Artificial intelligence (AI) has experienced a breakout year in 2023. The rapid democratisation of AI is leading to a surge in wide-spread adoption across industries, with many companies integrating the burgeoning technology into their products. However, the brave new world of AI brings about new challenges such as cybersecurity, sustainability and ethical concerns. Balancing the risks and rewards of AI was one of the hottest topics at Tech Week Singapore, Asia’s leading technology event organised by CloserStill Media. More than 600 technology pioneers, leading businesses, and public leaders convened to discuss the complexities of AI.

“In 2022, the world woke up to ChatGPT, and for many of us, this moment ushered in a new era for Generative AI,” remarked Dr. Aik Beng Ng, Regional Manager of NVIDIA AI Technology Centre. “We are just beginning to realise the true potential of AI where it meets the physical world. Currently the AI experience is very much digital. The next generation of AI is where AI meets the full extent of every industry out there such as transportation, manufacturing, and more.”

However, the benefits of AI are matched with threats in equal measure. Dr. Magda Chelly, Co-founder of Responsible Cyber, said: “On one hand, AI technologies have the potential to amplify cyberthreats, weaving a web of complexities, including its usage by various stakeholders in an ecosystem. This phenomenon would raise exponential risks, and might create a domino effect when a cyberattack or data breach happens. Such a scenario might not only lead towards a disruption but a full-scale interruption within a wider supply chain and ecosystem.”

She added: “Yet, we also see an unparalleled opportunity for AI to bolster our cyber defences, especially when incorporated into data analysis and process optimisation. By embracing AI in cybersecurity and third-party risk management strategies, businesses gain a clearer visibility into the cascading risks in their ecosystems. It's crucial to understand that AI doesn't merely represent the threat horizon but is an essential ally in navigating it.”

At Cyber Security World Asia, the Singapore-based startup Responsible Cyber unveiled IMMUNE X-TPRM, their innovative AI-powered platform that not only monitors real-time ecosystem and third-party risks, but also anticipates risk scenarios, ensuring businesses remain steps ahead of potential breaches, while simultaneously enhancing operational efficiency and compliance through intelligent automation.

In the gold rush towards AI, it is also important to pay attention to data centres as the critical infrastructure supporting the greater demand for computing power. The server computer density that AI requires also generates significant heat and consumes a large amount of water for cooling, which presents energy efficiency and sustainability challenges. Governments are emphasising the importance of sustainable growth with countries such as Singapore announcing a sustainability standard for data centres operating in tropical climates.

Schneider Electric Singapore recently announced they are investing SGD1.2 million to collaborate with the Sustainable Tropical Data Centre Testbed in Singapore. This announcement is in the lead-up to their keynote speech at Data Centre World Asia on key strategies to measure and manage sustainability in data centres on October 12th.

“2023 marks the year that AI exploded into public consciousness. As we enter this new age of AI, there are more questions than answers. How can leaders separate tactics from media noise and what are the priorities for business leaders entering this new AI-enabled future? What strategies will make sense to a small-medium enterprise versus a multinational corporation?,” said Andy Kiwanuka, Managing Director for Asia Pacific at CloserStill Media. “At the heart of Tech Week Singapore is a multi-layered content programme for leaders to share best practices and envision new possibilities where technology is the enabler for a better future.”

CloserStill Media is a leading producer of international B2B tradeshows. Its portfolio of technology events reaches five global territories, more than 70,000 delegates, and over 2,500 exhibitors. Award-winning events include Tech Show London and Tech Week Singapore, an umbrella brand featuring the popular Cloud Expo Asia and Data Centre World Asia. CloserStill Media is repeatedly recognised as a leading innovator and employer with winners of Best Marketing Manager, Best Trade Exhibition, Best Launch Exhibition, Rising Star, and more. CloserStill is headquartered in London, with offices in Singapore, North America, and Europe.

ViewQwest – a leading regional provider of Managed Security and Connectivity services, has been recognised as the Broadband Telecom Company of the Year - Singapore at the Asian Telecom Awards 2023. The award was won on the strength of ViewQwest's SecureNet service and its success in protecting homes and businesses in Singapore against the growing scourge of cyberthreats. Presented by Asian Telecom Magazine, the Asian Telecom Awards recognises and celebrates Asia's most outstanding telecom companies for their groundbreaking achievements and initiatives, and their ability to navigate their way through market challenges while providing award-winning products and services to customers.

As one of Southeast Asia's most connected nations with 92% internet penetration, Singapore's widespread connectivity and reliance on the internet has also increased exposure to cybercrimes such as phishing, malware and ransomware attacks, through potential entryways such as entertainment, gaming, smart home and connected hardware bundles. Singapore saw a 145% year-on-year increase in 2021, according to statistics from Check Point Research (CPR), and nearly 2 million attacks in Q2 of 2022.

"In light of this threat, ViewQwest became the first telco in Singapore to take the innovative step of providing accessible and effective cyber protection to customers as part of our holistic broadband offering. Having fast internet is no longer enough – robust security is also a necessity today. Our SecureNet service – developed in partnership with global cybersecurity leader Palo Alto Networks, automatically blocks online threats before they threaten homes and businesses across the country. SecureNet is designed to avoid the complexity and costs that often become hurdles to cybersecurity adoption, especially for users that may not have any IT background or tech expertise. By building SecureNet into ViewQwest's broadband service, we enable effective and easy network security without the need for any app or hardware set-up on the customer's side," said Jurist Francisco-Gamban, ViewQwest's Chief Operating and Marketing Officer.

