Jakarta, INTI – How can artificial intelligence (AI) help extinguish fires, manage solar power plants, and even welcome tourists at a zoo? That question was answered directly by IBM at Think Singapore 2025, held on Wednesday 20, August, 2025. The event became a stage for the global technology company to demonstrate that AI is no longer just a promise of the future, but a tangible solution for industries and society across Southeast Asia.
AI Solutions for Modern Challenges
IBM presented a series of innovations built on Hybrid Cloud, Agentic AI, and cloud computing. These technologies are designed to help companies process data more effectively while addressing increasingly complex business challenges.
“At IBM, we combine Hybrid Cloud technology, Agentic AI capabilities, and deep industry expertise to solve complex problems, deliver AI that is ready to use, and help businesses run it with confidence,” explained Catherin Lian, General Manager of IBM ASEAN.
The enthusiasm was evident. Conference rooms were filled to capacity, while in the experience zone long queues formed as visitors lined up to try the new technologies firsthand.
From Firefighters to Solar Energy
AI took the spotlight with various real-world applications. One highlight was 3D-Spatial AI used by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). This technology allows firefighters to conduct automated inspections through AI- and AR-powered smart glasses, reducing inspection time while enabling field commanders to receive real-time input from specialists.
In the energy sector, the IBM Maximo Application Suite and Watsonx were showcased to monitor solar power plants. When the system detects anomalies, drones are automatically deployed for visual inspection, providing recommendations for predictive maintenance.
Smart Manufacturing and Interactive Robots
IBM also introduced AI-powered manufacturing technologies. A cobot equipped with multi-AI cameras can detect more than 15 types of defects in memory modules, ensuring higher production quality.
Visitors were equally impressed by an autonomous robot at Mandai Wildlife Reserve that can interact like a tour guide. IBM even presented a multimodal AI robot dog capable of patrolling hazardous areas, detecting anomalies through thermal imaging, and connecting to predictive maintenance systems.
A Showcase of Future Technologies
Beyond industrial applications, IBM also featured Quantum Computing, which is claimed to solve highly complex problems beyond the capabilities of classical computers. The company also unveiled the IBM Power11, its next-generation enterprise server designed to support hybrid cloud needs.
AI was also brought into the sports arena from Sevilla FC’s Scout Advisor for player recruitment, AI-driven fan engagement at Scuderia Ferrari, to digital experiences at the Wimbledon and US Open tennis tournaments.
Collaboration as the Key to Transformation
IBM emphasized that AI must be built with a clear purpose and deliver measurable impact. Therefore, cross-sector collaboration involving SMEs, large enterprises, and governments is essential to ensure that AI adoption creates broad societal benefits.
The second tour of the Industry 4.0 Studio in Changi Business District reinforced this commitment. Through live demonstrations ranging from edge computing and AR to AI-driven equipment management, IBM proved that smart manufacturing transformation is no longer theory, but practice ready to be applied today.
Conclusion
The Think Singapore 2025 event reaffirmed IBM’s position as a pioneer in digital innovation. From firefighting to tourism robots, from solar power plants to global sports, all serve as proof that AI is now part of everyday life. With the right collaboration, Southeast Asia has the potential to become a hub of AI innovation and future industries.
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