#ShapeXPodcast

Inside Asia’s Data Center Boom: Scale, Sustainability & Secondary Markets

In this episode, we sit down with Pritesh Swamy, Head of Data Center Research & Advisory, Asia Pacific at Cushman & Wakefield, to explore the forces reshaping Asia’s digital infrastructure—from hyperscale growth and sustainable design to AI workloads and capital investment strategies. With over two decades of research expertise, Pritesh offers a comprehensive view into how the region is evolving—from Singapore and Tokyo to emerging hubs like Johor, Chennai, and Manila. We also dive into the role of ESG in financing, the rise of AI-native data centers, and the regional shifts shaping APAC’s next chapter in cloud, connectivity, and compute. 🎧 What you'll learn in this episode: * The transition from 10 MW to 300+ MW campuses in APAC * How AI and cloud demands are influencing location and design * Why ESG standards and green finance are driving investor behavior * The rise of secondary markets across Southeast and South Asia * The need for proactive policy and regional collaboration Whether you're an operator, investor, policymaker, or simply curious about the infrastructure powering the digital economy—this episode offers critical insights into Asia’s data-driven future.

Talent in Transition: Bridging the Data Center Workforce Gap in Asia

In this episode of the #ShapeXPodcast, we speak with Chris Lamb, Regional Managing Director of Data Center Recruitment – Asia at First Point Group, about the evolving talent landscape across Asia’s data center industry. With nearly 20 years of experience recruiting across emerging and mature markets, Chris shares insights into the region’s most in-demand roles, the growing talent shortage, and how culture, compensation, and employer branding play critical roles in attracting and retaining top professionals. Whether you’re a hiring manager scaling a facility, a newcomer entering the field, or a policymaker shaping the future of digital infrastructure—this episode offers valuable perspectives on the people powering Asia’s digital future. 🎧 Topics include: * The #1 hiring challenge in Asia’s data center boom * How emerging markets like Thailand and Malaysia are catching up * What candidates really want (beyond salary) * Building local pipelines and growing internal talent * Advice for those looking to break into the industry Chris can be reached directly via email: clamb@firstpointgroup.com or First Point Group [https://www.firstpointgroup.com/about-us/meet-the-team/profile/christopher-lamb/]

Governments in the Age of Intelligence: AI, Data, and Global Collaboration

In this episode of the ShapeX Podcast, we delve into how government institutions are navigating the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, data sovereignty, and systems transformation with Dr. Ravinder Singh, Head of Digital and Systems at the UK Cabinet Office. Recently named one of the Top 100 IT Leaders in the UK by Computing.co.uk, Dr. Ravinder brings a wealth of experience in leading national digital strategy and infrastructure within one of the world’s most complex public sector ecosystems. He shares a compelling perspective on how governments can embrace innovation responsibly while maintaining trust, resilience, and operational excellence. This timely conversation explores how public institutions are adapting to emerging technologies, designing ethical AI frameworks, and building cross-border collaboration—particularly as Asia’s digital economies continue to gain global influence. Key Topics Discussed: Reimagining Public Sector Leadership: Dr. Ravinder shares his journey from systems architect to senior leadership at the UK Cabinet Office, and how that path informs his approach to digital transformation. AI in Government Services: How artificial intelligence is being applied to streamline public service delivery, improve citizen trust, and automate essential operations in a secure and inclusive way. Balancing Innovation and Governance: A discussion on how governments can embrace experimentation while ensuring accountability, ethical compliance, and data protection. Scaling AI Across Departments: The challenges of moving beyond pilots to implement AI solutions at scale—across different agencies, infrastructures, and regulatory frameworks. Modernizing National Data Infrastructure: Insights into the UK’s approach to upgrading its data architecture—including how it integrates cloud, hybrid environments, and evolving data center strategies. Public-Private Partnerships for Digital Advancement: Why collaboration with private industry is essential to accelerating AI and data capability in government, and how such partnerships are structured for impact. UK–Asia Tech Cooperation: Opportunities for cross-border partnerships in data infrastructure, AI governance, and digital public goods as Asia’s influence in global innovation rises. AI Ethics and Global Governance: How nations can align on shared values, principles, and standards in the rapidly evolving AI and data ethics landscape. Emerging Trends to Watch in 2025: The key technologies and shifts in AI and digital systems that will likely redefine how governments operate in the coming years. Next-Gen Public Sector Leadership: The evolving skillsets required for tomorrow’s digital leaders—and how to foster innovation within traditionally risk-averse institutions. Join us for an in-depth conversation on the future of governance in the digital age—where infrastructure, intelligence, and international cooperation intersect.

