This article is contributed by Varinderjit Singh, General Manager, Lenovo Malaysia
It’s vital that we look after the planet for future generations, but that’s not the only reason to implement a sustainability strategy within your organisation. Cutting emissions, embracing the circular economy, and helping to keep already efficient devices running for longer makes sense from a financial point of view as well, and can even help your organisation attract the best employees.
Of course, putting people and the planet first should top your considerations, and an effective sustainability strategy can help limit our impact on climate change, reducing waste, conserving resources, and protecting delicate ecosystems.
How legislation is helping to drive change
Legislation around ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) and sustainability is beginning to shape industries in Malaysia, with governments adopting increasingly rigorous targets.
According to Deloitte[1], the transition to a lower carbon and more sustainable society is reshaping the economy, creating new opportunities, and altering the cost of doing business. The implications are stark, the organisation explains. “Failing to become more sustainable will make companies vulnerable to the loss of revenue and reputation, as well as to litigation and regulatory penalties.”
It’s clear that simply ignoring sustainability is not an option for organisations in the long run, but there are also opportunities and benefits for businesses that implement a sustainability strategy sooner rather than later.
An effective sustainability strategy could also help you be more cost-effective
For starters, there’s potential to be more cost-effective. Scalable “as-a-service” solutions such as Lenovo TruScale can help your business simplify the procurement, deployment and management of reliable IT equipment, taking a flexible and cost-efficient approach to new levels of demand.
Embracing the latest energy-efficient devices can help your business manage CO2 emissions and power consumption, potentially saving on operating costs, while also helping you to tackle challenges such as growing your business, simplifying security, and general maintenance. An example is Lenovo’s ThinkPad P1 Gen 7 operating on Windows 11 Pro. Seize the moment with the security to thrive anywhere and the performance to meet your boldest goals. Windows 11 Pro devices are easy to use and manage, with AI-enhanced efficiency and compatibility with existing technology including mission-critical apps and hardware.
There’s also scope to offset emissions when you do purchase new IT equipment, thanks to solutions such as Lenovo’s CO2 Offset Services. This service estimates the carbon emissions across the average lifecycle of the device from manufacturing to shipping, typical use, and end-of-life, and supports a variety of climate action projects.
Just because you buy new devices doesn’t necessarily mean your old equipment will end up in landfill. We do everything we can at Lenovo to ensure older devices get a second lease of life, and our Asset Recovery Service (ARS) is designed to maximise the reuse, recycling, and/or environmental disposal of replaced and end-of-life products, parts, and waste. And with Lenovo’s recently launched Certified Refurbished PCs, you have the option to buy quality refurbished IT equipment and support the circular economy.
Keep older energy-efficient technology running for longer
Naturally, there are plenty of organisations that don’t need to overhaul their tech stack. If your equipment is already energy efficient and performs well, your tech provider can also help you to keep your devices running for longer, doing your bit when it comes to reducing waste and conserving resources.
Solutions such as Lenovo Premier Support Plus come with Accidental Damage Protection (ADP)[2] as standard, which can make a big difference when it comes to device longevity and saving money. Compared to the cost of most common repairs or system replacements, for example, you could save between 50%-93%[3] with ADP, which could be the difference between keeping an old laptop for another couple of years or having to replace it immediately.
Attracting top talent
Social and regulatory requirements aside, embracing sustainability can also enhance your company’s reputation. This can play a key role in helping you to attract and retain the best talent.
According to a survey from IBM[4], 71% of employees and employment seekers say that environmentally sustainable companies are more attractive employers. More than two-thirds of the full potential workforce[5] are more likely to apply for and accept jobs with environmentally and socially responsible organisations, and nearly half surveyed would accept a lower salary to work for such organisations.
The potential to grow your business
An effective sustainability strategy isn’t just appealing to potential employees – it’s becoming increasingly important to society at large. Consumers also care about sustainability, and your strategy could be the difference between customers picking your business or opting for a competitor.
Deloitte explains[6] that a third (34%) of consumers stated their trust in brands would be improved if the brand was recognised as an ethical/sustainable provider by an independent third party. A similar proportion (32%) claimed that their trust in brands would be improved if the company had a transparent, accountable, and socially and environmentally responsible supply chain.
All of these factors add weight to the already critical importance of a sustainability strategy, not only because it makes sense to limit our impact on the planet, but because it also makes justifiable business sense.
It’s inevitable that you’ll need to embrace sustainability at some point if you want your business to thrive in the long term, so why not look at ways you can get ahead of your competition as part of the journey?
[2] Dependent on market, parts, and hardware availability.
[3] Based on Lenovo internal data from NA, EMEA, and AP regions and cost of system board, LCD, and hard drive repairs on ThinkPad from April 2022 to April 2023.
[5] Full potential workforce refers to survey respondents who are employed full-time or part-time, unemployed but currently seeking employment, or a full-time student or apprentice.
