Mr Loh Chin Hua, CEO of Keppel, shared how technology has been central to Keppel’s transformation into a global asset manager and operator.

In his opening address, Mr Loh Chin Hua, CEO of Keppel, reflected on the Company’s multi-year transformation from an industrial conglomerate into a global asset manager and operator. He emphasised that while Keppel’s business model has evolved, the Company continues to leverage its deep engineering and operating capabilities to deliver innovative solutions for customers and strong value for Limited Partners.

Mr Loh said, “Whilst the evolving technology is exciting and holds much promise, at the end of the day, our success hinges on adoption and willingness to change our business processes. I cannot think of a better time to embed AI and machine learning at the enterprise level than now, as we go through a business transformation.”

Keppel’s journey with AI began with small-scale experiments but accelerated in early 2024 when the Company made the decision to apply AI at the enterprise level. Today, with support from various partners, Keppel is incubating, testing and scaling AI and machine learning across fund management and the operating divisions.

The Gen AI revolution

AWS’ Ms Francessca Vasquez delivered the keynote address at Keppel NEXT, highlighting the rapid rise of generative and agentic AI and their transformative impact
on industry.

The keynote address by Ms Francessca Vasquez, Vice President of Amazon Web Services (AWS) Professional Services and Agentic AI, explored the exponential rise of generative and agentic AI. Ms Vasquez noted that AI capabilities are doubling approximately every seven months, and that technologies once deemed theoretical are now being deployed at scale across industries worldwide.

She emphasised the importance of building durable, sustainable and responsible AI implementations, and highlighted the need for security and governance frameworks that evolve alongside technological innovation.

Investing in a world of disruption

At a panel discussion titled “Investing amidst uncertainty and disruption”, moderated by Mr Chua Kee Lock, Group President and CEO of Vertex Holdings, and Chairman of the Keppel Technology Advisory Panel, seasoned investors shared insights on navigating a volatile global landscape. The panel featured Dr Jeffrey Jaensubhakij, Advisor and former Group CIO of GIC; Ms Jenny Lee, Senior Managing Partner of Granite Asia; and Mr Gilles Chow, MD, Head of Real Estate Asia Pacific at CPP Investments.

The discussion explored how investors are adapting to economic instability, geopolitical tensions and rapid technological shifts. While market sentiment remains cautiously optimistic, risks such as unsustainable fiscal policies and trade disruptions are prompting a shift in strategy. Companies are prioritising cash flow, supply chain resilience and domestic market strength, with technology—especially AI—enabling leaner teams to scale efficiently.

Deglobalisation, regionalisation and climate adaptation are reshaping investment decisions, making diversification and risk management more critical than ever. The consensus was clear — success in today’s environment requires agility, selectivity, and a readiness to embrace new models and technologies.

Innovation in action: Keppel’s experience zone

A highlight of Keppel NEXT 2025 was the digital experience zone, where guests engaged with interactive exhibits that brought to life Keppel’s technological and operational capabilities.

Mdm Ho Ching, Chairman of Temasek Trust and former CEO & Executive Director of Temasek Holdings, was briefed on how Keppel’s infrastructure capabilities support its integrated digital ecosystem.

Guests experienced a virtual reality tour of Keppel’s pioneering floating data centre project.

Guests were introduced to Keppel’s end-to-end digital infrastructure ecosystem, which spans renewal energy importation and subsea cables to future-ready data centres and enterprise solutions. An immersive virtual reality tour brought to life pioneering concepts, such as Keppel’s floating data centre project.

Guests gained insights into Keppel’s sustainable urban renewal capabilities, which enhance building efficiency and environmental performance.

Also showcased were the technologies Keppel employs to transform commercial real estate into high-efficiency, low-carbon assets. Through a series of videos, visitors saw firsthand how Keppel applies its sustainable urban renewal expertise to deliver measurable low-carbon outcomes.

A platform for partnership and progress

Keppel NEXT 2025 highlighted the Company’s ongoing journey as a technology-forward asset manager and operator, focused on delivering value through innovation. The forum sparked ideas, fostered connections, and provided a platform for sharing perspectives on the evolving investment landscape.

For Limited Partners and collaborators, Keppel NEXT has become a valuable platform to exchange insights, discuss practical solutions and uncover a new wave of generational investment opportunities amid the future of enterprise.