Ng Nam Guan, Senior Director, Cloud Native Architecture and APJC AI Innovation Hub, Dell Technologies and Chair of Smart Nation Chapter of SGTech reflects on how technology advancements are shaping the way we work and highlights the importance of remaining resilient and to continue to nurture our younger generation for Singapore to remain competitive on global stage.
What are fundamental shifts in the recent years you have observed in the use of technology by businesses?
Nam Guan: One of the biggest changes I am seeing is that more companies are tapping on AI (Artificial Intelligence) to create more customised services and solutions for their customers. Based on our Dell Technologies Innovation Catalyst survey, 85 per cent of our respondents believe AI will transform our industries in the future. Many more companies and users are expecting and demanding more personalised services and companies are tapping on AI to provide real-time customised services and solutions.
A visual illustrating the combination of AI and data to explore new possibilities. Image: Getty images.
Nam Guan: Singapore’s foresight in digital infrastructure investments has well-positioned the country to capitalise on opportunities in the digital economy. For instance, we started implementing the Next Generation National Broadband Network (NGNBN) in early 2000s resulting in a very good set of optical network that gives Singapore quite a fair bit of a head start. Singapore’s robust infrastructure, coupled with its strategic role as an internet exchange and trusted digital hub, attracts companies across the AI value chain. This in turn anchors critical data, workloads, high-value business functions, talent, and jobs. The successful implementation of AI depends on a strong foundation of data resiliency and security, necessitating organisations to adopt comprehensive data management practices to ensure that their AI systems are built on accurate, reliable information.
Nam Guan: The key to expanding Singapore's competitive edge is to be agile in responding to rapid technological changes.
Minister for Health, Ong Ye Kung, with students at the Dell InnovateFest 2024. Image: Dell Technologies.