Sony Music Entertainment raising its voice over a critical issue: the unauthorized use of music to train artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The company has reportedly sent warnings to over 700 tech companies, expressing concerns that their music is being used in AI development without proper licensing agreements.
Training AI models, particularly Generative AI models like Large Language Models (LLMs), often involves feeding them massive amounts of data. Music can be a valuable source of data for AI systems learning about audio processing, language generation, or even music composition itself. However, Sony Music argues that using copyrighted music in this way requires explicit permission from rights holders.
Sony Music’s stance highlights a grey area in the ongoing conversation surrounding AI development and copyright. The company emphasizes the need for fair compensation for artists whose music contributes to the creation of powerful AI tools. Additionally, Sony Music seeks transparency, urging tech companies to disclose how they are using music data in their AI training processes. While Sony Music is leading the charge, this concern extends beyond any single company. Other music labels and artist representatives are likely to voice similar concerns as the use of AI continues to grow across various industries.
Moving forward, a collaborative approach is crucial. Open communication between the music industry and tech companies can lead to the development of fair licensing practices for using music data in AI training. Additionally, exploring opt-out or opt-in mechanisms for artists who may not want their music included in AI development could be a potential solution.
The potential impact of AI on the creative process remains a topic of debate. While AI-powered tools could offer exciting possibilities for music composition and artist collaboration, concerns linger about the potential for homogenization or the displacement of human creativity. Ultimately, the future of AI and music hinges on navigating these complexities. Finding a balance between technological advancements and artistic integrity will be crucial in determining how AI shapes the music industry in the years to come.
It’s no secret that we’re going to see AI PCs flood the market. After a pretty packed first half of 2024, it looks like the second wave is coming! ASUS is teasing a new event set to happen on May 21, 2024, at 2 a.m. (UTC+8/Malaysian Time) or May 20, 2024, at 11 a.m. Seattle time.
While details remain under wraps until the official launch, it is expected that this is THE event where ASUS will be announcing its stable of Qualcomm-powered PCs. If leaks are any indication, this could be the start of a true AI PC revolution. These laptops could potentially translate to faster processing of AI-powered tasks, improved battery life, and a more streamlined user experience for professionals working in AI development, machine learning, and data analysis.
The Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite SoC has been what we’ve been hearing about most in the leaks. So far, we’ve had inklings that this next-generation chip boasts significant advancements in processing power and efficiency, making it ideal for demanding AI workloads. While specifics haven’t been revealed, industry speculation suggests the ASUS AI PC will leverage the Snapdragon X Elite’s architecture to deliver exceptional performance while maintaining portability and power efficiency.
Of course, the X Elite isn’t just a supercharge when it comes to laptop PCs, it’s also Qualcomm’s second try at penetrating the laptop market. The chip manufacturer has had a setback previously with its Snapdragon 8cx and 7c SoCs. However, if leaks are any indication, we’re in for a show and possibly Apple Silicon level performance and battery life. The implications of the ASUS AI PC extend beyond the realm of technical specifications.
Stay tuned for further updates as we learn more about the specifications, features, and potential impact of this groundbreaking device
The landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) has witnessed a significant leap forward with the recent launch of OpenAI’s GPT-4o. This next-generation large language model (LLM) transcends the capabilities of its predecessors, boasting significant advancements in text, audio, and vision processing.
Going Beyond Text
While previous iterations of GPT excelled at text generation and manipulation, GPT-4o pushes the boundaries further. This multimodal LLM incorporates audio and visual inputs into its repertoire, allowing for a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the world around it. Imagine seamlessly interacting with a language model that can not only understand your written instructions but can also interpret visual cues on your screen or respond in real time to your voice commands.
OpenAI claims that GPT-4o maintains its predecessor’s exceptional text processing capabilities, even demonstrating improvements in non-English languages. This refined performance in text generation, translation, and code writing paves the way for more efficient communication and collaboration across diverse linguistic backgrounds.
OpenAI showcased the versatility of GPT-4o during its launch demo. The model’s ability to respond to audio inputs with a human-like response time opens doors for innovative voice assistant applications. Furthermore, GPT-4o demonstrated the potential to generate short videos based on textual descriptions, hinting at its ability to participate in creative storytelling processes.
