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Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Securing the next digital leap
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox With 30 years in Singapore, Cisco is expanding its role from Internet pioneer to trusted partner in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital resilience 'Our purpose of powering an inclusive future for all drives everything we do, from shaping strategy and governance to fostering trust, security, ethics, and a workplace where everyone can thrive,' says Bee Kheng Tay, President of Cisco ASEAN. IN 1984, a simple desire to connect two networks sparked what would become one of the most transformative companies in modern technology. Cisco began with a vision to make communication easier, but four decades on, it is helping the world adapt to the complexities of digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity. This year marks Cisco's 30th anniversary in Singapore. Over the past three decades, the company has evolved from its networking roots to become a key technology partner helping organisations modernise infrastructure, secure their operations, and make AI adoption more accessible. 'As the role of the network evolved, so has Cisco. Modern, resilient infrastructure is critical – not just to connect but also to protect against today's threats and harness the power of AI. With every increasing digital touchpoint comes the need for security. There is no one else in the industry that can deliver a secure networking proposition like us,' says Bee Kheng Tay, President of Cisco ASEAN. Cisco's core belief that a more inclusive and secure future can be enabled through technology now drives every aspect of its operations in Singapore. From enterprise clients to national infrastructure, the company is investing in platforms, partnerships, and people to prepare the country for what comes next. Connecting and protecting everything While Cisco remains synonymous with networking, its offerings today span far beyond. The company has been leveraging its platform advantage across networking, security, observability, and collaboration to enable businesses to operate more efficiently, gain visibility into potential threats, and adopt AI at scale. In Singapore, demand for such solutions is growing fast. According to Cisco's 2025 Global Networking Research, 97 per cent of organisations here believe a modernised network is essential for rolling out AI, Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud solutions. However, many are still playing catch-up. Cisco's AI Readiness Index revealed that just 13 per cent of organisations in Singapore are fully prepared to deploy and leverage AI. The biggest hurdle is infrastructure. Only 22 per cent had the graphics processing units (GPUs) needed to meet current and future AI demands. And just 25 per cent had full capabilities to protect AI models using end-to-end encryption and continuous threat monitoring. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Luxury items seized in $3b money laundering case handed over to Deloitte for liquidation Singapore MyRepublic customers air concerns over broadband speed after sale to StarHub Singapore Power switchboard failure led to disruption in NEL, Sengkang-Punggol LRT services: SBS Transit Singapore NEL and Sengkang-Punggol LRT resume service after hours-long power fault Business Ninja Van cuts 12% of Singapore workforce after 2 rounds of layoffs in 2024 Singapore Hyflux investigator 'took advantage' of Olivia Lum's inability to recall events: Davinder Singh Singapore Man who stabbed son-in-law to death in Boon Tat Street in 2017 dies of heart attack, says daughter Singapore Man who stalked woman blasted by judge on appeal for asking scandalous questions in court 'AI demands architectural shifts. For Cisco, we are powering AI at scale by building the AI 'superhighway', robust infrastructure built for the most demanding environments. We're here to support customers with our AI infrastructure solutions,' says Tay. To support this shift, Cisco has launched a series of initiatives and products. For instance, its Secure AI Factory, developed with NVIDIA, provides end-to-end protection for AI workloads, while Cisco AI PODs offer plug-and-play infrastructure for AI inferencing. Cisco and NVIDIA are working together to deliver a unified architecture for building AI-ready data centre networks. Partnerships with purpose Cisco's work in Singapore extends to the public sector. Through its Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) programme, Cisco collaborates with government agencies in Singapore and around the world to realise their digital agendas. The company runs this programme globally in 50 countries, with over 1,600 active, completed, or upcoming projects. In the area of emerging technologies, Cisco has signed a Memorandum of Intent with the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) to build a testbed under CDA. Cisco will also conduct workshops and dialogues to explore AI's role in 5G cybersecurity, while providing regular updates to the industry. Cisco has also collaborated with the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA), where both parties signed a Memorandum of Collaboration to enhance the nation's security and digital resilience. The partnership focuses on areas such as threat intelligence sharing, talent development and capacity building. Cisco signed a Memorandum of Collaboration with the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore to enhance the nation's cyber and digital resilience. Beyond CDA, Cisco also supports innovation through academia. In 2021, Cisco partnered with the National University of Singapore (NUS), with support from the National Research Foundation (NRF), and launched a S$54 million corporate lab focused on advancing critical areas like AI, cybersecurity, urban infrastructure, and healthcare. Furthermore, Cisco actively engages the startup ecosystem to drive Singapore's innovation journey. To this end, the company has launched a global US$1 billion investment fund aimed at accelerating the development of secure, trustworthy AI solutions. Singapore-based startups are eligible for funding, creating new pathways for local innovators to co-develop cutting-edge technologies alongside Cisco. These investments reflect Cisco's goal to co-develop innovative products with world-class start-ups, building upon its strategy to connect and protect enterprises in the AI era. Driving inclusion through digital skills At the heart of Cisco's strategy is a long-term commitment to inclusion. Through various initiatives, the company has reached over 24 million learners across 191 countries since 1997, and has a goal to train 25 million more people in digital and cybersecurity by 2032. In Singapore alone, Cisco has trained more than 110,000 students through 24 local academies under the Cisco Networking Academy, a global skills-to-jobs programme. The programme not only targets students and jobseekers, but also serves vulnerable communities. In 2021, Cisco began working with Jesuit Refugee Service in Singapore to provide professional IT training to displaced individuals. Despite limited access to technology, four refugees went on to become certified Cisco instructors and secured internships with IT consulting firms. Beyond Singapore, the CDA programme has supported crisis response and smart city development in ASEAN. When Typhoon Odette struck the Philippines in 2021, Cisco deployed emergency response vehicles equipped with satellite and Wi-Fi technology to restore communication for residents and relief workers. In Baguio City, Cisco helped set up a Smart City Command Centre, enabling real-time monitoring of urban infrastructure, traffic, and safety systems. 'Our purpose of powering an inclusive future for all drives everything we do, from shaping strategy and governance to fostering trust, security, ethics, and a workplace where everyone can thrive,' Tay says. This commitment to inclusion is also reflected in the way it supports and empowers its own people. The company has cultivated a workplace culture that prioritises inclusion, flexibility and trust. Monthly check-ins between leadership and staff, flexible work options and mentoring networks such as Women of Cisco are just some of the initiatives that foster a connected and resilient workforce. For its efforts, Cisco Singapore has ranked among the top places to work on the 'Best Workplaces in Singapore' list from 2020 to 2024. In 2024, it took the top spot for the third consecutive year in both the technology sector and the overall medium-sized business category. Preparing for the next wave Looking ahead, Cisco sees new challenges emerging from the rapid rise of agentic AI. Unlike traditional AI models, agentic AI involves multi-agent systems working across multiple clouds and data centres. These systems require high-speed communication and secure collaboration. Cisco is responding with purpose-built, secure infrastructure and native AI tools. For instance, its Smart Switches solution is designed to handle AI workloads at speed, while Cisco Cloud Control, provides centralised management of cross-product workflows. Complementing these solutions are tools focused on security and risk management. Cisco Hypershield automates security policy updates across distributed systems, while AI Defense addresses threats from shadow AI deployments. Tay believes the future belongs to those who can secure and scale innovation responsibly. 'We are committed to innovating responsibly, ethically, and sustainably to shape this future and support enterprises as they embark on and scale their AI journeys,' she says. That future is already being built in Singapore, where Cisco continues to invest in partnerships, technology and people. From powering national security to expanding access to education, Cisco's story in Singapore is one of growth through connection. 30 years of digital partnership in Singapore From national infrastructure to community programmes, Cisco's impact in Singapore has been both deep and wide. Here are some key initiatives: Cybersecurity collaboration: Cisco signed a Memorandum of Collaboration with the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore to enhance the nation's cyber and digital resilience. Smart nation enabler: A 5G testbed developed with IMDA, alongside other pilot projects with industry players, are supporting Singapore's ambitions in connectivity and public safety. S$54 million corporate lab: Cisco-NUS Corporate Lab, supported by the National Research Foundation, is focused on advancing critical areas like AI, cybersecurity, urban infrastructure, and healthcare. AI startup investment: Singapore innovators can tap into Cisco's global US$1 billion AI investment fund to co-develop secure, next-generation solutions. Upskilling for inclusion: Over 110,000 learners have trained through Cisco Networking Academy in Singapore, including displaced individuals supported by Jesuit Refugee Service.
Bloomberg
20-02-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Bloomberg Businessweek: Nuke's Potential for AI
Watch Carol and Tim LIVE every day on YouTube: Maria Korsnick, CEO of the Nuclear Energy Institute, discusses the critical role nuclear power has in meeting the energy needs of AI. Jeetu Patel, Chief Product Officer at Cisco, shares the details of the company's AI Readiness Index: Are Companies Prepared to Effectively Implement AI. Hosts: Carol Massar and Tim Stenovec. Producer: Paul Brennan.