For SecureNet, ViewQwest leverages machine learning technology to conduct full deep packet network traffic inspection that automatically filters out online threats such as malware, botnet attacks and phishing activities. The technology and security platform is constantly updated and upgraded to meet the ever-evolving capabilities of cyberthreats, akin to a digital arms race. ViewQwest has successfully protected thousands of customers, preventing potential financial losses, lost productivity and privacy loss, with SecureNet.

Currently, ViewQwest records a 31% penetration rate for SecureNet among its residential and SME customer base. During Q3 2022 alone, SecureNet blocked nearly 33 million malicious ads and five million malware attacks in Singapore, double the amount of cyberattacks prevented in Q1 2022 (18.6 million).

Expanding from Singapore, ViewQwest will be introducing the SecureNet service to other markets in the region, beginning with Malaysia in the second half of 2023.

Durian sellers on Shopee recorded high viewership and daily orders on Shopee Live, which contributed to over 50% of their overall sales this season. Thousands of durian lovers tuned in to each livestream between 5 and 18 June 2023.

Running from June to August 2023, Daily Durian Deals on Shopee Live features top durian sellers such as Durian Plantation, Huatyuann and SLH Fresh Fruits. Buyers can purchase durians at discounted prices with stackable vouchers exclusive to Shopee Live, such as 20% off vouchers (capped at $15), and receive coin rewards.

With Shopee Live, durian sellers can now tap on Shopee’s wide user base to reach out to durian lovers beyond the confines of their physical stores. The livestreaming platform enables durian sellers to showcase their fruits in real-time and replicate the personalised engagement experience with buyers virtually. The real-time reviews and seller recommendations also help buyers understand their durian purchases. In addition, durian lovers who tune in to Shopee Live can claim Shopee Coins and voucher incentives when making durian purchases.

Launched in 2019 in response to growing appetite for social commerce, Shopee Live has revolutionised the online shopping experience, enabling brands and sellers to connect with shoppers virtually in authentic and engaging ways in real-time. The livestreaming platform has helped sellers succeed in promoting their products directly to shoppers and growing their sales, while bringing convenience and exclusive deals to buyers.

Winston Goh, Head of Marketing at Shopee, said: “Durians hold a special place in Singapore’s food culture. From as early as May, Shopee observed that durian keywords and the names of top durian sellers started to trend, with more than 100% growth in search volume week-on-week. We are pleased to support durian sellers in Singapore and grow their businesses on Shopee Live. Shopee Live has evolved the way durians are bought and sold, bringing the joy of durian to more households across Singapore.”

Ang, Manager at SLH Fresh Fruits, said: “Since joining Shopee Live one year ago, we have been able to grow our business by reaching out to durian lovers beyond our store and advertising our durians to buyers across Singapore in real-time. It is convenient for buyers too. They simply place their orders during or after the livestream and our durians will be promptly delivered to them.”

The new CapitaSpring skyscraper is not just one of the tallest buildings in Singapore, it's also one of the greenest.

One of Singapore’s newest skyscrapers, CapitaSpring, redefines what a modern building can be. While the building is home to a hawker market, offices and serviced apartments, it is perhaps best known as a biophilic skyscraper. One hundred meters above the ground, and 35 meters tall, is the building’s "Green Oasis", a spiraling botanical promenade.

The Green Oasis houses over 38,000 plants and plays hosts to an amphitheater, a yoga alcove, jungle gyms, ideation nests, work pods and a café. As if not satisfied with that, on the roof the building supports Singapore's highest urban farm. At 280 meters above ground, the "Sky Garden," consists of five different themed gardens which, in part, supply the two restaurants on the roof with fresh produce for a farm-to-plate dining experience.

To ensure that the experience of moving between all these areas was as seamless as possible, we conducted an in-depth traffic analysis using our state-of-the-art traffic simulation software. By examining multiple scenarios, even before a building has been built, we can keep waiting times to a minimum. Now, with real time data, our system continues to analyze and learn the building’s traffic patterns to continually improve its performance.

"Traffic analysis studies the performance of a group of elevators, based on assumptions about the expected traffic situation," explains Anthony Lim, Sales Director for New Installations. "The main focus is on capacity and waiting time. Using benchmark simulations, we can get reliable and comparable performance results which reflect the expected real behavior of a group of elevators under a wide range of traffic situations."

Schindler CLIMB Lift was also used to maximize on-site efficiency and safety. "Unlike traditional hoist lifts that are on the side of the building, Schindler’s CLIMB Lift is installed inside the building," explains Halim Draman, Project Director of the Large Project Team. "Instead of being a temporary fitting it’s a permanent elevator that grows at the same speed as the construction."

The elevator is internal, which means that it could be used around the clock, transporting materials during night shifts. This is usually not possible with hoist lifts. And as it wasn’t exposed to outdoor elements, it could be used in all-weather conditions. This all meant that productivity was sped up and construction could move at a faster pace.

While Schindler CLIMB Lift allows faster transportation of workers and material to the desired destination, saving hours of waiting time across the project’s timeline, Halim also points out another key area Schindler CLIMB Lift helps improve – on-site safety.

Singapore Green Building Council (SGBC) certification

On May 20th 2022, we were awarded the Singapore Green Building Council (SGBC) certification marking another milestone of our focus on sustainablity and green building advancement.

Our Schindler 5500 and Schindler 7000 elevatorshave recieved the SGBC score "Leader" (the highest score possible), while our Schindler 9300 and Schindler 9500 escalators have obtained the SGBC rating "Excellent".

This mean we can help make the process of attaining the Building and Construction Authority (BCA)'s building Green Mark Certification much easier for property owners and developers by providing a range of certified and pre-authozied products.

For more information please visit: www.schindler.com