This article was based on an interview with Mr Chee Meng Tan, Area Sales Director, Commercial Building Services at Grundfos
As the world accelerates into the AI-driven future, the demand for data processing power is growing exponentially. The backbone of this digital revolution—data centres—is crucial in enabling advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, and more. However, this progress comes at a significant environmental cost. Data centres are notorious for their immense energy consumption and water usage, making them prime candidates for sustainability efforts. In an era of heightened environmental consciousness, achieving sustainability in data centres is not just an option but an imperative.
Chee Meng Tan, Area Sales Director, Commercial Building Services at Grundfos, highlights this challenge succinctly: “The efficiency of both IT hardware and cooling has been improved, and there’s a shift away from small, inefficient enterprise data centres towards more efficient cloud and hyperscale data centres.” The future of sustainability in AI must begin with reevaluating how data centres manage energy, cooling, and water resources.
Malaysia’s Emergence as a Key Market for Data Centers
In the Asia Pacific region and more specifically, Southeast Asia, Malaysia quickly has emerged as a key hub for data centre investments. With its strategic geographic location, relatively stable political environment, and competitive energy prices, Malaysia has attracted significant interest from global technology giants. Companies like Google, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Meta have all made substantial investments in the region to support their growing data infrastructure needs.
Google has set its sights on expanding its cloud operations in Malaysia as part of a broader strategy to strengthen its Southeast Asian presence by investing over USD$2 billion. Similarly, Microsoft announced plans to invest USD$2.2 billion in new data centre regions in Malaysia, signalling the country’s rising importance in the global cloud ecosystem. Meta, too, is making moves to leverage Malaysia’s infrastructure for its massive data demands, driven by the increasing reliance on cloud services and social media across the globe. The emerging importance of Malaysia as a key player couldn’t be better emphasized than with the USD$6.2 billion investment by AWS to develop and deploy its data centres in the country.
Malaysia’s government has also been keen to position the country as a leader in digital infrastructure. The recent launch of the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDIGITAL) sets the stage for Malaysia to become a regional digital economy leader by 2030. Part of this initiative involves accelerating the development of data centres and semiconductor fabrication, positioning Malaysia as a critical player in the Southeast Asian data economy.
However, this rapid growth brings challenges. As Tan points out, Southeast Asia’s unique climate, characterized by high temperatures and humidity, exacerbates the energy and cooling demands of data centres. “Cooling alone accounts for 35 to 40% of energy consumption in data centres in Southeast Asia—up to 10% more than the global average,” he explains.
The Energy and Water Footprint of Data Centers
Data centres are power-hungry operations. According to the International Energy Agency, the electricity demand of data centres is expected to double by 2026, driven by the rising adoption of AI and other data-intensive technologies. Cooling systems alone account for about 40% of the total energy consumption in these facilities, making it clear that any advancements in energy efficiency must begin with improvements to these systems.
Water usage is another critical challenge. Tan notes that “data centres are estimated to use more than a billion litres of water per day – equivalent to about 400 Olympic-sized swimming pools.” This consumption is expected to increase rapidly as the demand for computing power rises. The water-energy nexus—where water is required to generate energy, and energy is required to circulate water—places a double burden on data centres striving to become more sustainable.
Grundfos: Innovating for Sustainability in Data Centers
Grundfos, a global leader in pump solutions and water management, has been at the forefront of sustainability efforts within the data centre industry. By leveraging over 75 years of experience in water solutions, Grundfos is not just selling pumps; they are working with data centre designers to optimize cooling systems based on specific needs. As Tan explains, “We don’t just sell pump solutions, but work with data centre designers to optimize the design of the cooling system based on the specific needs of each data centre.”
Grundfos provides tailored solutions that help data centres reduce their energy and water footprints. For instance, ensuring that pumps are properly sized for each system is critical to minimizing energy waste. “It may sound basic, but many building operators don’t get it right,” Tan points out. The right-sizing of pumps can prevent significant energy wastage and ensure that the cooling system operates efficiently.
In addition to sizing, the motors used in these pumps play a pivotal role in energy efficiency. Tan mentions that many data centres are still using outdated IE3 motors, even though more energy-efficient alternatives, such as IE5 motors, are available. “Based on our calculation, an IE5 motor can achieve 5% in energy savings as compared to an IE3 motor for 10MW data centres,” he says. These savings might seem small at first glance, but when considering the scale of energy usage in data centres, they add up to significant reductions in both energy consumption and operational costs.
AI and Machine Learning in Cooling Systems
As AI continues to develop, it is not only driving the demand for data centres but also providing the tools to make them more sustainable. One of the most exciting advancements in data centre cooling is the use of AI and machine learning to achieve real-time, on-demand cooling. Tan points to a groundbreaking example from Google: “Google reported using its DeepMind AI to reduce the electricity demand of their data centre cooling systems by 40%.”
By harnessing AI to monitor temperature and cooling requirements, data centres can dynamically adjust their cooling systems to reduce energy consumption. Machine learning algorithms can analyze vast amounts of operational data to predict when and where cooling is needed, allowing the system to respond with precision, thereby optimizing energy use.
This shift toward intelligent cooling systems represents a major leap forward in the quest for sustainable data centres. AI-driven solutions not only reduce energy consumption but also extend the lifespan of equipment by preventing overheating and reducing the strain on infrastructure.