Taking It Into High Gear with More Integrations
The launch of GPT-4o intensifies the ongoing competition within the AI research community. With Google’s LaMDA remaining a prominent contender, the race to develop the most advanced and versatile LLM continues. This competitive landscape serves as a catalyst for rapid innovation, ultimately benefitting the field of AI as a whole.
Reports suggest that GPT-4o might possess the capability to analyze visual information displayed on a user’s screen. While the full extent of this feature remains unclear, it opens doors for a variety of potential applications. Imagine a language model that can not only understand written instructions but can also adapt its responses based on the visual context on your screen. This level of integration could revolutionize the way we interact with computers and leverage AI for tasks requiring a deeper understanding of the user’s intent.
The implications of GPT-4o extend far beyond the realm of technical specifications. This multimodal LLM has the potential to redefine the way we interact with technology. Imagine AI assistants that understand not just our words but also our nonverbal cues, or creative tools that can collaborate with humans on artistic endeavors. While the full impact of GPT-4o remains to be seen, its launch signifies a significant step forward on the path towards more natural and intuitive interactions between humans and machines.
Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) promises to be more transformative than any other technology in recent memory, with the power it possesses to give rise to new industries and professions while propelling the global economy toward a new era of prosperity. Demand for data processing is expected to grow exponentially with AI as data is essential to how AI systems learn and make decisions. AI’s ability to turn mountains of data into insights requires compute power, making data centre performance critical to our ability to leverage this transformative technology.
As with any generational technology, there will be challenges – especially the environmental impact of AI due to the energy and data centre resources required to run larger computing models. While organisations seek to embrace the many benefits of AI, they are also keenly aware of making progress toward their sustainability goals. Data centre energy use and emissions would probe serious issues towards high carbon footprint but when approached mindfully, AI infrastructure development and adoption in data centres can provide a path to more sustainable operations.
As experts in data and IT infrastructure, Dell Technologies believes sustainability will be integral to the success of AI technology through an organisation’s commitment to help offset the environmental impact of AI and harness the potential of AI to support climate-related solutions.
Generated with Microsoft Copilot
While AI requires significant compute power, it currently represents a small fraction of IT’s global energy consumption. To manage AI’s growing carbon footprint, data centre operators must embrace sustainable data centre investments and practices. Data centre energy use remained stable over the last decade (around 1% of global electricity demand according to the International Energy Agency), even with growing technology workloads and traffic. To offset the environmental impact of AI, greater control over data centre energy consumption is increasingly becoming a top priority, and there are tools available to do this:
Minimise AI’s carbon footprint through modern, energy-efficient servers and storage devices, and environmentally responsible cooling methods, while powering data centres with renewable energy. At Dell, we prioritise running larger data models in our data centres that are powered by 100% renewable energy.
Right-size AI workloads and data centre economics. While some organisations will benefit from larger general-purpose large language models (LLMs), many organisations only require domain- or enterprise-specific implementations. Right-sizing compute requirements and infrastructure can support greater data centre efficiency. And, flexible “pay as you go” spending models can also help organisations save on data centre costs while supporting sustainable IT infrastructure.
Responsibly retire inefficient hardware to optimise data centre performance and energy consumption, while reducing e-waste and keeping recycled materials in use longer.
AI solutions to environmental challenges
As sustainable data centres can help to offset AI’s carbon footprint, this technology can also be used to track and analyse massive amounts of data to ultimately address some of our planet’s biggest challenges, such as climate change, pollution and deforestation. For example, Dell is helping Siemens build smarter buildings with AI. Siemens helps customers reduce their buildings’ carbon footprints by leveraging edge and AI technologies to address building performance issues, like optimising HVAC systems, predicting energy demand and identifying energy leaks in real time.
AI can be used to optimise energy grids, design more efficient transportation systems and develop new ways to capture and store carbon dioxide. The University of Cambridge and Dell collaborated to support advanced and sustainable research through AI. By providing powerful, energy-efficient supercomputing to scientists and organisations, the University of Cambridge drives breakthroughs in innovation that rely on AI. This solution not only enables AI to process enormous volumes of data more quickly, but it does so more efficiently, with less power consumed.
