

Who is Pankaj Pilaniwala?

Pankaj was the founder of an ed-tech startup and is now a Product Manager at Google. With a decade of experience in the tech industry, Pankaj is passionate about new technology, and he invests a lot of time researching, reading and delivering new innovative products for his own industry and consulting for other companies. An innovator and Product and Technology Leader, he has created successful products and services that delight customers and help improve users’ lives. He has a proven record of building products from 0 to 1. His ability to craft product vision and strategy with a passion to deliver smart automating solutions, make him stand out in the industry. He is truly a visionary who can see the big picture and turn it into reality. He has worked in both, startups and large-tech companies. His startup MBApedia was one of its kind, it offered a gamified learning experience to MBA students. He has built & launched fintech, edtech and marketplace products globally. Pankaj is known for his work at Visa where he launched fintech solutions for small & medium-sized retailers. His automated, smart and aesthetic Cash Management solution at eBay is considered the most advanced and intelligent solution in the industry. At Google, he is working to bring innovative experiences to global users.

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