Modular and Prefabricated Solutions for Efficiency
Beyond AI, Grundfos is also pioneering modular and prefabricated solutions designed to enhance energy efficiency in data centres. Tan explains, “While not specific to data centres, the Delta Modular Systems we have developed offer various modularized standard solutions to the building services industry.” These systems are designed to optimize both the pump module’s structural design and control operations, bringing significant energy savings while reducing construction time and environmental impact.
Modular systems, particularly in cooling, are gaining traction because they allow for more tailored, needs-based cooling. Instead of relying on a centralized system, smaller cooling units can be deployed across server racks, each regulating its performance based on the needs of the corresponding rack. This not only minimizes energy usage but also ensures that each part of the data centre is cooled efficiently, without overburdening any single system.
Water Efficiency: A Key Focus for the Future
As global water security becomes an increasing concern, data centres are under pressure to reduce their water consumption. Grundfos is actively exploring alternative water sources and technologies that allow for more sustainable water management in data centres. “New technologies are being explored, such as using non-potable alternative water sources like rainwater harvesting or recycled water,” Tan explains. However, these systems require significant energy to treat the water and ensure its compatibility with the equipment used in data centres.
A holistic approach to sustainability, therefore, must include both energy and water efficiency. By integrating renewable water sources and improving the energy efficiency of water management systems, data centres can reduce their environmental impact and enhance their resilience in the face of water scarcity.
The Importance of Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE)
One of the key metrics used to measure the energy efficiency of data centres is Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE). PUE is a ratio that compares the total energy used by the data centre to the energy used by the computing equipment itself. An ideal PUE is 1.0, meaning that all energy consumed by the facility is being used for computing, with no excess energy wasted on overhead functions like cooling.
“PUE is a crucial metric for data centres,” Tan explains. “At Grundfos, our solutions are designed to achieve optimal energy efficiency, thereby reducing a data centre’s PUE.” Grundfos achieves this through three main strategies: providing reliable and efficient pumps, using digital technologies to optimize energy consumption, and offering prefabricated and modular solutions that shorten construction times and reduce environmental impact.
By focusing on reducing PUE, data centres can ensure that their energy usage is aligned with sustainability goals, while also cutting down on operational costs.
Renewable Energy Integration: The Next Step in Sustainability
Pairing energy-efficient cooling with renewable energy sources represents the next frontier for sustainable data centres. “The incorporation of renewable energy sources like solar panels or geothermal energy across operations can enable data centres to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and minimize their carbon footprint,” Tan says.
While renewable energy is often associated with variability—depending on factors like weather conditions—intelligent data insights and analytics can help overcome these challenges. By integrating renewable energy sources with advanced grid management systems, data centres can create a more resilient, sustainable energy supply that does not compromise performance.
The Road Ahead Should Be AI and Sustainability in Tandem
Looking to the future, AI is poised to play a central role in advancing sustainability efforts within the data centre industry. As Tan observes, “The rapid expansion of the AI market, which is projected to grow at a staggering annual rate of 37.3% between 2023 and 2030, is a primary driver of the rising demand for data centres.” This growth creates both opportunities and challenges: while data centres will need to expand to meet AI’s growing demands, they will also need to adopt AI-driven technologies to improve their sustainability.
In the next decade, data centres will increasingly rely on AI to optimize energy usage, predict maintenance needs, and enhance operational efficiency. These advancements will be critical in helping the industry meet global sustainability targets, such as those outlined in the Global Cooling Pledge, which aims to reduce cooling-related emissions by 68% by 2030.
Sustainable AI Starts with Data Centers
As the digital revolution continues to unfold, data centres will remain at the heart of technological progress. However, the environmental impact of these facilities cannot be ignored. As Chee Meng Tan from Grundfos emphasizes, “With a more robust approach to sustainability that considers impact across multiple touchpoints, data centres can demonstrate a strengthened commitment to the cause, which sharpens its competitive edge within the industry.”
By integrating energy-efficient technologies, adopting AI-driven cooling solutions, and exploring alternative water sources, data centres can drastically reduce their environmental footprint. The road to a sustainable AI future starts with the choices we make today, and it begins at the data centre.
This article was based on an interview with Mr Chee Meng Tan, Area Sales Director, Commercial Building Services at Grundfos
Chee Meng Tan Area Sales Director, Commercial Building Services, Grundfos
Chee Meng Tan is currently the Area Sales Director for Grundfos’ Commercial Building Services (CBS) division, responsible for growing CBS’s presence and leadership in Southeast Asia. Apart from opening and developing regional markets and operations, his role involves the strategic formulation and operative implementation of regional sales concepts.
Chee Meng joined Grundfos Singapore in 1995 as an Application Engineer and has taken on different roles and responsibilities in the last 29 years. Prior to taking on his current role, Chee Meng has held various positions within Grundfos such as the General Manager of Grundfos Alldos (Shanghai) Water Treatment Co, Ltd, the Regional Business Director for Industry Segment in Asia Pacific, as well as the Business Director for Water Utility segment in Asia Pacific.
Chee Meng holds a Diploma in Electrical Engineering as well as Management Studies.
