Manufacturing Technology

Every click has a cost: Singapore’s push to make digital use more sustainable

As AI and cloud use surge, the city-state explores new ways to cut the rising energy footprint of digital services. By Taejun Kang Your smartphone feels clean – no exhaust pipe, no smokestack. Yet streaming an hour of video uses about 0.037 kWh of electricity, equivalent to running a ceiling fan for about three to four hours. When scaled across billions of global searches, streams and artificial intelligence (AI) interactions each day, the energy demand behind routine digital activity is substantial. “The environmental impact of our digital consumption is far more significant than most people realise,” said Dr Lawrence Wee, director of business and ecosystems at Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). As part of IMDA’s BizTech Group, his team focuses on advancing the country’s digital innovation and sustainability across the tech ecosystem. “We are seeing a digital paradox: the very technologies that offer solutions for climate change are simultaneously driving up energy consumption.” Studies over the past several years have placed the Information and Communications Technology (ICT)’s share of global greenhouse gas emissions between 1.8 and 2.8 per cent, with a more recent analysis estimating it at around 3.4 per cent. Data centres – facilities that house servers and keep the internet, cloud services and digital applications running – are among the most energy-intensive components of this ecosystem because they require continuous power and cooling. Singapore is no exception to this trend. The city-state hosts one of the region’s densest clusters of data centres, with about 1.4 gigawatts (GW) of computing capacity from 70 data centres, which power everything from e-payments to food-delivery apps. By regional standards, this capacity is unusually concentrated. Unlike neighbouring countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia or Thailand, where data centres are spread across vast land areas and multiple power grids, Singapore compresses a similar scale of digital infrastructure into just 734 square kilometres, intensifying pressure on electricity supply, land use and […]

Dr. Indra Pradana Singawinata begins Second Term as APO’s 13th Secretary‑General

16 September 2025, marked the start of Dr. Indra Pradana Singawinata’s second term as the 13th Secretary‑General of the Asian Productivity Organisation (APO). He was reelected by the APO Governing Body at its 67th Session in May 2025 in Jakarta, Indonesia. His new term runs until 15 September 2028. APO Secretary-General Dr. Indra Pradana Singawinata Dr. Singawinata says, “Productivity is not merely output, but it is quality growth, dignified work, and sustainable progress.” In his second term, he aims to invest deliberately in productivity as a driver of competitiveness, resilience, and long‑term sustainability, helping APO members keep pace with rapid global change. During his first term (2022–25), Dr. Singawinata strengthened institutional governance and transparency and sharpened the APO’s strategic focus across member economies, positioning the organisation to be more responsive, agile, and future ready. Building on that platform, his second‑term priorities include the following: Governance and performance: Continuously improving institutional effectiveness and accountability across the Secretariat and APO programs. Member value: Positioning the APO as the premier productivity partner for national productivity organisations. Green Productivity (GP) 2.0: Scaling the GP 2.0 journey to pursue inclusive, innovation‑led, sustainable growth. AI for productivity: Expanding AI‑enabled solutions and capacity building across sectors. Future industries and skills: Supporting member economies in anticipating and building capabilities for emerging industries and the future of work. Dr. Indra Pradana Singawinata has served as the APO’s 13th Secretary‑General since 16 September 2022. Prior to joining the APO, he was Senior Vice President at the Indonesia Infrastructure Guarantee Fund (IIGF). He holds a PhD in philosophy from Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU), Japan; a master’s degree in accounting from the University of Indonesia; and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Trisakti University, Indonesia. The APO is an intergovernmental organisation established in 1961 to increase productivity in the Asia-Pacific region […]

