The AI era has well and truly dawned in Singapore. More than half of organisations today deem AI as critical to their operations.
The country is leading AI adoption in Asia, outpacing the global average of 37 percent, and this momentum is poised to grow, driven by the Singapore government’s SGD 150 million Enterprise Compute Initiative and the projected SGD 198.3 billion economic boost from AI by 2030.
For businesses, AI is no longer a futuristic concept or a nice-to-have; it is a strategic necessity. Organisations that embed AI into their operations are better positioned to lead tomorrow, not just in terms of growth and efficiency, but in driving innovation and long-term resilience.
Amidst this race for growth, companies and economies must also see AI technology and environmental sustainability as being complementary to each other.
When developed and deployed responsibly, with due regard for renewable energy sources, freshwater conservation, and circular economy principles, AI can drive meaningful progress in conservation, climate action, and broader societal good.
Given the advantages that AI can bring, an apt question to ask is: how can businesses harness this potential not just to grow, but to lead with purpose?
How WWF is unlocking the full business potential of AI
AI today is far more than automation. The convergence of Gen AI, machine learning, and artificial general intelligence has opened new possibilities for predicting outcomes, uncovering insights, and scaling solutions that were previously unimaginable.
WWF is leveraging AI and other digital tools to support conservation efforts and tackle challenges that traditional methods can no longer keep up with.
For example, in the Mekong region, WWF has applied environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling to monitor freshwater species, including critically endangered wildlife like the Irrawaddy dolphin and the Mekong giant catfish. This non-invasive method allows biodiversity to be assessed more effectively and for quick intervention required to protect fragile ecosystems.
Closer to home, WWF partnered with AI Singapore to develop a machine learning model for the Cyber Spotter Programme - a volunteer-led initiative that combats the illegal online wildlife trade.
The model helps our volunteers identify suspicious listings with over 95 per cent detection accuracy, dramatically improving both the speed and scale of enforcement efforts across e-commerce platforms. This has transformed a laborious, manual process into one that is efficient and scalable.
Globally, an open-source AI-powered Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART), kind thank.as m. SMART is now used in over 1,000 sites providing vital intelligence for protecting biodiversity on the frontlines.
I was recently at the Kui Buri National Park, a 960 KM2 area, part of the Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex in Thailand. The SMART tool is being used effectively by the park rangers to protect elephants from poachers, and also to avoid elephant-human conflicts.
These examples show that when used thoughtfully, AI can multiply impact, not just for NGOs, but for businesses seeking to modernise operations, optimise resources, and meet ESG goals.
The call for regenerative & responsible AI
AI is powerful, but without the right guardrails, it can introduce new risks, from algorithmic bias and misinformation to exacerbating energy consumption and imposing severe strain on natural resources.
One growing concern is AI’s environmental footprint. Training large-scale machine learning models consumes significant compute power, often sourced from fossil-fuel-led grids. Data centres already account for around 7 percent of Singapore’s electricity use. As AI adoption & usage increase across the region, so will the pressure on energy systems and water resources, particularly for cooling infrastructure. The industry and users must focus on how this rapid AI adoption does not destroy, but regenerates nature.
This makes it imperative to design AI systems with sustainability at its core. That means using energy-efficient algorithms, shifting to renewable-powered data centres, and developing hardware from recycled or ethically sourced materials. Sustainability also hinges on governance.
Regulation and industry standards must evolve to enforce greener AI practices, while businesses should integrate environmental impact assessments into AI development, just as they would for any major revenue-generating project.
Ethical AI also requires transparency, inclusivity, and accountability.
These challenges may seem daunting, but WWF stands ready to share our deep expertise in nature conservation and market transformation with tech companies growing their AI and data centres. Together, we can address supply chain risks, as well as find ways to regenerate nature in their areas of operations and beyond.
Future-proofing your business in the AI era
Looking ahead, the most successful companies will view regenerative and responsible AI as part of a broader digital transformation agenda, alongside other emerging technologies.
In my experience as a CEO, to unlock the potential of AI, leaders must foster cultures that are agile, ethical, and purpose-driven. AI should not be siloed within a department. Use cases should be embraced across functions, from product and operations to human resources and sustainability.
- Vivek Kumar, Chief Executive Officer, WWF-Singapore
Ensuring that AI transformation is inclusive is equally important. In Southeast Asia, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) form the backbone of the economy, yet often lack access and resources to adopt advanced AI solutions.
Making AI truly impactful requires cross-sector collaboration, involving corporations, startups, NGOs, and policymakers, to bridge these gaps.
Catalysing business transformation through collaboration
In conclusion, shaping a tech-driven sustainable future will require deep collaboration across sectors bringing together policymakers, businesses and civil society. Platforms such as Asia Tech x Enterprise, play a critical role by convening the region's brightest minds to share insights, challenge norms, and explore practical pathways for regenerative & responsible AI adoption.
The conversation has evolved. It’s no longer just about what AI can do, but how we ensure it delivers meaningful, responsible outcomes. Aligning innovation with accountability, and performance with purpose, will be essential to building a future where technology advances not just for profit, but progresses for people and the planet alike.
Vivek Kumar is the Chief Executive Officer of WWF-Singapore