With just six years remaining to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, the Asia Pacific region faces a pressing and formidable challenge.
The recently released 2030 Asia Pacific SDG Progress Report by the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) paints a stark picture, revealing that at the midpoint, the region has made less than 15% of the necessary progress towards the SDGs. The report also predicts that if current trends persist, it will take an estimated 42 years for the region to achieve the 2030 agenda, falling significantly short of reaching 90% of the 118 measurable SDG targets.
This sobering analysis underscores the urgent need to multiply efforts and accelerate progress. To address this challenge, corporates in the Asia Pacific & Japan (APJ) region must adopt an innovation mindset and place sustainability at the forefront of the business agenda. In fact, sustainability can also be a powerful driver of innovation, propelling companies forward on the path to success in today’s digital era.
Sustainable innovation is not limited to short-term gains but creates long-term value for both businesses and the planet. The Dell Technologies Innovation Index, which polled 6,600 business leaders across 45+ countries, reveals that more than one-third of companies (35%) in Malaysia – the same percentage as the APJ region – consider climate change as an accelerator of innovation.
Additionally, the research shows that momentum for sustainability innovation is steadily growing in our region. Half of the companies (50%) in Malaysia are actively reducing their overall IT carbon footprint, recognising the critical role of technology in addressing environmental challenges. Furthermore, 37% of businesses in Malaysia (40% in APJ) are turning to technology to gain greater visibility into their carbon impact, enabling them to make data-driven decisions for sustainability.
This emphasis on sustainability is also being prioritised by the Government, having – for the first time – set SDG indicator targets and finalised nine accelerator initiatives to achieve SDGs in the country. This is to ensure a more effective implementation of SDGs towards the country’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (Agenda 2030).
Innovating for sustainability, sustainably
In today’s economic climate, innovation has never been more important for organisations to stay ahead of the curve and build resilience. While sustainability evidently drives innovation forward, businesses also have a responsibility to ensure that innovation is carried out efficiently and with minimal environmental impact.
For one, IT decision-makers (ITDMs) in APJ can leverage innovative technologies such as edge computing, artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), and as-a-service (aaS) models to manage energy consumption effectively, improve energy efficiency, and act upon data insights to drive sustainability. Encouragingly, the Dell Technologies Innovation Index also found that more than half (57%) of companies in Malaysia are already progressing in this space, embracing technology as a powerful tool for sustainable practices.
For example, innovative consumption models such as aaS or on-demand solutions promote sustainable resource utilisation by aligning technology consumption with actual needs – therefore reducing waste and optimising resource allocation. Businesses that embrace these flexible consumption models can not only reduce their environmental impact but also benefit from increased efficiency and cost savings.
Additionally, as digital transformation and the consumption of technology become more widespread, the greening of data centres has become crucial. As businesses rely more heavily on data centres, optimising their energy consumption becomes paramount. Currently, 48% of businesses in Malaysia are actively exploring methods to reduce energy use in their data centres.
[i]By investing in energy-efficient infrastructure and adopting best practices, organisations can lead the way in sustainable data management, setting a positive example for the industry.
While technology can help drive efficiencies, there comes a day when these devices eventually reach their end of life. It is therefore equally critical that businesses take active steps and work with the right partners to retire and recycle their end-of-life IT equipment, in order to minimise electronic waste and foster a circular economy. Dell Technologies’ Asset Recovery Services, for example, helps businesses with the proper disposal and recycling of IT assets to reduce the environmental footprint of the technology industry. Notably, the practice is not new in Malaysia and many are already engaged in initiatives to retire and recycle IT equipment responsibly.
It is also encouraging to note that the government has launched a National Circular Economy Council (NCEC) to unite stakeholders to accelerate the transition of waste management from a linear economy to a more holistically circular one.[ii]The NCEC will focus on matters related to policies, laws, implementation of related strategies and action plans, and the commitment and collaboration between the government and the private sectors.
Sustainable innovation: A win-win for businesses and the planet
The benefits of sustainable innovation are two-fold, generating value for both our environment and the bottom line. By integrating sustainability into their innovation agenda, companies can reduce environmental impact, enhance resilience, and improve operational efficiency. Furthermore, embracing sustainable practices has become a critical consideration for businesses to not only attract customers and investors but also to engage current and future employees.
As the Asia Pacific region continues its pursuit of the SDGs, collaboration and collective action are essential. While sustainable innovation can and should be driven at the company level, governments, businesses and individuals must also come together to drive meaningful impact. Partnerships between the public and private sectors can facilitate knowledge sharing, resource mobilisation, and the development of innovative solutions to address pressing sustainability challenges. Cross-industry collaborations can foster innovation and create synergies that accelerate progress towards the SDGs.
With less than a decade to go, our region now stands at a critical juncture – where sustainable innovation can lead the way towards achieving the UN SDGs by 2030. Despite the challenges highlighted in the 2030 Asia Pacific SDG Progress Report, the growing momentum for sustainability innovation is encouraging. Businesses in APJ should continue to embrace sustainable practices and leverage cutting-edge technologies to make significant contributions to sustainable development.
