NTT Data hedges its AI bets

[SINGAPORE] Global systems integrator NTT Data is navigating the rising tensions between artificial intelligence (AI) giants in the East and West by forging deeper partnerships on both sides, said John Lombard, its Asia-Pacific chief executive officer.

In an exclusive interview with The Business Times, he noted that NTT Data works with various collaborators so that its clients will have an array of services to choose from. He cited partnerships with Google Cloud, Cisco and, more recently, French AI startup Mistral AI.

“That includes making sure that we are working with partners that offer different types of solutions for different scenarios,” he said.

This focus comes amid intensifying AI competition between the United States and China. To ensure that NTT Data customers have more options, Lombard emphasised that the company will also continue its collaborations in different regions.

For instance, it has a sizeable customer base in the China market and works with Chinese vendors as well, he said.

“We do our own analysis of what we believe is the best portfolio of solutions for our client base,” he pointed out, noting that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for markets.

“Crazy” not to expand on data centres

But among NTT Data’s 2,000-strong team in Singapore, only half are in the IT services industry. The other half, he said, focuses on technology solutions. This includes working on the data centre network.

Data centres are essential to the group’s growth, Lombard added, noting the recent debut of NTT DC Reit on the Singapore Exchange.

Given the high level of interest, Lombard believes it would be “crazy” not to continue expanding on data centres in Singapore. However, he acknowledged the lack of land and energy in the Republic.

As for NTT Data’s competitive edge in this industry, he noted that unlike other data centre operators – which solely build infrastructure – the company also focuses on laying data cables underwater.

It commissioned the Malaysia, India, Singapore Transit in June this year. The submarine cable system will span some 8,100 km and improve data centre latency and connectivity.

Upskilling for a fundamental shift

For NTT Data to continue to grow in Singapore and worldwide, Lombard believes its staff need to be equipped with the necessary AI skills.

“I definitely believe we are about to go through a fundamental shift in the way we as humans work,” he explained, adding that the onus is on the company to make sure that its employees and their families, as well as communities, are prepared for this transition.

However, he noted that there is a general lack of AI-related talent. This makes giving its own employees chances to reskill and work on relevant projects a priority for NTT Data.

Moreover, data is treated more sensitively in certain regulated industries, limiting the possibility of it being moved offshore. An upskilled workforce would be more nimble in navigating these new regulatory environments, Lombard said.

NTT Data offers various degrees of AI certification to its staff. The take-up rate for its most basic level, “white belt”, is 100 per cent; that of the next level, “yellow belt”, is about 70 per cent.

Employees can gain access to higher levels through online training with exams.

The company aims to have 30,000 AI specialists within the next two years, Lombard said. He did not disclose the number of AI specialists currently employed by NTT Data.