The rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) continues to bring about significant shifts in the technology sector, necessitating robust and scalable infrastructure to support its proliferation. Singtel and Hitachi have announced a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating AI adoption, harnessing next-generation data centers and GPU cloud services. This alliance, spearheaded by Singtel’s Digital InfraCo unit, brings together Singtel’s deep expertise in data centers and network connectivity with Hitachi’s strengths in end-to-end data center integration, green power solutions, advanced cooling systems, and comprehensive data management.
Singtel and Hitachi Forge Partnership
Expanding Collaborative Efforts
The partnership is formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that builds on an initial collaboration revealed in June 2024. This earlier phase focused on integrating Singtel’s Paragon platform—a unified orchestration system for 5G, edge computing, and cloud services—with Hitachi’s AI applications. The integration aimed to simplify the complexities faced by enterprises in deploying AI solutions. A significant highlight of this collaboration is the imminent launch of GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS) by Singtel Digital InfraCo, expected to take place later this year. This service is envisioned to catalyze enterprise AI adoption by providing scalable, on-demand GPU resources.
The detailed MOU also covers the exploration of developing new data centers across Japan and possibly expanding into the broader Asia-Pacific region. This ambitious venture involves combining Singtel’s GPU platform with Hitachi’s AI expertise to craft innovative applications tailored to enterprise needs. Based on successful internal testing and validation of GPUaaS by Hitachi, the partnership aims to co-create enterprise-grade applications that leverage Hitachi’s cutting-edge generative AI technologies in conjunction with Singtel’s GPU cloud and Paragon platform. The strategic synergy between the two companies aims to offer advanced solutions that meet the rising demand for AI-driven applications.
Strategic Importance and Market Expansion
Bill Chang, CEO of Singtel Digital InfraCo, highlighted the strategic importance of building strong ecosystems with key partners to better serve customers and extend their global outreach. He emphasized that the collaboration with Hitachi not only unlocks new opportunities in the expanding Japanese market but also reinforces Singtel’s goal to become a leader in digital capabilities within the Asia-Pacific region. Chang’s remarks stress the critical role that partnerships like these play in driving innovation and offering comprehensive solutions that cater to a variety of enterprise needs.
Toshiaki Tokunaga, Executive Vice President at Hitachi, reflected on the company’s longstanding philosophy of addressing both societal and customer challenges through innovation. Tokunaga mentioned the increasing environmental concerns associated with the rising electricity demands driven by AI advancements. He noted that the partnership’s focus on balancing these concerns involves leveraging Hitachi’s entire suite of capabilities to support Singtel’s green data center initiatives. This collaborative effort aims to promote intelligent and environmentally conscious data center usage, thereby fostering continuous innovation and sustainability.
Fostering Innovation and Sustainability
Combining Technical Expertise
In combining their strengths, Singtel and Hitachi aim to provide solutions that are not only technologically advanced but also aligned with environmental sustainability. The collaboration will capitalize on Hitachi’s expertise in green power solutions and advanced cooling systems to ensure that the data centers are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. Singtel’s extensive experience in designing and managing high-performance data centers will ensure the new facilities are equipped to handle the increasing demands of AI applications.
The anticipated launch of GPUaaS further exemplifies the partnership’s commitment to meeting the needs of modern enterprises. By offering a scalable and flexible cloud service that delivers powerful GPU resources, Singtel and Hitachi aim to lower the barriers to AI adoption. This service will allow enterprises to access the computational power required for AI workloads without the need for significant up-front investment in hardware. The result is a more accessible and cost-effective way for businesses to leverage AI.
Addressing Environmental Concerns
The fast-changing world of artificial intelligence (AI) is driving major shifts in the tech sector, requiring strong and scalable infrastructure to keep up with its rapid growth. In response, Singtel and Hitachi have formed a strategic partnership to speed up AI adoption. This collaboration focuses on leveraging next-generation data centers and GPU cloud services. Led by Singtel’s Digital InfraCo unit, the partnership combines Singtel’s extensive expertise in data centers and network connectivity with Hitachi’s strengths in integrating data centers, green power solutions, advanced cooling systems, and comprehensive data management. The alliance aims to create robust support for the increasing demands of AI technologies. With AI playing an increasingly critical role in various industries, both companies see this collaboration as a means to provide the necessary technological foundation. The partnership is expected to yield innovative solutions that will foster broader AI adoption and streamline its integration into current infrastructures, ensuring that both firms remain at the forefront of technological advancement.