Transitioning to modern energy systems presents a daunting challenge, as virtually every facet of our daily lives hinges on energy. This journey is bound to be intricate and complex for every country. Thankfully, governments worldwide – including Malaysia – have a resounding global consensus that traditional energy systems are inherently vulnerable, disadvantageously centralised, and financially burdensome.
The transitional challenge that stakeholders and decision-makers have been grappling with is threefold: striking a balance between environmental sustainability, ensuring energy security, and delivering energy affordability.
Successfully navigating this “energy trilemma” demands interdisciplinary expertise, effective policy implementation, and unwavering stakeholder commitment if Malaysia is to become carbon neutral by 2050.
Accelerating Malaysia’s transition towards carbon neutrality and energy sustainability with the power of technology and innovation makes economic sense, and puts us on a path towards a better, greener future for generations to come.
As a technology leader, Huawei is steadfast in its determination to stand by the country’s aspirations in driving this transformative endeavour.
Renewable energy makes economic sense
The economic rationale for renewable energy is compelling. Jobs in the sector are on the rise. The surge in demand for talent in the renewable energy sector mirrors the urgency to transition to cleaner sources amid the alarming effects of climate change.
According to a report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), jobs in the renewable energy sector soared to 12.7 million globally in 2023, reflecting the sector’s rapid expansion and potential for sustainable employment.
The once-perceived barrier of high entry costs to adopt renewable energy technologies is steadily diminishing, heralding a significant shift in accessibility. Put simply, prices are plummeting.
On the other hand, finite fossil fuel source extraction has become more challenging and costs are steadily rising. In contrast, renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, are readily and abundantly available natural resources and more importantly, they are essentially free.
Solar panel prices are at an all-time low and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are becoming increasingly cost-effective due to ongoing technological enhancements and intensified market competition.
The figures that are clocking in on Malaysia’s carbon footprint read at approximately 272.9 million tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2022. By 2023, Huawei facilitated the reduction of 1.81 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year. This was made possible by the entry of 2.6 gigawatts (GW) of solar inverters into the Malaysian market, generating approximately 3.9 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.
Huawei’s Digital Power Business contributed to 84.5 billion kWh of green power generation in the Asia Pacific region, reducing carbon emissions equivalent to the planting of 50 million trees.
Technology: The Key to Navigating the Trilemma
New technologies are the key to meaningfully navigating the “energy trilemma”, both to lower the carbon footprint of outmoded energy systems and to develop modern, sustainable alternatives.
The advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud computing, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) empowers us to decarbonise our energy systems by enhancing connectivity, intelligence, efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.
Huawei Digital Power’s strategic approach to facilitate society’s transition from high-carbon to low-carbon is anchored in the integration of cutting-edge digital technology (Bit), electronic power technology (Watt), thermal management technology (Heat), and energy storage systems (ESS) management technology (Battery).
Termed collectively as the “4T” technologies (WatT, HeaT, BatTery, and BiT) the aim is to drive Malaysia towards the “4D” trajectory: Decarbonisation, Digitalisation, Decentralisation, and Democratisation, thus shaping a more sustainable and inclusive energy landscape for the nation.
Huawei aims to drive watts with bits towards building a fully connected smart grid and bridging the energy divide to power the digital world.
Collaborations in decarbonisation
In pursuit of the “4D” trajectory, collaborations are fundamental. Guided by our strategic framework, Huawei has initiated numerous collaborations with local stakeholders and government agencies on renewable energy projects.
We are partnering with AmBank on financing and merchant business solutions to support and facilitate the introduction of Solar Energy, Green Data Centres, Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging, and Energy Storage solutions to businesses.
With Pantas, the leading climate-tech firm in Southeast Asia, we are collaborating on enterprise decarbonisation applications for businesses. Our focus in this partnership, as technology providers, will be on Smart PV+ESS and FusionCharge solutions while Pantas undertakes the role of strategic partner in business development.
We have also joined forces with Senheng and Apulsar to promote electric vehicle (EV) adoption in Malaysia, utilising Huawei’s advanced EV chargers.
Additionally, our commitment to human capital development ensures a skilled workforce adept in renewable energy technologies. Our Huawei ICT Academy bridges the gap between education and industry needs while collaborative training programmes like the one with the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (“CENTEXS”) on developing green talent as well as the Digital Leadership Excellence Programme with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to nurture talent leadership.
These initiatives are but some of the many projects Huawei is involved in. Every initiative represents a positive stride that strengthens energy security and nurtures a sustainable ecosystem for the nation.
A holistic approach to carbon neutrality goals
Our holistic approach, combining advanced technology, industry partnerships, and education, has the potential to drive meaningful change and accelerate progress towards Malaysia’s 2050 carbon neutrality goal.
We can boost renewable energy production by embracing smart PV solutions, grid technologies, and energy storage systems while ensuring fair access for all.
By facilitating financing and investments into sustainable energy projects, we can make green technologies affordable for all segments of society.