TECHx
29-01-2025
- Business
- TECHx
Cisco Reveals Saudi AI Adoption Insights Ahead of LEAP 2025 - TECHx Media Cisco Reveals Saudi AI Adoption Insights Ahead of LEAP 2025
Cisco Reveals Saudi AI Adoption Insights Ahead of LEAP 2025 News Desk - Share Ahead of the highly anticipated LEAP 2025 conference in Riyadh, Cisco has unveiled the findings from its latest AI Readiness Index. The report reveals that 72% of organizations in Saudi Arabia (KSA) have developed a strategy to deploy AI-powered solutions, underscoring the growing importance of AI in business transformation. However, despite the rising urgency, businesses in KSA face challenges in adopting and fully leveraging AI amid rapid market changes and its anticipated impact on operations. The AI Readiness Index is based on a comprehensive survey of 7,985 senior business leaders from organizations with 500 or more employees across 30 global markets, including KSA. The survey assesses AI readiness across six key pillars: strategy, infrastructure, data, governance, talent, and culture. Key Findings from Cisco's AI Readiness Index: Urgency in AI Adoption AI has become a critical element of business strategy, with 98% of companies in KSA reporting an increased urgency to deploy AI in the past year. CEOs and leadership teams are driving the push, and 86% of organizations believe they have only 18 months to demonstrate AI's impact, with 60% giving themselves just 12 months. AI has become a critical element of business strategy, with 98% of companies in KSA reporting an increased urgency to deploy AI in the past year. CEOs and leadership teams are driving the push, and 86% of organizations believe they have only 18 months to demonstrate AI's impact, with 60% giving themselves just 12 months. Growing Investment in AI AI investments have surged in Saudi Arabia, with 50% of companies allocating 10-30% of their IT budgets to AI initiatives. These investments focus primarily on IT infrastructure (51%), cybersecurity (40%), and data management (38%). Companies aim to enhance system efficiency, drive innovation, and improve customer experiences. Notably, 45% of organizations plan to increase their AI investment to more than 40% of their IT budgets over the next four to five years. AI investments have surged in Saudi Arabia, with 50% of companies allocating 10-30% of their IT budgets to AI initiatives. These investments focus primarily on IT infrastructure (51%), cybersecurity (40%), and data management (38%). Companies aim to enhance system efficiency, drive innovation, and improve customer experiences. Notably, 45% of organizations plan to increase their AI investment to more than 40% of their IT budgets over the next four to five years. Infrastructure Gaps in AI Deployment While AI adoption accelerates, many organizations struggle with infrastructure preparedness. Only 31% have the necessary GPUs to meet current and future AI demands, and just 34% have the capabilities to secure AI models with comprehensive encryption and continuous monitoring. Improving IT infrastructure scalability, flexibility, and manageability ranks as the top priority for 62% of organizations in Saudi Arabia. While AI adoption accelerates, many organizations struggle with infrastructure preparedness. Only 31% have the necessary GPUs to meet current and future AI demands, and just 34% have the capabilities to secure AI models with comprehensive encryption and continuous monitoring. Improving IT infrastructure scalability, flexibility, and manageability ranks as the top priority for 62% of organizations in Saudi Arabia. Talent Shortages for AI Success The shortage of skilled talent remains a major obstacle. Only 46% of KSA organizations feel their workforce is fully ready to capitalize on AI's potential. Additionally, 39% report lacking the in-house expertise required for successful AI deployment. Salman Faqeeh, Managing Director of Cisco Saudi Arabia, commented: 'Saudi Arabia is leading the way in embracing AI as a key driver of digital transformation. The findings from Cisco's AI Readiness Index highlight the significant strides organizations in the Kingdom are making in AI strategy and investment. Cisco remains committed to helping organizations harness the full potential of AI through innovative solutions and expert guidance.' He also emphasized Cisco's involvement at LEAP 2025, under the theme 'Cisco Connects and Protects the AI Era,' aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals. Cisco's participation at LEAP 2025 will showcase AI-driven innovations, including solutions designed to modernize data centers, enhance workplace collaboration, and bolster digital resilience. Visitors can engage with Cisco's experts at Stand H1.F30 in the Big Tech Hall, where they will also have access to interactive demos, panel discussions, and strategic briefings.