Within data centre operations, AI can be used to improve monitoring and workload placement to optimise efficiency and reduce energy costs. There is no “either/or” decisions, rather efficient data centre infrastructure is integral to AI’s evolution. For this to succeed, advocates and organisations must see sustainability as a vital part of AI computing infrastructure. According to IDC, the number one sustainability priority for IT planning and procurement among IT decisionmakers is reducing data centre energy consumption[i]. At the intersection of sustainability and business priorities, AI can support environmental stewardship at the same time it drives digital transformation.
Leading by example
Drawing the narrative closer to home – Malaysia continues to be a preferred choice for data centres in ASEAN. As the data centre market continues to expand in Asia, Malaysia’s data centre market demands continue to be on the rise as the country is expected to receive 2.25 billion USD by 2028. Meanwhile, the nation is determined to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 – driven by a vision of a low-carbon future highlighted by various national policies such as the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), Hydrogen Economy and Technology Roadmap (HETR) and Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act 2023 (EECA).
Key Highlights from Dell’s Sustainability Efforts per the corporate website
Technology has an important role in addressing environmental challenges. Dell aims to move the industry forward both through modernising data centre technology and modelling the “both/and” benefits of sustainable data centres. We have ambitious goals and we also see the immense benefits AI can bring to protecting our planet. While working to offset the environmental impact of AI, we will also innovate to develop solutions that leverage the power of AI to address some of our biggest environmental challenges.
Lenovo and Austral Techsmith, a leading provider of 5G smart pole technology, have announced a strategic partnership to empower Malaysian cities with next-generation video analytics capabilities. This collaboration integrates Lenovo’s ThinkEdge AI solution with Austral Techsmith’s 5G smart poles, marking a significant leap forward in smart city development.
Enhancing Smart Cities with Video Analytics with Lenovo’s ThinkEdge
Austral Techsmith’s 5G smart poles will now incorporate the robust ThinkEdge technology, equipping city authorities with unparalleled AI-powered video analytics. Designed for intelligent edge computing, the ThinkEdge SE50 is powered by the Intel® Core™ i7 vPro® processor, making it the ideal choice for advanced video analytics. This powerful combination delivers cutting-edge features and exceptional data processing performance.
Varinderjit Singh, Lenovo Malaysia’s General Manager, said, “We are excited to embark on this transformative journey with Austral Techsmith, as mobility is an essential part of the smart city blueprint for Malaysia. Together, we look forward to paving the way towards smarter and safer cities, by harnessing the power of AI video analytics.”
As Malaysia progresses towards a smarter and more connected future, video analytics technology plays a crucial role in addressing urban challenges. This solution analyzes vast amounts of video footage with precision, enabling efficient searches and the development of intelligent transportation systems for safer and more streamlined traffic management.
Real-Time Traffic Management: Reducing Congestion and Boosting Efficiency
Urbanization often leads to increased traffic congestion. The ThinkEdge SE50, equipped with mounting kits for lamp posts, facilitates traffic monitoring at congestion hotspots. This data allows for dynamic adjustments to traffic light control systems, ultimately reducing accidents and traffic jams.
Furthermore, the ThinkEdge SE50 boasts flexible IO ports, including four NICs on embedded compute nodes, for enhanced connectivity. This translates to superior real-time data collection, empowering informed decision-making and automation to streamline traffic flow and improve urban mobility.
Enhanced Safety Measures: Prompt Intervention and Evidence Collection
Engineered for minimal latency, the ThinkEdge SE50 brings increased processing power, storage, and networking capabilities directly to where data is generated. The system can detect dangerous situations in real-time, including unauthorized vehicles, wrong-way driving, erratic behavior, and accidents. This enables prompt intervention, accident prevention, and efficient evidence collection, fostering safer city environments.
“Austral Techsmith has been a key player in Malaysia’s ambitious 5G infrastructure expansion since 2022,” said Azfar Zubri, The Chief Executive Officer of Austral Techsmith. “Through our innovative ELAB solutions and comprehensive engineering services, we’ve significantly contributed to the nationwide telecommunications infrastructure. Our partnerships with Lenovo’s ThinkEdge devices integrated into our 5G smart pole solutions represent an instrumental collaboration in propelling the country’s 5G capabilities forward.”