$2.3b AI-Focused data center for Jakarta

Jakarta, Indonesia, 17 June 2025 – EDGNEX Data Centers by DAMAC, a global digital infrastructure company backed by the DAMAC Group, a global conglomerate headquartered in Dubai, today announced the development of a next-generation AI-powered data center in Jakarta, Indonesia, its second in the market. This milestone project marks one of Southeast Asia’s largest AI-dedicated developments, with a future projected capacity of 144 MW and a total investment of $2.3 billion. Following the land acquisition completed in March 2025 by DAMAC, the site has entered early construction phases, with the facility’s phase one expected to be ready for service by December 2026. The Jakarta facility will deploy high-density AI racks, setting new benchmarks for next-generation infrastructure in the region. As a foundational asset in Indonesia’s digital journey, it will be pivotal in accelerating the country’s transition from an analogue base to a robust, AI-powered digital economy. Indonesia remains a high-potential Southeast Asian market yet faces digital infrastructure gaps, limited hyperscale readiness, and rising latency challenges. With AI adoption accelerating across sectors, this project responds to the nation’s growing demand for scalable, energy-efficient infrastructure. “This is our second project in Indonesia, and this development reinforces our commitment to bridging the digital divide in fast-growing markets across Southeast Asia (SEA), such as Indonesia,” said Hussain Sajwani, Founder of DAMAC Group. “We are proud to build what will become one of Southeast Asia’s most advanced, sustainable data centers to power the next wave of innovation and digital growth. The scale of AI workloads demands a new class of infrastructure. This project is part of our broader push across SEA, where we have committed over USD 3 billion in digital infrastructure investments to date.” The facility will target a Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.32, significantly enhancing energy efficiencies and aligning with EDGNEX’s global […]

Hexagon brings automated quality inspection to with PRESTO Quality Stations

Low-cost turnkey automated inspection solutions enable shop-floor operators to improve efficiency with high-speed, high-resolution part scanning Simple set-up, easy programming and modular upgrades enable flexible manufacturing, maximising return on investment and minimising footprint Powerful robot programming makes automated quality inspection accessible to non-metrologists Providing major advances in high-resolution scanning for faster, highly versatile manufacturing quality control, Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division today announces the launch of two major advances in automated large-component quality inspection that make its turnkey PRESTO Quality Stations accessible to manufacturers that need to improve productivity but face budget and skills constraints. Hexagon’s modular suite of turnkey automated inspection cells is expanding what is possible in the 3D measurement of medium-to-large-sized components in a variety of industrial contexts, including automotive, aerospace and general manufacturing. Two new configurations apply Hexagon’s brand-new HYPERSCAN optical tracking with 3D scanning and the Leica Absolute Tracker ATS800 direct scanning technologies to the PRESTO Quality Station range. These new options complement the existing high-performance Leica Absolute Tracker AT960 with Absolute Scanner AS1 models already deployed in business-critical near-line quality control processes in OEM automotive, rail and aerospace facilities globally. These advanced solutions are designed to bring a new level of flexibility and accuracy to applications throughout the supply chain for which skills, budget and complexity are barriers to quality process automation. The new PRESTO Quality Station with HYPERSCAN delivers smart, high-resolution scanning with real-time optical tracking at a much lower price point, making automation viable even for organisations with limited budgets. In addition, new ATS800-based PRESTO models offer direct, high-accuracy scanning from a larger standoff, allowing safe, efficient and high-accuracy inspection of fine edges and complex features, ensuring precise assembly processes without the need for robot-mounted scanners. With robotic inspection workflows deployable in hours rather than days and minimal training required, the highly […]

Time for ASEAN to rethink a single currency amid global trade tensions

Dr Uma Murthy Dr Paul Anthony Maria Das As global economic uncertainties continue to mount, Southeast Asia stands at a strategic crossroads. The recent surge in trade tensions, particularly those stemming from the United States’ (U.S.) tariff policies and restrictive trade measures, has reignited discussions across Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) about the need for greater financial and monetary integration. One idea, long debated but never realised, has resurfaced with renewed urgency – the adoption of a single ASEAN currency. The U.S. has increasingly adopted protectionist trade practices, disrupted global supply chains and raised the cost of doing business. The ongoing U.S.–China tariff war, for example, continues to unsettle ASEAN exporters, particularly in electronics, palm oil, and rubber. According to the World Bank, the Southeast Asian region could lose an estimated US$13 billion annually due to ripple effects from trade fragmentation and tariff hikes.[1] Currency volatility adds another layer of unpredictability. The Thai baht, Malaysian ringgit, and Indonesian rupiah have all experienced significant depreciation against the U.S. dollar over the past year, making imports more expensive and external debt burdens heavier. A single regional currency could act as a buffer, shielding ASEAN economies from external shocks and speculative currency attacks. The European Union’s adoption of the euro has created one of the largest and most stable currency unions in the world, bringing 19 countries under a unified monetary policy. While challenges remain — as seen during the Greek debt crisis — the benefits of the euro in promoting price stability, enhancing trade, and reducing transaction costs are undeniable. Eurozone trade within member states rose by over 50% in the first decade of the euro’s introduction, according to data from the European Central Bank.[2] ASEAN already has some groundwork laid. The Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralisation (CMIM), […]

