Dell Technologies has established an innovation facility in Singapore that will undertake research and development (R and amp;D) work across key digital transformation technologies, including data analytics, edge computing, and augmented reality. The result of a three-year investment totaling USD 50 million, it is the company’s first such facility to be built outside the US.
It also houses a team whose efforts are unified for enhancing user experience, according to Dell’s President of Asia Pacific, Japan, and Global Digital Cities, Amit Midha. From the total investment, USD 23 million will be used for investment this year.
Also, the facility accommodates Dell’s existing R and amp;D in Singapore. It is responsible for its design and development work for product categories that include client peripherals and monitors. Add to it; it makes a way through a hardware prototyping lab that is focused exclusively on product design, including the development of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.
Speaking to media in the lead-up to the hub’s official launch Monday, Midha said over 160 new roles would become a part by year-end for supporting the innovation hub. However, most of the positions are currently filled. The new hiring will take ahead R and amp;D initiatives for the vendor’s customers and partners around the globe.
Throwing light on Dell’s objectives of creating technologies that push human progress, he said that the core investment areas will be around 5G, edge, data management, AI, hybrid cloud, machine learning, and cybersecurity.
“The world needs technology now more than ever,” he added. “In encouraging the adoption of digital solutions and new technologies, strengthening our product and process innovation system, and engaging the talent pipeline, we believe we are paving the path for a more resilient, progressive, inclusive, and sustainable economy.”
When asked what challenges the company faced in innovating, Midha said that the COVID-19 pandemic has stretched every organization’s remote workforce. There were constant efforts to ensure innovation when employees worked from remote locations or homes.
He also added that the current situation demanded collaborations and digital tools. He iterated that companies need to develop the right policies and culture to push innovation in the work environment.