Aligned with its commitment to social impact through innovation, Lenovo offers Austral Techsmith and its customers an attractive Device-as-a-Service (DaaS) option for ThinkEdge. This solution eliminates upfront costs, making cutting-edge technology more accessible and cost-effective for city councils and organizations looking to implement AI video analytics.
Lenovo works together with Austral Techsmith to innovate when it comes to smart cities and also video analytics thanks to the powerful Lenovo ThinkEdge SE50. However, this is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to AI powered solutions from Lenovo. To further explore the company’s offerings, visit the Lenovo ThinkEdge website or contact the Lenovo Malaysia Marketing Team Representative, Nicole Lim at hlim4@lenovo.com
Samsung just kicked off its 2024 Southeast Asia Tech Seminar in Bangkok, Thailand, showcasing its latest and greatest TVs that are packed with cutting-edge AI features. This isn’t your average “turn the TV on” situation – we’re talking smarter pictures, sharper sound, and even some cool lifestyle features you won’t find anywhere else.
Building on their 18-year reign as the go-to TV brand, Samsung is all about bringing that “Screens Everywhere, Screens for All” vision to life. Remember those amazing TVs it showed off in Frankfurt back in February? Well, the company showed them off along with some new lifestyle products that are sure to turn heads.
So, what exactly is all this AI buzz about? Let’s dive into the highlights:
Neo QLED 8K Gets a Brainy Boost: Brace yourselves for mind-blowing visuals! The 2024 Neo QLED 8K boasts the all-new NQ8 AI Gen3 Processor. Imagine this: 512 neural networks (that’s eight times more than the previous version!) working together to deliver the most vivid and precise picture you’ve ever seen. Plus, features like 8K AI Upscaling Pro and AI Motion Enhancer Pro take things a step further, ensuring everything you watch looks smoother and sharper than ever before.
OLED Gets Glare-Free: Samsung’s 2024 OLED TV upscales content to a stunning 4K resolution, powered by the NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor. But here’s the real kicker: they’ve also introduced OLED Glare Free technology. Certified by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL), this innovative tech cuts down on-screen reflection, letting you enjoy your favourite shows and movies without any annoying distractions.
Music Frame: Your Frame, Your Speaker: This one’s pretty cool. Imagine a picture frame that doubles as a speaker. That’s the Music Frame! Pop in a photo you love, hang it on the wall and enjoy high-quality sound that blends seamlessly with your décor. Plus, you can even pair it with another Music Frame for a true stereo experience.
Security Matters: Samsung hasn’t forgotten about security. Their Knox technology, now applied to Samsung TVs, has achieved a “Common Criteria” certification recognized by 31 countries. This means your TV is even more secure in terms of software and hardware, keeping your information safe and sound.
“We’re thrilled to showcase these cutting-edge AI TV technologies at the Tech Seminar,” said Yongjae Kim, Executive Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “It’s not just about the tech – it’s about giving our customers the best possible viewing experience and making sure their information is always protected.”
So, whether you’re a die-hard movie buff or just looking for a smarter way to watch your favourite shows, Samsung’s latest AI-powered TVs are definitely worth checking out. Keep an eye out for more details on these innovative new products!
Schneider Electric, the trailblazer in energy management and automation, is teaming up with NVIDIA to redefine the landscape of data centre infrastructure. Their mission? To supercharge the capabilities of edge artificial intelligence (AI) and digital twin technologies, paving the way for a future powered by unparalleled innovation.
Picture this: cutting-edge data centre reference designs, meticulously crafted to harness the full potential of NVIDIA’s accelerated computing clusters. With a laser focus on high-power distribution, liquid-cooling systems, and controls engineered for reliability, they’re setting new benchmarks for performance, scalability, and sustainability.
Natalya Makarochkina, Senior Vice President of Secure Power International at Schneider Electric, is exhilarated about the possibilities: “Our collaboration with NVIDIA isn’t just about breaking barriers; it’s about unlocking the boundless potential of AI. Together, we’re dismantling the constraints of traditional data centre infrastructure, propelling us towards a future that’s efficient, sustainable, and transformative.”