Just last April, the Government of Malaysia announced that it would establish an Energy Exchange Malaysia (“ENEGEM“) to facilitate cross-border sales of green electricity to neighbouring countries, namely Singapore and Thailand. This will promote growth in the industry and lead to the adoption of the latest green energy technologies to propel Malaysia into a regional hub for the development of RE experts and capabilities.
In terms of talent cultivation, our training programmes and knowledge-sharing initiatives aim to build a sustainable high-skilled workforce that can lead the transition to future-focused technology.
Huawei aspires to lead by example as both a stakeholder and technology provider in addressing the intricate energy trilemma. Achieving carbon peak and carbon neutrality will require the collective efforts of all industry players. We must create an ecosystem and we all need to be partners as well as players in this ecosystem. Huawei will continue to be a trusted partner and work with our partners across the industry value chain towards a better and greener Malaysia.
Lenovo is solidifying its position as a trusted partner in sustainable IT solutions with the launch of the Lenovo Intelligent Sustainability Solutions Advisor (LISSA). This AI-powered tool empowers businesses to make data-driven IT decisions that minimize their environmental footprint.
LISSA acts as a one-stop shop for businesses seeking to make informed and environmentally conscious IT choices. According to Lenovo, here’s how LISSA empowers users:
Actionable Sustainability Insights: Gain a clear understanding of your estimated emissions impact across the entire IT lifecycle, from hardware acquisition to disposal. This includes factors like material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, and product use.
Customized Solutions: Develop tailored plans that align with your specific sustainability goals. LISSA considers your industry, business size, and existing IT infrastructure to recommend the most impactful solutions.
AI-Powered Recommendations with Transparency: Leverage the power of Generative AI to explore the environmental impact of various Lenovo sustainability solutions. This includes options like TruScale Device as a Service (DaaS), Asset Recovery programs, and energy-efficient packaging choices. LISSA provides clear data on the estimated carbon emissions associated with each option, ensuring transparency in your decision-making process.
LISSA goes beyond simple data analysis. It simulates various IT solution pathways, identifying potential opportunities to reduce emissions and support your organization’s decarbonization goals in the digital workplace. This aligns perfectly with a recent survey where 87% of executives believe AI can play a crucial role in combating climate change by mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.
“Sustainability isn’t just a trend; it’s a core business principle,” emphasizes Claudia Contreras, Executive Director of Global Sustainability Services for Lenovo. “LISSA equips customers with the data and AI-powered recommendations they need to make informed IT purchasing decisions with environmental impact in mind.”
Lenovo remains committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and LISSA is a key tool in empowering its customers to join them on this journey.
Contreras acknowledges that “there’s no one-size-fits-all approach” to sustainability. LISSA caters to this by providing each customer with a personalized sustainability journey. Businesses of all sizes can leverage LISSA’s data-driven insights and AI-powered recommendations to optimize their IT investments while prioritizing environmental responsibility. This empowers them to not only compare IT solutions in real-time but also design solutions that align with both budgetary and sustainability goals.
With tools like LISSA, Lenovo is taking a proactive approach to building a more sustainable future for the IT industry and beyond.
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.
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).
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.
This article is contributed by Varinderjit Singh, General Manager at Lenovo Malaysia.
Those of us in the manufacturing industry have already come to terms with a difficult truth: manufacturing output is set to shrink by 3.2% this year. Stringent regulations and decreased consumer demand are proving very trying in a recessionary environment.
And many manufacturers still find themselves short-staffed. They are tasked with doing more with less. Upping output without the talent and financial resources they relied on in the past.
I see only one way forward: doing whatever we possibly can to create a streamlined working environment. Organizations that get hung up on what they don’t have will fall behind. Smart organizations think laterally. They understand that they have the means to effect change on their environments. And that seemingly small changes quickly add up.
Creating a streamlined, productive environment is the way forward. Increasing operational efficiency has never been as crucial as it is at this moment in time. Organizations that take action to create this kind of environment now will reap the rewards and come out stronger.
The three building blocks of an efficient environment
1. Making the most of your assets with IT and OT convergence
As a reminder, IT is Information Technology, tools that process data. OT is Operational Technology, tools for managing physical assets. IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) technology can bring IT and OT together. With IIoT tools like smart sensors, digital twins, and machine learning, physical assets come to life in the IT space. When leadership can see crucial data and insights on how machines are doing, they can ensure that they make the most of them. A great example of a product that can assist with making the most of your assets through IT convergence is the ThinkPad® X1 Carbon Gen 11, powered by Intel® Core™ i5-1335U processor (13th Gen), built for what IT needs and users want.
Utility consumption monitoring is a great example of the benefits of converged IT and OT. Electricity, water, and gas make up a significant part of any manufacturer’s budget. Sensors on the factory floor can detect when a process consumes more power than necessary. This data is then acted on in real time – and the process is automatically adjusted until it’s optimal. For example, temperature and water use can automatically be controlled to create an environment that supports efficient energy use. Where equipment needs to be warmer to operate, they can automatically be switched on when the time’s exactly right – eliminating the wastage that comes with guessing the wrong timing. Sensors that detect compressed-air leaks allows leadership to act before more energy goes to waste.
The cumulative savings tend to make a profound difference to utility bills. Even better: IIoT helps manufacturers get closer to their ESG goals and safeguard the environment.