Meet Sidel at ProPak Asia 2025 – Discover Aseptic & Digital Innovations

At ProPak Asia 2025, Booth AB06, Hall 101, Sidel will showcase its advanced packaging solutions, led by the Aseptic Combi Predis with dry preform sterilisation. Visitors can also explore complete line solutions, IntelliADJUST for consistent PET quality, and the Evo-ON® digital suite for real-time performance insights. Together, these innovations boost efficiency, sustainability, and product integrity. Leading aseptic technology Sidel will showcase its Aseptic Combi Predis on booth – an integrated blow-fill-cap solution for PET bottles featuring patented Predis dry preform sterilisation. By eliminating conveying, empty-bottle handling, and storage, this system maximises efficiency and continuous production. Sidel is a global leader in aseptic packaging, with 47 years of expertise and over 300 systems installed worldwide, including more than 30 FDA-approved solutions. Across Asia, the Aseptic Combi Predis is recognised as the market’s simplest and fastest aseptic solution to safely package sensitive beverages like dairy products, juices, soft drinks, and teas. Unlike traditional methods, this technology sterilises packaging at the preform stage using a hydrogen peroxide mist, eliminating contamination risks and ensuring complete sterility. It enhances food safety, preserves product quality, and extends shelf life, all while significantly reducing water and chemical usage. Meeting evolving consumer demands Consumers are increasingly seeking natural and functional beverages, such as coconut water, driving demand for packaging that preserves quality while being eco-friendly. Sustainability remains a top priority, with brands focusing on lightweight packaging, 100% rPET bottles, and energy-efficient production processes. At trade shows like ProPak Asia, these shifting consumer preferences and packaging trends take centre stage, offering a platform for industry players to explore innovative, future-ready solutions. A key example is Hainan Chunguang, a leading coconut water producer that partnered with Sidel to adopt a flexible, high-efficiency PET bottling line. This solution enabled them to meet growing demand while ensuring product safety and sustainability. By […]

Asia Industrial Online Exhibition 2025

The Asian Industrial Online Exhibition 2025 (AIOE 2025) is from March 31 to July 31, 2025, offering international buyers an exclusive opportunity to explore Asia’s top industrial manufacturers—all in one place, without the constraints of geography or time. This four-month hybrid exhibition, co-organised by AsianNet and TradeAsia (www.e-tradeasia.com), is designed specifically to meet the growing needs of global buyers seeking reliable suppliers, advanced technologies, and efficient sourcing solutions from across Asia. Since its successful debut in 2022, AIOE has continued to deliver outstanding results for both buyers and exhibitors. For 2025, the exhibition will expand its reach with a four-month duration, strategically aligned with major global industrial events such as Hannover Messe, Global Industrie, Automate 2025, and Manufacturing World Tokyo. This synchronised timing allows buyers to explore and compare solutions from multiple regions in one procurement cycle—maximizing efficiency and market visibility. AIOE 2025 features a robust lineup of respected Taiwanese manufacturers, including industry leaders such as ASCCO INTERNATIONAL, ZITAI PRECISION MACHINERY, TW GRANDEUR MACHINERY, SAN SHING MACHINERY, U-CAN DYNATEX, KINGDOM ABRASIVE, JESPER PET, OAV EQUIPMENT & TOOLS, UNITRONIC AUTOMATION, CHU-SHIANG INDUSTRIAL, SHANG-YUH MACHINE, KINGDOM MACHINERY, CHUEN CHARNG, YNG YUH ELECTRONIC, and many more. These companies will present thousands of the latest industrial products and technologies, covering a wide array of sectors crucial to modern manufacturing and production. Buyers can explore everything from bearings, castings, and mold-making components to general industrial equipment and mechanical parts. The exhibition also includes cutting-edge solutions in machine tools, metalworking systems, and mining and metallurgy machinery. In addition, it showcases advanced testing instruments, precision measurement devices, automation technologies, and essential industrial electronics such as power supply units, electromechanical components, and industrial computers. Packaging machinery and supporting equipment are also well represented, ensuring buyers have access to complete sourcing solutions across the entire industrial supply chain. […]