But that’s only the beginning. These reference designs aren’t static blueprints; they’re dynamic frameworks designed to evolve alongside the ever-changing landscape of AI. Ian Buck, Vice President of Hyperscale and HPC at NVIDIA, shares the excitement: “With Schneider Electric, we’re not just building data centres; we’re building gateways to innovation. These designs empower organizations to harness the full power of AI, driving unprecedented levels of innovation across industries.”
Looking ahead, Schneider Electric and NVIDIA are on a relentless quest to explore new frontiers in AI-driven technology. And they’re not alone in this journey. AVEVA, Schneider Electric’s visionary subsidiary, is poised to revolutionize virtual simulation and collaboration with its integration of NVIDIA Omniverse. Together, they’re creating a digital playground where imagination knows no bounds.
Caspar Herzberg, CEO of AVEVA, envisions a future where digital intelligence and real-world outcomes converge: “This partnership isn’t just about simulation; it’s about transformation. By merging digital intelligence with real-world applications, we’re redefining the possibilities of industry, empowering organizations to operate safer, smarter, and more sustainably than ever before.”
In a world propelled by innovation, Schneider Electric and NVIDIA are at the forefront of change. Together, they’re not just building data centres; they’re building bridges to the future. And with every breakthrough, they’re inspiring a new generation of pioneers to dream bigger, aim higher, and push the boundaries of what’s possible.
OPPO is no stranger to wearable tech. The company announced its first Air Glass concept more than 2 years ago. This year, it’s working to up the ante when it comes to this concept while leveraging AI and Generative AI advancements that have been the hallmark of the past two years.
The OPPO Air Glass 3 comes with a slew of improved features including a reduced 50g of weight. Together with this, OPPO is deploying a brand-new material called a resin waveguide which it has developed in-house. This waveguide has a refractive index of 1.70 which is similar to the lenses we use for corrective glasses. Together with this, the new OPPO Air Glass 3 comes with a full-colour display – a massive update from the previous monochrome display. It also comes with a peak brightness of 1000 nits.
Even with all those upgrades, OPPO is managing to bring even bigger updates to the Air Glass 3 in the form of Generative AI and AI-enabled features. When the Air Glass 3 is paired to a smartphone with the Air Glass app, it will be able to leverage AndesGPT, OPPO’s in-house AI model. While the company has not elaborated on how exactly the Air Glass will be able to fully leverage the AI, it is accessible through voice commands. This can be done by touching the temple of the glasses. OPPO also collaborated with Qualcomm and startup, AspenTek, to develop a new AI motion algorithm that allows for better quality pictures and video from moving subjects.
Like previous models, the Air Glass 3 also supports touch and gesture controls. This can be used to control music playback, navigate information displays and the UI as well as quick actions when in calls. Speaking of calls, the Air Glass 3 features reverse sound field technology. This is an open acoustic design that allows you to listen to calls and music without the need to wear or plugin earphones. OPPO has also improved noise isolation in the Air Glass 3 by including 4 mics among other innovations.
The company hasn’t yet announced any availability for the Air Glass 3 but it looks ready for the market. We’ll just have to wait and see when and if the XR Glasses hit the market.
Lenovo is showing off its latest line up of laptops at MWC 2024! The new laptops come equipped with Intel’s latest generation Core Ultra processors which not only promise top notch performance but also long battery life. The newly refreshed Lenovo ThinkPad T Series, the Think Pad X12 and the ThinkBook 14 are bringing more than just a hardware refresh this year. Together with an updated CPUs, it’s going to be coming with a whole slew of AI-powered features that will utilise the dedicated NPU in Intel’s new Core Ultra processors.
Lenovo ThinkPad T Series
The ThinkPad T series will be coming with new entries into the ThinkPad T14, T14s and T16 lineups. These laptops are built for business users who are looking for reliable, durable devices with some of the latest features for enhanced productivity. The new updates come with a Communications Bar which houses a 5-megapixel webcam and microphones. These laptops also adopt a simple one-handed lip for easy opening and closing of the device. The laptops will also make things a little more accessible with tactile markings making it easier for the visually impaired to navigate the keyboard. These markings were first introduced with the ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2-in-1 Gen 9 and the X1 Carbon Gen 12.
