The Paradox of Sustainable Compute: Cutting the Gordian Knot?

 

Delivered at the Singapore FinTech Festival, this session discussed the urgent need to balance the digital economy's energy demands with environmental sustainability. Experts explored the complexities of AI, data centres, and sustainability strategies, emphasizing the necessity of both corporate innovation and public-private partnerships. 

 

Key Highlights 

1. Energy Consumption and AI 

  • AI and data centres will drive a 25% increase in energy consumption in Southeast Asia over the next decade. 
  • Concerns about AI's environmental impact were addressed, noting that AI can optimize energy usage but also significantly strain resources. 

 

2. Corporate Strategies for Sustainability 

  • Oracle is embedding sustainability across its enterprise, unifying cloud infrastructure to reduce energy and cost. 
  • Schneider Electric emphasized the need for smarter, sustainable infrastructure to support AI applications efficiently. 

 

3. Investment in Green Data Centres 

  • Gaw Capital’s strategy includes investing in future-proof data centres and renewable energy projects. 
  • The importance of balancing investor returns with long-term sustainability was highlighted. 

 

4. Government and Industry Collaboration 

  • The role of government regulations in ensuring data centre sustainability was discussed, with Singapore cited as a model for balancing economic growth and environmental concerns. 
  • Industry experts advocated for a joint ecosystem approach to carbon accounting and sustainable practices. 

 

5. Future Technology Considerations 

  • Quantum computing's potential was addressed, with a cautious outlook on its impact and financial feasibility. 
  • The session called for investment in energy transmission infrastructure to connect renewable energy sources with demand hubs. 

 

Final Messages from Panellists

  • Han Ming Kuang of Schneider Electric:
    • Focus on basics: Optimise daily operations and infrastructure for energy efficiency.
    • Accelerate sustainability strategies with advanced technologies and renewable energy adoption.
  • Ong Kok-Chye of Gaw Capital:
    • Invest in often-overlooked transmission infrastructure to connect renewable energy sources to consumers.
  • Benjamin Mah of Oracle Netsuite Asia:
    • Sustainability is a shared responsibility.
    • Educate yourself and take actionable steps, such as reducing energy consumption in personal and professional settings

 

Conclusion 

The session concluded that sustainable computing requires a multifaceted approach, combining energy efficiency, technology innovation, and government regulations. Attendees were encouraged to take personal and corporate responsibility for environmental impact, starting with actionable steps in daily operations. 

 

Watch Full Session

 

Speakers:

  • Benjamin Mah, Head, ESG & Head PE/VC Practice, Oracle Netsuite Asia and Japan, Oracle Netsuite, Asia
  • Han Ming Kuang, Director, DC Consulting, Solutions & Project, Schneider Electric
  • Ong Kok-Chye, Managing Director & Head of Data Centre Platform, Asia (Ex-China), Gaw Capital

 

Moderator:

  • Dr. Andrzej Gwizdalski, Researcher, University of Western Australia & Founder, Western Australia Web3 Association

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