Singtel, Hitachi Collaborate to Accelerate AI Adoption with Next-Gen Data Centres and GPU Cloud in Japan

Singtel and Hitachi have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on next-generation data centres and GPU Cloud in Japan and potentially the broader Asia Pacific region under the leadership of Singtel’s Digital InfraCo. The strategic partnership will combine Singtel’s extensive experience in data centres, connectivity and technology platforms with Hitachi’s distinctive capabilities that enable end-to-end data centre integration, including green energy solutions, cooling systems, storage infrastructure and data management.

Notably, the agreement expands the partnership announced by the companies in June 2024 to test and integrate Singtel’s Paragon, an all-in-one orchestration platform for 5G, edge computing and cloud, with Hitachi’s AI applications for Hitachi’s manufacturing operations as well as enterprise customers. Through Singtel’s Paragon platform and Hitachi’s deep AI expertise, the two companies aim to address the complexities customers face when deploying AI capabilities. Digital InfraCo plans to launch GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS) later this year to better support AI adoption in enterprises.

5G Industrial Metaverse

Under the MOU, Nxera and Hitachi will explore data center development opportunities in Japan and the rest of the Asia-Pacific region. The partnership also aims to combine Singtel’s GPU platform with Hitachi’s AI expertise to develop enterprise applications.

Based on the results of Hitachi’s internal GPUaaS validation, companies can also consider co-developing enterprise-class applications that combine Hitachi’s expertise, including its generative AI technologies and platform, with Singtel’s GPU Cloud and Paragon Platform.

Bill Chang, CEO, Singtel Digital InfraCo

Building a strong partner ecosystem has always been a priority at Singtel to better serve our customers and expand our global reach. We look forward to bringing our collective expertise, digital assets and solutions to help more enterprises innovate and transform their businesses and operations with cloud and AI. Our strategic partnership with Hitachi, a leader in digital systems and services, opens up new opportunities in the strategically important and growing Japanese market. Building a strong partner ecosystem has always been a priority at Singtel to better serve our customers and expand our global reach. We look forward to bringing our collective expertise, digital assets and solutions to help more enterprises innovate and transform their businesses and operations through cloud and AI. As we scale our digital capabilities with our partners such as Hitachi, our goal is to become a leader in the Asia Pacific region.

Toshiaki Tokunaga, Executive Vice President and CEO, Hitachi

Since its inception, Hitachi’s corporate philosophy has been focused on solving challenges faced by customers and society. As generative AI continues to drive new innovations, the environmental impacts caused by the growing demand for electricity are becoming increasingly apparent. Balancing these two factors is a significant mission for Hitachi Social Innovation Business. We are pleased to embark on this mission through our strategic alliance with Singtel. By combining Singtel’s expertise in developing and operating sustainable data centres with Hitachi Group’s comprehensive capabilities, from green energy solutions to facility and data management, we aim to enable businesses to use data centres in an intelligent and environmentally friendly manner; ultimately achieving continuous innovation while promoting sustainable development.