Repairability and sustainability have become core tenets of Lenovo’s product lineup. The new ThinkPad T14 Gen 5 and T16 Gen 3 have been designed to be repair-friendly. Lenovo did this with insights from iFixit Solutions team. These laptops feature a battery without cable connectors, a fully socketed DIMM design and replaceable SSD and WWAN cards. The laptops also have visual indicators to ease the repair process.
Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable Gen 2 & ThinkBook 14 2-in-1 Gen 4
The Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable Gen 2 is designed to be a sleek productivity partner for life on the move. With a durable 3:2 display, powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra U series processors and an integrated AI engine, it effortlessly adapts to your needs. With up to 32GB Dual Channel LPDDR5x memory, multitasking becomes a breeze. The detachable folio keyboard, three-button TrackPad, and optional magnetic pen enhance versatility for professionals on the go. It comes with a 5-megapixel camera with an Infrared sensor that allows you to sign in to Windows with Windows Hello and an 8MP World-facing camera so you can capture and scan documents. It also comes with CAT16 4G WWAN support.
Lenovo’s ThinkBook 14 2-in-1 Gen 4 redefines portable computing with its sleek design and intelligent features. The innovative drop hinge design, measuring just 16.85mm in thickness and weighing 1.64kg, sets a new standard for portability. The 14-inch display, with a four-side narrow bezel, achieves an impressive 90% screen-to-body ratio, delivering an immersive visual experience. Enhancements like a 1.5mm key travel on the keyboard and a glass-like Mylar touchpad contribute to comfortable and precise user interaction. The Magnetic Slim Pen adds a touch of convenience, while security features like the Match-on-Chip fingerprint reader and optional Infrared camera ensure data safety. Intelligent computing is at the forefront with features like Smart Power for balanced performance and Smart Meeting for improved conferencing. Lenovo’s commitment to sustainability is evident through the use of recycled aluminium and Post Consumer Content plastic materials. The ThinkBook 14 2-in-1 Gen 4 seamlessly blends powerful performance with a thoughtful and eco-friendly design.
AI-Imbued for Maximum Battery Life and Productivity
Powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra processors and equipped with Windows 11, these laptops create an advanced AI ecosystem. They prioritize security, energy efficiency, and immersive user experiences, seamlessly integrating with a variety of software applications leveraging dedicated AI acceleration support. Notable features include Copilot in Windows and a physical Copilot key, optimizing daily tasks for unparalleled ease and speed.
This marks a significant step in the AI PC revolution, showcasing Lenovo’s commitment to delivering tailored AI solutions. The laptops redefine personalized PC experiences, elevating collaboration, customer interactions, and data analysis. With AI-enabled software tools, these ThinkPad and ThinkBook laptops set a new standard, enhancing creativity and efficiency across diverse workflows. Lenovo’s innovation reflects a transformative approach, ushering in a new era of intelligent and engaging computing solutions.
Pricing & Availability
The new slate of Lenovo laptops will be available starting from March 2024. The ThinkPad T14 will also be available with AMD’s Ryzen 8040 series processors with Ryzen AI.
Model
Availability
Starting Price (USD$)
Starting Price (RM)*
ThinkPad T14 i Gen 5
Starting April 2024
$1,199
RM5,727.51
ThinkPad T14 Gen 5 AMD
Starting May 2024
$949
RM4,533.28
ThinkPad T14s Gen 5
Starting April 2024
$1,399
RM6,683.13
ThinkPad T16 Gen 3
Starting April 2024
$1,219
RM5,823.25
ThinkPad X12 Detachable Gen 2
Starting April 2024
$1,399
RM6,683.13
ThinkBook 14 2-in-1 Gen 4
Starting March 2024
$1,169
RM5,584.40
*Pricing in Malaysian Ringgit (RM) isestimated based on conversion rates on XE.com on 26 February 2024 [USD$1 : RM4.7771]
This article is contributed by Márton Kiss, Vice President of Product Success at Graphisoft
Today, the once-solid blueprints of the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) have morphed into fluid sketches, adapting to the evolving customer needs and technological advancements. As we march into 2024, the industry is expected to become more digital, data-driven, and sustainable. Every innovation, from the most intuitive design software to the most earth-friendly material, is bound to fill the canvas of buildings for a better future.
Here, we will delve into the vibrant palette of trends and key areas that may help navigate this transformative path in the AEC industry.