2. Staying a step ahead with predictive maintenance
The technological advances in predictive maintenance are some of the most exciting I’ve seen in my career. Instead of waiting for machines to break down, we can now proactively prevent them from reaching a state of disrepair. There’s now no reason for manufacturers to be wrong-footed by ‘cranky’ or ‘moody’ machinery.
In order to reap the benefits of predictive maintenance, manufacturers need to have the right solutions in place. High-quality sensors, reliable and fast connectivity, and servers that can process asset data and allow it to be analyzed, fast.
Naturally, I’m a big advocate of Lenovo’s ThinkEdge servers, powered by Intel® and enabled by AI. These servers have the processing power required to make quick work of asset data. They are rugged and sturdy and can withstand extreme temperatures, dust, and vibration. My clients store these servers on the floor, close to where data is generated. This reduces latency between data collection and a resulting insight – allowing leadership to act fast when an AI alerts them of a potential issue or a worrisome trend.
3. Keep quality high with virtual inspection
In manufacturing, high-quality products are what we live for, and inspection is a crucial process for any manufacturer. More and more, I’m seeing manual quality assurance become a thing of the past.
Continuous, virtual inspection means that manufacturers can track every process, part, and final product. If a quality issue arises on the floor, IIoT technology means that a real-time notification will trigger necessary corrective actions for related processes or down-the-line tasks – including dynamically adjusting product runs.
This kind of intelligent inspection leads to time and money saved. Fixing potential issues before they lead to defective products is obviously much less costly than tossing out goods that are not up to standard. But it’s more than that: a smart factory floor with integrated IT and OT means that AI is continuously learning to improve and streamline processes. This allows manufacturers to create products they can be proud of, keeping their customer experiences high while boosting their productivity. It’s a win-win.
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)
As Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) is becoming an increasingly hot topic, Acer is looking to lead the tech industry with a renewed commitment to effectively reduce its carbon footprint. In fact, the company gunning for carbon neutrality with its upcoming Aspire Vero 16 (AV16-51P) laptop. The Aspire Vero has already broken new ground in the usage of recycled materials used in the laptop. However, Acer is looking to make the product a truly carbon-neutral one.
The Aspire Vero 16 (AV16-51P) will be leading the company’s charge into carbon neutrality. Starting from its manufacturing every step of the process will be optimised. Materials and partners for the laptop will be part of this effort. A top-to-toe audit and revamp of its processes to align with international standards for carbon footprint calculation and neutrality.
An En-Vero-mentally Conscious Approach from Top-to-Toe
Jerry Kao, Acer Inc.’s COO, emphasized the company’s focus on ‘conscious technology’ designed with a future-forward approach. The Aspire Vero series has been a pioneer in eco-conscious design from its inception. The Aspire Vero 16 continues this legacy by minimizing its carbon footprint throughout its lifecycle. This starts from manufacturing and even includes packaging and end-of-life recycling.
The laptop’s chassis has been a standout when it comes to sustainable design. From the get-go, recycled plastic has been used in manufacturing the Vero. With the Aspire Vero 16, the percentage of recycled plastic has increased to over 60% – a significant increase from the previous generation. It is free from volatile organic compounds, paint, or additives, contributing to a cleaner environment. The recycled materials are not only in the chassis either, the touchpad also incorporates ocean-bound plastic.
It’s not just about materials either, Acer’s Aspire Vero is also designed to be easily taken apart for repairs and upgrades. This conscious design also allows the laptop to be recycled more effectively.
Working to Achieve Carbon Neutrality Even in Usage
On the technology side of things, Acer has integrated the latest Intel® Core™ Ultra processors into the Aspire Vero 16, ensuring better power efficiency compared to its predecessors. The addition of Intel AI Boost, an integrated neural processing unit (NPU), brings AI-powered capabilities with extreme energy efficiency, aligning with Acer’s green vision.
Even when it comes to power management, the laptop comes with AcerSense software. This software in the Aspire Vero 16 focuses on energy efficiency. It offers four performance modes: Eco+, Eco, Balanced, and Performance, allowing users to optimize power consumption based on their needs.
To address the environmental impact of packaging, Acer is adopting sustainable practices. The company recycles scrap materials created during production, and the laptop’s packaging is 100% recyclable. The thoughtful design also includes the 100% recycled FSC-certified paper box that can be easily repurposed.
In shipping, Acer has partnered with like-minded logistics providers. These providers are reducing carbon emissions from standard shipping of sea containers through the use of biofuel on various routes. After implementing these emission reduction measures, Acer will retire high-quality carbon credits to achieve carbon neutrality.
Acer’s renewed approach to sustainability and environmental stewardship comes amidst increasing criticism from watchdogs and environmentalists towards companies relying on carbon credits for sustainability efforts. Acer’s approach to ‘conscious technology’ is the first to date that aims to retire carbon credits and instead rely on impactful changes throughout the processes of manufacturing, transport and even disposal of products.
