Gopal Balakrishnan
Managing Director / CEO of
A-Star Testing & Inspection
Gopal Balakrishnan – Bala – co-founded A-Star Testing & Inspection a Leading Global UTM, NDT, and Third Party Inspection Company in 2008. Head quartered in Singapore and with branches in Malaysia, Indonesia, India, and beyond.
An industry pioneer, Bala works consistently to ensure his company is one of the first to acquire cutting-edge NDT equipment as it becomes available. Capitalizing on this early adoption of new innovations such as digital radiography has strengthened A-Star’s leadership position in its chosen markets.
Can you tell us about your background and how you got started in the TIC+ sector?
After completing my degree in India, I took on the responsibility of supporting my family as the eldest son. Through references, I began my career in the Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) industry in India as a trainee technician at Supreme Excel NDT Services. After about two years of hands-on experience, I received an opportunity to work in Singapore in December 2001.
I started there as a technician and gradually advanced to a senior level within Weldtech Inspection, gaining valuable experience in the sector and a deep understanding of the industry’s standards and client needs.
In 2008, driven by an entrepreneurial vision and a desire to make a greater impact, I co-founded A-Star Testing & Inspection with my partners. What began as a small venture has since grown into one of the most recognized and trusted names in the NDT industry in Singapore and across Southeast Asia.
Looking back, the journey has been both challenging and rewarding — each step has strengthened my belief in hard work, teamwork, and continuous learning.
Tell us a bit about your hometown—what makes it special to you?
My hometown is Thalaivanvilai Village, located in Thisaiyanvilai Taluk of Tirunelveli District, in the Tamil Nadu state of India. It’s a peaceful village surrounded by greenery, where people live with strong community spirit and uphold traditional values. Life there is simple, yet it’s filled with warmth, respect, and a deep sense of togetherness.
What makes my hometown special to me is the foundation it gave me — the values of hard work, humility, and perseverance. Growing up in Thalaivanvilai taught me to stay grounded and grateful, lessons that continue to guide me in both my personal and professional journey.
What role do you think business leaders should play in shaping a better future for society?
Business leaders today have a vital role in shaping a better and more sustainable future. Their influence goes beyond profits, extending to society, the environment, and global progress. True leadership means balancing success with purpose — driving ethical, long-term growth, supporting sustainability, and empowering people. By promoting fairness, diversity, and community development, leaders create lasting impact. I always make it a point to personally meet any employee who wishes to speak with me, regardless of their position, because every voice matters. Ultimately, great leaders are defined not just by business success, but by the positive legacy they leave for future generations.
One of my proudest achievements was receiving the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Development Bank of Singapore (SICCI-DBS) Entrepreneur Award in September 2014 from the then Prime Minister, Mr. Lee Hsien Loong.
This recognition came at a time when our company was growing rapidly and taking bold steps to expand into new markets. It reflected the dedication of our team, our commitment to quality, and our continuous effort to deliver value to our clients.
Receiving the award was a truly memorable moment that validated the hard work, vision, and perseverance that went into building the business. It also reinforced my belief that we were on the right path and inspired me to continue striving for greater innovation, excellence, and sustainable growth.
Can you speak to the biggest challenges you have faced in your career and how you overcame them?
One of the biggest challenges I faced in my career was during 2015, when the marine and oil sectors experienced a major downturn and many projects were cancelled. This had a significant impact on our business. Through teamwork and thoughtful discussions, we decided to adapt by diversifying geographically and expanding our services beyond the marine industry into new sectors such as process and construction.
Another ongoing challenge has been managing multiple high-priority projects under tight deadlines. Balancing resources while maintaining quality and team morale was not easy. I overcame this by improving time management, setting clear priorities, and fostering open communication within the team. Learning to delegate effectively and trust my team’s strengths helped us deliver consistent results.
“These experiences taught me the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and proactive planning — qualities that continue to guide me in my professional journey.”
What do you think is the biggest factor affecting the TIC+ industry at the moment?
The TIC+ industry is being reshaped by rapid digital transformation and growing regulatory and sustainability demands. Technologies like AI, IoT, and remote inspections have made processes faster and more efficient but require major investments and strong data security.
At the same time, stricter ESG and sustainability standards are expanding the industry’s role in ensuring ethical and environmentally responsible practices. To stay competitive, TIC+ companies must adapt to these changes, embracing innovation and compliance to drive trust, transparency, and sustainable growth.
The TIC+ industry has been reshaped by rapid digital transformation and growing regulatory and sustainability demands.
Technologies like AI, IoT, and remote inspections have made processes faster and more efficient but require major investments and strong data security.
If you could speak to your 20-year-old self, what would you say?
If I could speak to my 20-year-old self, I’d say — don’t change a thing. Starting out after graduation with the goal of supporting my family taught me the true value of hard work, discipline, and perseverance. Every challenge and sacrifice I faced shaped who I am today.
I would remind myself that the efforts you put in will pay off, and the lessons you learn along the way will build resilience and strength.
What do you see as the Future of humanity in one sentence?
The future of humanity lies in our ability to balance technological progress with compassion, ensuring innovation serves both people and the planet.
In February 2022, A-Star Testing & Inspection was acquired by the Phenna Group, a UK-based organization specializing in Testing, Inspection, Certification, and Compliance (TICC) services. This merger has further strengthened A-Star Testing & Inspection's capabilities and expanded its international footprint, enabling the company to continue its growth and deliver exceptional services to clients worldwide.
The merger with Phenna Group has enabled A-Star Testing & Inspection to tap into global expertise and resources, further boosting its innovation capabilities and enabling faster scaling in emerging markets. Phenna Group's global network provides access to broader technical capabilities and shared best practices, ensuring A-Star Testing & Inspection remains aligned with the latest industry developments and international compliance requirements.
“Stay humble, keep learning, and always value the people who stand by you — because true success isn’t just about personal achievements, it’s about growing together and lifting others along the way”