AI at Scale: Turning Research into Real-World Success

In this episode, we explore the intersection of innovation, entrepreneurship, and artificial intelligence with Vasanth Raju, Head of AI Products at Rakuten. With an impressive background spanning Google, startup ventures, and now a leadership role at one of Japan’s leading tech ecosystems, Vasanth shares his journey of turning cutting-edge AI research into scalable, real-world solutions. Key Topics Discussed: * From Research to Real-World Impact: Vasanth’s transition from AI researcher and founder to Head of AI Products, and how his early passion for AI evolved into large-scale innovation. * Bridging the Gap Between Innovation and Scale: The toughest challenges in translating AI research into usable products—and how Vasanth’s teams overcome them. * Scaling AI for the Enterprise: Best practices for building AI products that not only work, but thrive in complex business environments. * LLMs & the Future of Work: Vasanth’s take on large language models—how they’re reshaping industries, the efficiency they bring, and the job displacement concerns they raise. * Keeping Pace with Innovation: How to stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving AI space, and the criteria Vasanth uses to identify promising technologies. * Leading High-Impact AI Teams: Insights into leadership in AI—how to inspire innovation and turn research into results. * Data Infrastructure at Scale: Why scalable data architecture is crucial, and how Rakuten supports AI development through robust infrastructure. * Why Some AI Fails to Launch: Vasanth unpacks why many promising AI projects never reach market, and what makes the successful ones different. * Risks in Commercializing AI: A candid discussion about common misconceptions in AI productization and how to mitigate associated risks. * Advice for AI Entrepreneurs: Vasanth’s outlook on the future of AI-driven startups and his advice to aspiring founders ready to break into the space. Join us for a thoughtful, tech-forward conversation on how AI is reshaping industries—and what it takes to build products that make a lasting impact. #ShapeXPodcast #AIProducts #ArtificialIntelligence #RakutenAI #Entrepreneurship #LLMs #TechLeadership #ShapeX #FutureOfWork #ScalableInnovation

The Future of Urban Air Mobility and Sustainable Development in Asia-Pacific

In this episode, we explore the future of urban air mobility and sustainable aviation in the Asia-Pacific region with Paul Burton, Managing Director for Asia Pacific at Aviation Week Network. Paul shares his expert insights on the technological advancements shaping the aviation industry, how cities are preparing for flying vehicles, and the balance between innovation, sustainability, and safety. Key Topics Discussed: * Paul’s Journey into Aviation: What sparked his passion for aviation and how his global experiences influence his vision for the future of air mobility in Asia. * Urban Air Mobility in Asia-Pacific: From flying cars to electric air taxis—Paul breaks down how these technologies are likely to impact daily life in urban centers across the region. * Sustainable Aviation: Exploring the green transformation of aviation, and how the industry can reduce its environmental footprint while meeting the region’s growing air travel demands. * Infrastructure and Urban Planning: How cities must evolve to accommodate new aviation technologies, including drones and air taxis, and what that means for urban development. * Public vs. Private Investment: Who should take the lead in advancing clean aviation tech—governments or private innovators? Paul shares his take on achieving the right balance. * Cities Leading the Way: Discover which Asian cities are setting the pace in integrating aviation technologies into their transportation ecosystems and what we can learn from their approach. * Game-Changing Innovations: A look at the developments that could revolutionize the aviation industry in the next 5–10 years. * Regulatory Readiness & Safety: As the race for flying vehicles accelerates, are we overlooking crucial infrastructure and regulatory frameworks? Paul discusses the risks and necessary safeguards. * Environmental Debates in Aviation: Are electric planes the real solution—or just a shiny distraction? Paul offers his honest take on where the industry's priorities should lie. Join us for a forward-thinking conversation on the innovations lifting aviation to new heights—and what it means for Asia-Pacific’s urban future. #ShapeXPodcast #UrbanAirMobility #SustainableAviation #FutureOfFlight #MobilityTech #AviationWeek #AsiaPacificTech #ShapeX