1. Bridging the digitalization gap
Despite being slow to embrace digital transformation, the AEC sector has shown promising signs in recent years, with technology adoption and awareness of its benefits steadily rising. However, a noticeable gap emerges when transitioning from the design to the construction phase. While current tools enable detailed digital models, the actualization often relies heavily on on-site workers, creating a disconnect in the integrated workflow.
Bridging this gap and driving the push towards greater digitization and automation requires a two-pronged approach – first, fostering a demand for digital design practices, and second, reducing legal and regulatory barriers that impede the implementations. Additionally, a global trend towards collaborative building lifecycles is gaining momentum. As the integration across the building lifecycle strengthens, so does the impetus for comprehensive digitalization, highlighting the critical role of quality design in this process.
2. Unlocking the potential of BIM
While Asia Pacific trails developed nations in Building Information Modelling (BIM) adoption, progress is evident. Governments like Malaysia, aiming for 80% adoption by 2025, are actively driving its implementation due to proven productivity and competitive advantages—however, BIM’s true potential lies beyond mere data and 3D models.
It is about integrated design, where architects, engineers, builders, owners, and technology providers collaborate within a single model, eliminating the inefficiencies of traditional handoffs and discrepancies. This ‘single source of truth’ fosters early alignment of building systems and informed decision-making across disciplines. At Graphisoft, we champion OPEN BIM, a future-proof approach to AEC collaboration. OPEN BIM ensures workflow transparency, longevity, and data accessibility for built assets. Recent developments, like seamlessstructural engineering integration andcloud collaboration, reflect our commitment to this collaborative future.
BIM will continue to see greater interoperability and capabilities. However, the key to maximizing what it can offer eventually lies in fostering a culture of openness and information sharing.
3. Driving the shift towards sustainable design
The green buildings market is expected to cross USD1,948 billion by the end of 2036, with Asia Pacific estimated to account for 32%[1] Sustainability pressures are pushing the industry towards innovative materials and energy-efficient design. Net-zero buildings will remain a focus, achieving energy savings through renewables, smart design, and storage. Building performance and management will also be key, tying into the digitalization trend for optimal efficiency.
Cost-effectiveness, however, remains crucial. While adopting these practices might seem daunting, firms can start small. Explore concepts, experiment with materials, and utilize BIM as a bridge between elements. Integrating building systems, structures, and architecture early on makes informed decisions about materials, shapes, and even programs possible. Ultimately, the effectiveness of this shift requires a closer alignment between design decisions and long-term outcomes, driven by the overarching goals of sustainability and efficiency.
4. Making the most of AI and other emerging technologies
The impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) goes beyond automation. It is becoming the industry’s secret weapon, empowering professionals across the project lifecycle. From design optimization with photorealistic visualization to predictive analysis and BIM integration, AI transforms how we overcome challenges and make informed decisions.
The future is not just about scratching the surface with AI. We see a convergence of technologies, where Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) enhances collaborative BIM workflows, and digital twins evolve beyond virtual models, becoming real-time data oracles. This will redefine our standards for efficiency, accuracy and profitability, allowing designers to focus on their true value – creativity. Graphisoft remains at the forefront of this revolution, investing in emerging technologies that assist and empower, not replace.
5. Emphasis on continuous learning
The future sprints, not strolls, and therefore upskilling is an essential ticket to the ride. But it is not a solo journey. Organizations must be bold co-pilots, investing in the latest tools, processes, and training. Fear of the unknown is natural, but the changing roles of AEC professionals are inevitable. Technology like AI excels in crunching data and optimizing processes but still lacks the human touch that breathes life into novel designs. And that is the true power of real architects – crafting beauty that is not just aesthetically pleasing but also functional and meaningful. Technology is the hammer, but people are the architects of change. Those who embrace continuous learning will be the ones shaping the future of AEC, brick by innovative brick, pixel by inspiring pixel.
The future of the built environment demands active participation. Architects, engineers and contractors must embrace digital tools and progress alongside advancements. BIM will be their blueprint, green principles their guiding star, and emerging technologies their canvas extension. The opportunity to create great architectures is boundless when we successfully integrate people, workflows and real-time information.
[1] Green Buildings Market Size & Share, Research Nester (Nov 2023)