Secutech 2025 to uncover range of advanced security and fire safety solutions

As Taiwan’s security industry continues to evolve with technological advancements and increased diversification, various vertical markets are poised for significant growth. Secutech, scheduled for 7 – 9 May 2025 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, aims to capitalise on this burgeoning demand. Around 400 international and local exhibitors are set to showcase the latest technologies and solutions across six zones and pavilions at the fair, which serves as a vital platform to connect security and fire safety suppliers with key industry players in Taiwan. Recent reports indicate that Taiwan’s security market is projected to compound at an annual rate of 6.6%, reaching an estimated USD 119.9 million by 2029[1]. At the same time, the artificial intelligence of things (AIoT) landscape is reshaping various industries and driving an increasing demand for upgrading equipment and systems aimed at improving fire and safety efficiency. Affected settings include hospitals, industrial sites, parking facilities, old buildings, factories, shopping malls, and energy storage facilities. Exhibitors at Secutech 2025 will be integral to this wave of advanced technology, showcasing the integration of 5G, AI, and IoT in security and fire safety equipment for real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and automated responses, ensuring higher efficiency and safety across multiple industries. The 26th edition will welcome prominent international brands in the global security landscape, including NetworkOptix, Panasonic, Blazecut Group, and Mabu Valley Outdoor Ltd. With Taiwan’s longstanding reputation as one of Asia-Pacific’s technological hubs and its expanding influence in high-tech industries[2], major Taiwanese manufacturers are pivotal players in the global security manufacturing space. At the show, key local exhibitors will feature their advanced technology, including: TDV – Triple Domain Vision Co Ltd will showcase advanced front-end intelligent video analytics to enhance surveillance effectiveness and operational efficiencies. Avadesign Technology Co Ltd will display a comprehensive suite of security monitoring and management […]

CeMAT Southeast Asia returns to Singapore

CeMAT Southeast Asia, the leading logistics and supply chain innovation trade event, is set to return to Singapore from 19 to 21 May 2025 at Singapore EXPO. Bringing together leading technology and service providers, CeMAT Southeast Asia will offer a one-stop hub for the latest in intralogistics, robotics and automation, warehousing, supply chain management, and materials handling. Attendees can expect cutting-edge product demonstrations, industry-leading solutions, and deep dives into best practices across key sectors, including e-commerce, manufacturing, food industry, pharmaceutical, FMCG, supply chain management and retail. Organised by Hannover Fairs Asia Pacific, a subsidiary of Deutsche Messe, the event is the premier platform for industry professionals to explore the latest innovations shaping the warehouse of the future. With over 60 exhibitors, attendees can look forward to networking opportunities with key industry leaders. Notable world class exhibitors include SSI Schaefer, Daifuku, Honeywell, Körber Supply Chain, Interroll, Geek+, AutoStore, GreyOrange, Hikrobot and many more. The growing demand for advanced intralogistics technologies, along with the increasing adoption of supply chain storage in Southeast Asia, is driving market demand. A 2024 Gartner survey indicated that nearly 57% of organizations plan to increase their budgets in at least one of the four supply chain functions by more than 10% over the next three years. With Malaysia’s ambitions to strengthen its position as a regional logistics and automation hub under its New Industrial Master Plan 2030, CeMAT Southeast Asia presents a valuable opportunity for Malaysian businesses to explore cutting-edge technologies, forge cross-border partnerships, and scale innovations regionally. The event is expected to see growing participation from Malaysian manufacturers, retailers, and supply chain leaders seeking to stay competitive in a fast-evolving trade environment. The global supply chain landscape is evolving rapidly in the face of rising tariff pressures, trade realignments and growing complexity. Events like CeMAT Southeast […]

AVEVA partners with ServiceNow to drive Industrial Transformation

AVEVA, a global leader in industrial software, driving digital transformation and sustainability, has announced a partnership with ServiceNow, the AI platform for business transformation, that will further accelerate industrial transformation. By leveraging AVEVA’s four decades of industrial software expertise and its groundbreaking industrial intelligence platform, CONNECT, and ServiceNow’s acclaimed AI-driven Operational Technology Management product line, this partnership will unite teams, digital estates, locations, applications, and data to foster seamless collaboration and boost productivity. The new collaboration will bring together both companies’ capabilities within the CONNECT platform, enabling customers to unify information on industrial processes, utilise AI and automation for more efficient workflows, and apply integrated analytics for greater productivity. As a result, companies can empower their workforce and streamline operations, reduce unplanned downtime and optimise production.

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