This article is contributed by Varinderjit Singh, General Manager, Lenovo Malaysia
For years, consumer electronics have been viewed as replaceable rather than repairable. Quickly consumed and then easily considered disposable, devices are often discarded, sometimes well before what could be considered a standard end-of-life period.
While recycling has long been the go-to method for minimizing waste in various other sectors, it isn’t as widely embraced in technology. According to a report from Statista, more than 53 million metric tons of electronic waste was generated globally in 2019, up from 33 million in 2010. Only 17.4% of which was documented to be collected and properly recycled.
While efforts to improve recycling rates of e-waste should undoubtedly continue, as someone who has dedicated their life to innovation, the question I pose is, how can we extend the useful life of devices until they truly are ready to be recycled? To answer that question, we must first examine what drives people to dispose of their devices.
Our replacement ecosystem
Today, the lifecycle of devices is largely influenced by technology and user preferences. As new versions of products that meet new needs are introduced, there is a natural desire to replace what is owned with the new. This replacement ecosystem can in turn generate waste. As an example, consider the main motivation someone has for buying a new smartphone or laptop.
Often, such an action is taken when the battery life deteriorates. Years ago, when PCs had batteries designed to be easily removed and replaced, the user could just pull it off and attach a new one. Now, it’s not that simple, largely due to user preferences that have shaped our technological landscape.
As devices have become exceptionally sleek to meet the needs and wants of consumers, they’ve become less easy to repair in the process. So, when a user’s experience with the device is negatively impacted by poor battery performance, the easiest available choice seems to be to replace the device with another, with many opting for something new.
In this lifecycle, an expectation to constantly produce is placed on manufacturers, leaving the user to desire what’s new rather than attempt to enjoy a long-term experience with the product.
Though many people choose to replace their old devices with something new, it isn’t inevitable that devices be scrapped once their initial useful life appears to be over. As we’ve become used to an ecosystem that’s less accommodating of device reparability over the past decade, I revisit the question I initially posed, how can we extend the useful life of devices?
The Cynic’s Response
When I’ve discussed the aforementioned question in forums, I’ve occasionally been met with cynicism.
The cynicism is underpinned by the belief that products are designed to be replaced after several years since they regenerate sales. Looking at how device usability can be extended isn’t seen as being commercially viable in this particular instance.
While I acknowledge there are always people who will want the latest devices, I want to put forward the idea that the “old device” has the potential to still be phenomenal. It has a lot of value in its ability to be reused either by family members or others in the community, for example.
A great example of a device is the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon operating on Windows 11 Pro. Boost employee productivity with modern Windows 11 Pro devices for business. Focus, create, and collaborate with ease from any location with natural workflows and intelligent experiences.
Getting to circular
It’s obvious to me that people want to feel good about what they do. When given the choice, many people would prefer to purchase a sustainable alternative to be more eco-friendly.
The question, at least in my mind, is, to what extent are people willing to be inconvenienced for more sustainable features? Whether it’s a marginally higher price point, time spent waiting for a repair or embracing modularity instead of buying the hottest new device, there’s a lot to unpack. The question alone encapsulates a guiding mission for device manufacturers to do everything possible to make it easier for consumers to make sustainable choices.
To act on this, I think we need to design in-feature capabilities that will make it easier to improve reusability and extend usability in general. This is why we’re designing our products to be more durable, where, as an example, we’re embedding longer lifespan batteries into our products. We must, however, ensure the user experience isn’t being compromised in the process.
Then, there’s the aspect of reparability. At its best, I think of reparability as Lenovo’s partnership with Kramden Institute, an organization that refurbishes machines and gives them to families who don’t have computers, extending the life of valuable technology and closing the digital divide.
We’ve also made it easier for our customers to get more long-term use of their products through three-year standard warranties and five years of replacement parts for many of our products. By offering advanced support services, products can be quickly repaired to minimize interruption and hassle. For those who want to repair their own devices, we offer service and maintenance manuals, as well as part removal and replacement videos.
These are, of course, in addition to recycling the device and leveraging recycled materials in the manufacturing of products. As stated in our recent ESG report, this has been a key focus at Lenovo, where we’ve greatly increased the integration of new recycled materials (e.g. magnesium, aluminium and ocean-bound plastics).
Now, Lenovo manufactures 248 products that use closed-loop recycled plastic (an increase from 103 in 2021). As part of our product recycling approach, Lenovo offers product take-back programs and an Asset Recovery Services program that provides companies with a sustainable disposition strategy that will help mitigate the environmental and data security risks associated with end-of-life device disposal.
Ultimately, at Lenovo, we are working to increase the number of products, components, and materials that are reused, repaired, and recycled. In doing this, we extract the greatest amount of value from products while they’re in use. Keeping products in use for longer, recycling materials, and reusing products in new ways are the staples of transitioning from a replacement ecosystem to a circular one.
From an engineering standpoint, balancing the need to increase the deployment of more eco-friendly resources with the ability to engineer efficiency in manufacturing is how we will win on the road to doing better.
While I don’t see us moving back to the thick, heavy design that characterized yesterday’s devices, there’s definitely an opportunity where we can replicate the reusable functionalities while also having minimal impact on design. I’m excited to see how we can go a lot further with this than where we are today.