Mani Pradhan

CO-FOUNDER & CEO

BBC News Article

Mani Pradhan is a seasoned IT professional with a wealth of experience in leadership, project management, and consultancy services. As the CEO and co-founder of Digital Shangri-la, based in Thimphu, Bhutan, Mani oversees the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of the company, ensuring the successful implementation of IT projects and the delivery of high-quality services to clients.

With a Master's Degree in Management Information System from George Washington University, USA, and a Bachelor's Degree in Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry from Government College, Punjab, India, Mani brings a strong educational background to his role. He has also completed various training programs in computer data systems and networking, further enhancing his expertise in the field.

Throughout his career, Mani has demonstrated a track record of success in various capacities, including owner and CEO of Digla Stone Quarry and Mines in Samtse, Bhutan, where he managed operations and supplied high-grade quartzite stones to industries. Prior to his current role, Mani held positions such as Head of Urban GIS Unit at the Ministry of Works and Housing and Head of Computer Support Center at the Planning Commission, both in Bhutan, where he led GIS activities and formulated national IT plans and policies.

As a member of professional societies such as the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the IT Association of Bhutan, Mani is actively involved in the industry and contributes to the development of IT infrastructure and services in Bhutan. He has also served on various committees and projects related to ICT, demonstrating his commitment to advancing the field.

Mani is known for his strategic vision, strong leadership skills, and dedication to excellence. He is passionate about leveraging technology to drive positive change and improve the lives of people in Bhutan and beyond. As a co-founder of Digital Shangri-la, Mani's entrepreneurial spirit and innovative mindset have been instrumental in shaping the company's success and establishing it as a leader in the IT industry.

Chokey Wangmo

CO-FOUNDER & Finance Manager

As the Finance Manager and Co-founder of Digital Shangrila, Chokey Wangmo epitomizes dedication and expertise in managing the financial aspects of the company since its inception in 2000. With a wealth of experience and a steadfast commitment to excellence, Chokey has played an instrumental role in steering the accounts and finance department of Digital Shangrila towards success. Her visionary leadership and astute financial acumen have been pivotal in shaping the financial strategies and ensuring the fiscal health of the organization over the years.

With her keen foresight and meticulous attention to detail, Chokey was instrumental in the deployment of over 6000 laptops to more than 200 schools across Bhutan. This monumental project, undertaken in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, stands as a testament to Chokey's exceptional leadership and dedication to advancing educational opportunities in the country.

Chokey's visionary approach and hands-on involvement in the Ministry of Education project exemplify her commitment to leveraging technology for societal progress. Her ability to navigate complex logistical challenges and ensure seamless execution underscore her effectiveness as a leader and her unwavering dedication to the company's mission. Through her leadership, Digital Shangrila has not only achieved significant milestones but has also made a tangible impact on the education landscape of Bhutan, empowering future generations with access to cutting-edge educational resources.

Beyond her role in project management, Chokey's tenure at Digital Shangrila has been defined by her steadfast commitment to financial prudence and transparency. Her strategic financial management practices have laid a solid foundation for the company's growth and sustainability. With her exceptional leadership, Chokey continues to drive Digital Shangrila towards new heights of success while remaining steadfast in her commitment to serving the community and fostering positive change.

Tandin Wangchuk

Marketing Manager

Tandin Wangchuk is a seasoned Marketing Manager with a rich and diverse background in marketing, operations management, and journalism. Currently serving as the Marketing Manager at Digital Shangrila, Tandin has demonstrated his ability to lead and execute successful marketing initiatives. With a strong focus on collaboration and strategic planning, he played a pivotal role in procuring Lenovo desktop computers for educational institutions, ensuring compliance with government regulations and budget constraints. His proactive approach and effective communication skills enabled him to coordinate with multiple stakeholders, including school administrators, IT departments, and government officials, to assess computing needs and tailor solutions accordingly. This resulted in the successful deployment of computers across 200 schools, positioning Digital Shangrila as a trusted partner in advancing digital literacy initiatives nationwide.

Prior to his role at Digital Shangrila, Tandin served as the Administration/Operations Manager at Dhareydara Stone Quarry & Crushing Unit, where he managed mine operations budgets, infrastructure development, and incident investigations. His experience in operations management provided him with a strong foundation in cross-functional collaboration and achieving business objectives. Tandin's passion for marketing and customer engagement led him to roles as a Marketing Executive at Ugen Trading House and Kuensel, where he developed marketing strategies, managed client relationships, and crafted original written content for advertisements and other media platforms. As a Reporter at Kuensel, Tandin covered a wide range of subjects and events, including historic democratic elections, contributing to civic engagement through comprehensive news coverage.

Tandin holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science – International Relations from Madras Christian College in Tamilnadu, India, and completed his high school education at Ugyen Academy in Punakha, Bhutan. His diverse educational background and professional experiences have equipped him with a unique set of skills and perspectives, enabling him to excel in his roles and make meaningful contributions to the organizations he serves.

Bato Tshering

IT Manager

Bato Tshering is an accomplished IT Manager renowned for his adept leadership and expertise in optimizing IT operations. Armed with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Systems from Mercyhurst University and a Master's degree in Cyber Security from Griffith University, Bato has honed his skills and knowledge to excel in the realm of technology management. His academic journey was distinguished by his membership in the Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society and recognition with the Griffith Award for Academic Excellence in consecutive years.

In his professional career, Bato has left an indelible mark through his roles in various organizations. As an IT Technician at Digital Shangrila, he showcased his prowess in managing critical IT tasks and leading a support service team responsible for providing IT support to over 200 schools. Bato's meticulous evaluation of new projects ensured that technical requirements were met, contributing significantly to the successful completion of government projects. Prior to this, he served as an Implementation Web Developer at Cox Automotive in Dallas, TX, where he collaborated closely with development teams and project management to implement customizations on content management system websites, thereby enhancing functionality and user experience.

Bato's skill set is underscored by his proficiency in cybersecurity principles, Active Directory management, and utilization of project tracking tools. His effective communication skills and proactive problem-solving approach have consistently propelled him to success in leading teams and driving IT initiatives forward. With a passion for technology and a commitment to excellence, Bato Tshering is poised to make a significant impact in any organization seeking to optimize its IT infrastructure and operations.