Zawya
28-01-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Cisco reveals local insights from its AI readiness index ahead of LEAP 2025 in Saudi Arabia
72% of organizations in KSA have a clear strategy to deploy AI powered solutions. Yet businesses are facing challenges in fully leveraging AI. Organizations are investing heavily in AI, with 50% companies allocating 10-30% of their current IT budget to AI deployment, but returns are not yet meeting expectations. There is a relentless sense of urgency with 60% of companies saying they have a maximum of a year to get their AI strategies right or face potential negative impacts. Networks yet need to be equipped to meet AI workloads; 31% of companies in KSA report having the necessary GPUs to meet current and future AI demands. Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Ahead of LEAP 2025 conference in Riyadh, Cisco announced findings from its latest AI Readiness Index, that reveals that 72% of organizations in KSA have a strategy to deploy AI powered solutions in their organisation. The report highlights that despite increasing urgency in deployment and investment, businesses in KSA face challenges in adopting, deploying, and fully leveraging AI, amid the rapid market evolution and the significant impact AI is anticipated to have on business operations. The Index is based on a double-blind survey of 7,985 senior business leaders from organizations with 500 or more employees across 30 markets, including KSA. These leaders are responsible for AI integration and deployment within their organizations. The AI readiness index is measured across six pillars: strategy, infrastructure, data, governance, talent, and culture. Key Findings include: Acting with Urgency AI has become a cornerstone for business strategy, and there is an increasing urgency among companies to adopt and deploy AI technologies. In KSA, nearly all (98%) report an increased urgency to deploy AI in the past year, primarily driven by the CEO and leadership team. Nearly all (86%) companies say they only have 18 months to start demonstrating the impact of AI. More than half (60%) give it only 12 months. Rising Investment: Over the past year, AI has been a priority spend for organizations in Saudi Arabia, with 50% allocating 10-30% of their IT budgets to AI projects. AI investments have focused on three strategic areas: IT infrastructure (51%), cybersecurity (40%), and data management (38%). The top three outcomes they aim to achieve include improving the efficiency of systems, processes, operations, and profitability; the ability to innovate and remain competitive; and creating a better experience for customers and partners. Notably, 45% of organizations plan to allocate more than 40% of their IT budget to AI investments in the next four to five years, a significant increase from 8% of companies who said they are allocating a similar portion of their IT budget to AI currently. Additionally, 50% indicating that between 10% to 30% of their IT budget is allocated to AI deployments. However, 40% of respondents report that the gains from their AI investments have not yet met expectations in augmenting, assisting, or automating current processes and operations. Infrastructure Preparedness: Networks are yet to be equipped to meet AI workloads. There are gaps in compute, data centre network performance, and cybersecurity, amongst other areas. Only 31% of organizations have the necessary GPUs to meet current and future AI demands and nearly a third (34%) have the capabilities to protect data in AI models with end–to–end encryption, security audits, continuous monitoring, and instant threat response. In Saudi Arabia, 62% rated improving scalability, flexibility, and manageability of their IT infrastructure as their top priorities, showing they are aware of the gaps that need to be addressed Addressing Skills and Talent Gaps: A lack of skilled talent is a top challenge for companies in Saudi Arabia, underscoring the critical need for skilled professionals to drive AI initiatives. Only 46% of KSA organizations claim their talent is at a high state of readiness to fully leverage AI, and 39% say their organizations lack in-house talent necessary for successful AI deployment. Salman Faqeeh, Managing Director, Cisco Saudi Arabia commented: 'Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of embracing AI as a catalyst for digital transformation. The findings of Cisco's recent AI Readiness Index highlight the significant strides organizations in the Kingdom are making, with clearly defined strategies and increasing investments in AI. At Cisco, we are committed to empowering organizations with cutting-edge technologies and expertise to realize the full potential of AI.' He added: 'Our participation at LEAP 2025 under the theme 'Cisco Connects and Protects the AI Era', underscores our dedication to promoting innovation and collaboration in the country, in alignment with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals.' This year, Cisco's participation at LEAP 2025 centres around connecting and protecting businesses in the AI Era. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with subject matter experts at Cisco's booth and explore innovative solutions designed to transform data centres to power AI workloads, modernize workplaces for seamless collaboration, and enhance digital resilience with advanced security and observability. Cisco will host interactive demonstrations, panel discussions, and strategic briefings with key stakeholders, showcasing real-world use cases and the latest technology innovations. Join us at Stand H1.F30 in Big Tech Hall for an in-depth look at how we enable organizations to thrive in the AI era. About Cisco Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide technology leader that is revolutionizing the way organizations connect and protect in the AI era. For more than 40 years, Cisco has securely connected the world. With its industry leading AI-powered solutions and services, Cisco enables its customers, partners and communities to unlock innovation, enhance productivity and strengthen digital resilience. With purpose at its core, Cisco remains committed to creating a more connected and inclusive future for all. Discover more on The Newsroom and follow us on X at @Cisco. Cisco and the Cisco logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cisco and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. A listing of Cisco's trademarks can be found at Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word 'partner' does not imply a partnership relationship between Cisco and any other company.
