Suat Sirin, founder of Philippines tech firm Tecnet Asia, discusses his journey from the Aegean city of Izmir to Manila and what drives him to succeed.
Ben Blaschke: Thanks for chatting with us Suat. Can you tell us a bit about your background?
Suat Sirin: I was born in Istanbul, Turkey, but I grew up in Izmir, a beautiful Aegean city. Later, I moved to Ankara, the capital, for my studies. After the 2000s, I started working abroad, first in France and then in Germany. As a kid, I was obsessed with Star Wars. The tech in that movie blew my mind and sparked my lifelong love for technology.
BB: So technology has long been a passion?
SS: Absolutely! My passion for tech started young. In 1982 I got my first computer – a Commodore. I used to stream the games I played to my TV so my curious friends could watch. Over time, I upgraded to an Amstrad and then an IBM in high school. For a school project, I even created a virus and an anti-virus. To test it, I put the virus into the school server and used my anti-virus to remove it. Looking back, I guess I’ve always loved experimenting with tech!
BB: How did you become involved in gaming?
SS: It all started in 2007 when a friend in Singapore, who was working in the gaming industry, asked me to help with their technical operations. That’s when I stepped into gaming. I began by focusing on CMS (Casino Management Systems) and quickly realized casinos needed better IT systems. So, I developed the infrastructure, connected it to CMS, and created closed networks and clouds. To do this effectively, I studied everything about casino operations. Since then, I’ve been deeply involved in gaming.
BB: Did you always have a desire to travel abroad?
SS: Definitely! I’ve always had the travel bug – I can’t stay in one place for too long. Maybe it’s in my blood since my ancestors were nomads. So far, I’ve been to 78 countries, mostly for work. I love learning about the history and culture of each place I visit. After wrapping up work, I make it a point to explore. My travels have given me amazing memories and a huge photo gallery. Someday, I plan to turn those memories into a book.
BB: How did you come to be in Asia, and what were your early impressions of the region?
SS: A childhood friend invited me to Singapore to work with him, and that’s how I ended up in Asia. At first, I had some assumptions about the region, but living here completely changed my perspective. People in Asia may seem laid-back, but they’re incredibly respectful, thoughtful and trustworthy. I’ve always felt that they approach work with honesty and integrity, which makes it a pleasure to do business here.
BB: Can you explain a little about your journey to starting Tecnet Asia? How did you identify the opportunity?
SS: After working in Singapore for five years, I started my own company there in 2012. But hiring Filipinos in Singapore was tough at the time, so I opened Tecnet Asia in the Philippines to serve as a technical hub. The idea was to use Singapore for sales and the Philippines for tech. Over time, though, I saw huge opportunities in the Philippine gaming market – it’s growing much faster than Singapore’s. So, in 2016, I made the big move to the Philippines and shifted my focus entirely to Tecnet Asia.
BB: For those unfamiliar with Tecnet’s services, could you provide a brief explanation?
SS: Tecnet is like a one-stop shop for casino operators. You give us the property and your budget, and we’ll handle everything – floor planning, IT infrastructure, gaming tables, electronic machines, permits and even the grand opening. We take care of it all.
BB: Where can the land-based gaming industry improve in terms of technology adoption?
SS: Change is the only constant, right? Players’ desire to win stays the same, but their lifestyles evolve, especially with technology. For example, cashless payments are becoming the norm and casinos need to keep up with that. And it’s not just about payments – AI and other tech advancements are reshaping everything. Land-based casinos need to embrace these changes to stay relevant.
BB: What are your views on the PIGO industry in the Philippines?
SS: Online gaming has its place – it’s great for players who can’t easily visit physical casinos. PIGO offers that option in a safe, regulated way. But let’s be real – casino gaming is about more than just betting. It’s the thrill, the atmosphere, the whole experience. Casinos are becoming entertainment hubs where people go for a complete package. Operators and suppliers need to understand this and deliver experiences that keep players coming back.
BB: What does a typical day in your life look like?
SS: My schedule’s a bit unconventional. I work until 6am, sleep until 11am, and then dive back into work. Depending on the day, I’ll either work from home or head to the office. I prefer face-to-face meetings. It’s old school, but it works for me.
BB: What are some key lessons you’ve learned during your career?
SS: Be honest and always keep your promises. If you can’t deliver, don’t promise – it’s as simple as that.
BB: What do you enjoy most about being part of the gaming industry?
SS: It’s still evolving, which means there’s so much room for creativity and innovation. The chance to build something new keeps me motivated, and seeing those ideas come to life is incredibly satisfying.
BB: Who has been the most influential person in your life?
SS: Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of Türkiye. His story of rebuilding a nation against all odds reminds me to stay focused, clear-headed and resilient, no matter what challenges come my way.
BB: What do you like to do outside of work to relax?
SS: I love taking joy rides on Sundays, feeling the tropical breeze and listening to podcasts. And during breaks, you’ll probably find me playing Xbox – it’s my go-to stress reliever.
BB: Do you have a favorite holiday destination, and why?
SS: The coves of Fethiye in Türkiye. There’s nothing like taking a boat tour with friends and family – no cellphones, just good company and stunning views. It’s the perfect way to recharge.
BB: How would you like to see Tecnet Asia evolve over the next decade?
SS: We’ve been focused on technical support and sales so far, but now we’re shifting gears. I want Tecnet to become a tech development company, creating our own technologies and driving innovation in the industry.
Building Tecnet Asia has been a labor of love. From the day we started, I’ve poured my heart and soul into this company, and now we’re finally seeing the rewards of all that hard work. Partnerships with top-tier brands like Novomatic, Ainsworth, Apex, Patir Casino Chairs and Miwa Locks are a testament to how far we’ve come. There are exciting projects on the horizon and it feels like everything is falling into place.
But life has a way of throwing challenges your way when you least expect them. In the past three months, I’ve faced personal losses that hit me hard – I lost my mom and my brother. It’s been tough, but I know I have to keep moving forward. Not just for myself, but for the incredible Tecnet family.
This team has been with me through thick and thin, building this company alongside me. Their dedication inspires me to fight even harder and continue growing, not just as a company, but as a family. While I’ve lost some of my closest loved ones, my Tecnet family keeps expanding, and that gives me the strength to keep going. It’s a reminder that even in loss there’s growth, and that’s what keeps me motivated every day.
