[SINGAPORE] According to Asia-Pacific Chief Executive Officer John Lombard, global systems integrator NTT Data is navigating the rising tensions between the East and West Artificial Intelligence (AI) giants.
In an exclusive interview with Business timehe noted that NTT Data will work with a variety of collaborators to provide services that clients can choose from. He cited a partnership with Google Cloud, Cisco and more recently French AI startup Mistral AI.
“That includes ensuring that we are working with partners who provide different types of solutions for different scenarios,” he said.
This focus comes amidst the intensifying AI competition between the US and China. To ensure that NTT Data customers have more options, Lombard emphasized that the company will also continue to collaborate in various regions.
For example, he said there is a significant customer base in the Chinese market and is working with Chinese vendors.
“We have our own analysis of what we believe is a portfolio of solutions that are best suited to our client base,” he pointed out, noting that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for the market.
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“Crazy” that doesn't expand your data center
However, among NTT Data's 2,000-person team in Singapore, there are only half of the IT services industry. He said the other half will focus on technology solutions. This includes working in a data center network.
Data centers are crucial for the group's growth, Lombard adds, noting its recent debut NTT DC REIT Singapore exchange.
Given the high level of interest, Lombard thinks it's “crazy” to not continue to expand in its data centres in Singapore. However, he acknowledged the Republic's lack of land and energy.
Regarding NTT Data's competitiveness in this industry, unlike other data center operators who only build infrastructure, the company also focuses on laying underwater data cables.
In June of this year, we commissioned Malaysia, India and Singapore Transit. The submarine cable system spans approximately 8,100 km, improving data center latency and connectivity.
Highly skilled for basic change
For NTT Data to continue growing across Singapore and around the world, Lombard believes its staff will need to equip the AI skills they need.
“We are confident that we are going to go through a fundamental change in the way we work as humans,” he explained, adding that the company is responsible for ensuring that its employees, their families and the community are prepared for this transition.
However, he noted that there is a general lack of AI-related talent. This allows you to reskill your own employees and work on related projects.
Furthermore, certain regulated industries are more sensitive to data, limiting the likelihood of moving offshore. Lombard said the unincreasing workforce will be even more agile to navigate these new regulatory environments.
NTT Data provides staff with varying degrees of AI certification. The most basic level of “white belt” has a take-up rate of 100%. The next level of “yellow belt” is about 70%.
Employees can access a higher level through online training in exams.
The company aims to produce 30,000 AI experts within the next two years, Lombard said. He did not disclose the number of AI experts currently employed by NTT Data.