Zawya
28-01-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Cisco AI readiness index in the UAE
News Summary: 64% of organizations in the UAE have a strategy to deploy AI powered solutions. Yet businesses are facing challenges in fully leveraging AI. Organizations are investing heavily in AI, with almost half (47%) of companies allocating 10-30% of their current IT budget to AI deployment, but returns are not yet meeting expectations. There is a relentless sense of urgency with 64% of companies saying they have a maximum of a year to get their AI strategies right or face potential negative impacts. Networks yet need to be equipped to meet AI workloads; only 14% of companies in the UAE report having the necessary GPUs to meet current and future AI demands. Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Cisco today announced findings from its latest AI Readiness Index, that reveals that 64% of organizations in the UAE have a strategy to deploy AI powered solutions in their organisation. The report highlights that despite increasing urgency in deployment and investment, businesses in the UAE face challenges in adopting, deploying, and fully leveraging AI. The Index is based on a double-blind survey of 7,985 senior business leaders from organizations with 500 or more employees across 30 markets, including UAE. These leaders are responsible for AI integration and deployment within their organizations. The Index is measured across six pillars: strategy, infrastructure, data, governance, talent, and culture. Abdelilah Nejjari, Managing Director, Cisco in Gulf and Levant, commented: "Our survey reveals that companies need to prioritize investments in infrastructure and talent to effectively navigate the complexities of AI deployment. Organizations in the region need to prepare their workforce, existing data centres and cloud strategies to meet the AI requirements and harness its full potential.' Key Findings include: Acting with Urgency: AI has become a cornerstone for business strategy, and there is an increasing urgency among companies to adopt and deploy AI technologies. In UAE, nearly all (99%) report an increased urgency to deploy AI, primarily driven by the CEO and leadership team. Nearly all (86%) companies say they only have 18 months to start demonstrating the impact of AI. More than half (64%) give it only 12 months. Rising Investment: Businesses in the UAE are accelerating efforts and increasing investments to overcome barriers and embrace AI-driven transformation. Notably, over a third (34%) of organizations plan to allocate more than 40% of their IT budget to AI investments in the next four to five years, a significant increase from 8% of companies who said they are allocating a similar portion of their IT budget to AI currently. Additionally, almost half (47%) of companies indicate that between 10% to 30% of their IT budget is allocated to AI deployments. AI investments focus on three strategic areas: cybersecurity (45%), IT infrastructure (39%), as well as data management (34%), and data analysis (33%). The top three outcomes they aim to achieve are improving the efficiency of systems, processes, operations, and profitability; the ability to innovate and remain competitive; and growing revenue and market share for the business. However, over 40% of respondents report that the gains from their AI investments have not yet met expectations in augmenting, assisting, or automating current processes and operations. Infrastructure Preparedness: Networks are yet to be equipped to meet AI workloads. There are gaps in compute, data centre network performance, and cybersecurity, amongst other areas. Only 14% of organizations have the necessary GPUs to meet current and future AI demands and only a third (31%) have the capabilities to protect data in AI models with end–to–end encryption, security audits, continuous monitoring, and instant threat response. Positive developments are underway as companies acknowledge the necessity of enhancing their readiness to effectively leverage AI. In the UAE, 54% say improving the scalability, flexibility, and manageability of their IT infrastructure are top priorities, showing they are aware of the gaps that need to be addressed. Addressing Skills and Talent Gaps: A lack of skilled talent is a top challenge for companies in the UAE, underscoring the critical need for skilled professionals to drive AI initiatives. Only 37% of UAE organizations claim their talent is at a high state of readiness to fully leverage AI, and 27% say their organizations lack in-house talent necessary for successful AI deployment. About Cisco Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide technology leader that is revolutionizing the way organizations connect and protect in the AI era. For more than 40 years, Cisco has securely connected the world. With its industry leading AI-powered solutions and services, Cisco enables its customers, partners and communities to unlock innovation, enhance productivity and strengthen digital resilience. With purpose at its core, Cisco remains committed to creating a more connected and inclusive future for all. Discover more on The Newsroom and follow us on X at @Cisco. Cisco and the Cisco logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cisco and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. A listing of Cisco's trademarks can be found at Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word 'partner' does not imply a partnership relationship between Cisco and any other company.
