In this episode of the #ShapeXPodcast, we speak with Chris Lamb, Regional Managing Director of Data Center Recruitment – Asia at First Point Group, about the evolving talent landscape across Asia’s data center industry.

With nearly 20 years of experience recruiting across emerging and mature markets, Chris shares insights into the region’s most in-demand roles, the growing talent shortage, and how culture, compensation, and employer branding play critical roles in attracting and retaining top professionals.

Whether you’re a hiring manager scaling a facility, a newcomer entering the field, or a policymaker shaping the future of digital infrastructure—this episode offers valuable perspectives on the people powering Asia’s digital future.

🎧 Topics include:

• The #1 hiring challenge in Asia’s data center boom
• How emerging markets like Thailand and Malaysia are catching up
• What candidates really want (beyond salary)
• Building local pipelines and growing internal talent
• Advice for those looking to break into the industry

Chris can be reached directly via email: clamb@firstpointgroup.com or First Point Group 

In this episode of the ShapeX Podcast, we delve into how government institutions are navigating the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, data sovereignty, and systems transformation with Dr. Ravinder Singh, Head of Digital and Systems at the UK Cabinet Office.

Recently named one of the Top 100 IT Leaders in the UK by Computing.co.uk, Dr. Ravinder brings a wealth of experience in leading national digital strategy and infrastructure within one of the world’s most complex public sector ecosystems. He shares a compelling perspective on how governments can embrace innovation responsibly while maintaining trust, resilience, and operational excellence.

This timely conversation explores how public institutions are adapting to emerging technologies, designing ethical AI frameworks, and building cross-border collaboration—particularly as Asia’s digital economies continue to gain global influence.

Key Topics Discussed:

Reimagining Public Sector Leadership:
Dr. Ravinder shares his journey from systems architect to senior leadership at the UK Cabinet Office, and how that path informs his approach to digital transformation.

AI in Government Services:
How artificial intelligence is being applied to streamline public service delivery, improve citizen trust, and automate essential operations in a secure and inclusive way.

Balancing Innovation and Governance:
A discussion on how governments can embrace experimentation while ensuring accountability, ethical compliance, and data protection.

Scaling AI Across Departments:
The challenges of moving beyond pilots to implement AI solutions at scale—across different agencies, infrastructures, and regulatory frameworks.

Modernizing National Data Infrastructure:
Insights into the UK’s approach to upgrading its data architecture—including how it integrates cloud, hybrid environments, and evolving data center strategies.

Public-Private Partnerships for Digital Advancement:
Why collaboration with private industry is essential to accelerating AI and data capability in government, and how such partnerships are structured for impact.

UK–Asia Tech Cooperation:
Opportunities for cross-border partnerships in data infrastructure, AI governance, and digital public goods as Asia’s influence in global innovation rises.

AI Ethics and Global Governance:
How nations can align on shared values, principles, and standards in the rapidly evolving AI and data ethics landscape.

Emerging Trends to Watch in 2025:
The key technologies and shifts in AI and digital systems that will likely redefine how governments operate in the coming years.

Next-Gen Public Sector Leadership:
The evolving skillsets required for tomorrow’s digital leaders—and how to foster innovation within traditionally risk-averse institutions.

Join us for an in-depth conversation on the future of governance in the digital age—where infrastructure, intelligence, and international cooperation intersect.

In this episode, we explore the intersection of innovation, entrepreneurship, and artificial intelligence with Vasanth Raju, Head of AI Products at Rakuten. With an impressive background spanning Google, startup ventures, and now a leadership role at one of Japan’s leading tech ecosystems, Vasanth shares his journey of turning cutting-edge AI research into scalable, real-world solutions.

Key Topics Discussed:

• From Research to Real-World Impact: Vasanth’s transition from AI researcher and founder to Head of AI Products, and how his early passion for AI evolved into large-scale innovation.
• Bridging the Gap Between Innovation and Scale: The toughest challenges in translating AI research into usable products—and how Vasanth’s teams overcome them.
• Scaling AI for the Enterprise: Best practices for building AI products that not only work, but thrive in complex business environments.
• LLMs & the Future of Work: Vasanth’s take on large language models—how they’re reshaping industries, the efficiency they bring, and the job displacement concerns they raise.
• Keeping Pace with Innovation: How to stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving AI space, and the criteria Vasanth uses to identify promising technologies.
• Leading High-Impact AI Teams: Insights into leadership in AI—how to inspire innovation and turn research into results.
• Data Infrastructure at Scale: Why scalable data architecture is crucial, and how Rakuten supports AI development through robust infrastructure.
• Why Some AI Fails to Launch: Vasanth unpacks why many promising AI projects never reach market, and what makes the successful ones different.
• Risks in Commercializing AI: A candid discussion about common misconceptions in AI productization and how to mitigate associated risks.
• Advice for AI Entrepreneurs: Vasanth’s outlook on the future of AI-driven startups and his advice to aspiring founders ready to break into the space.

Join us for a thoughtful, tech-forward conversation on how AI is reshaping industries—and what it takes to build products that make a lasting impact.

#ShapeXPodcast #AIProducts #ArtificialIntelligence #RakutenAI #Entrepreneurship #LLMs #TechLeadership #ShapeX #FutureOfWork #ScalableInnovation

In this episode, we explore the future of urban air mobility and sustainable aviation in the Asia-Pacific region with Paul Burton, Managing Director for Asia Pacific at Aviation Week Network. Paul shares his expert insights on the technological advancements shaping the aviation industry, how cities are preparing for flying vehicles, and the balance between innovation, sustainability, and safety.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Paul’s Journey into Aviation: What sparked his passion for aviation and how his global experiences influence his vision for the future of air mobility in Asia.
• Urban Air Mobility in Asia-Pacific: From flying cars to electric air taxis—Paul breaks down how these technologies are likely to impact daily life in urban centers across the region.
• Sustainable Aviation: Exploring the green transformation of aviation, and how the industry can reduce its environmental footprint while meeting the region’s growing air travel demands.
• Infrastructure and Urban Planning: How cities must evolve to accommodate new aviation technologies, including drones and air taxis, and what that means for urban development.
• Public vs. Private Investment: Who should take the lead in advancing clean aviation tech—governments or private innovators? Paul shares his take on achieving the right balance.
• Cities Leading the Way: Discover which Asian cities are setting the pace in integrating aviation technologies into their transportation ecosystems and what we can learn from their approach.
• Game-Changing Innovations: A look at the developments that could revolutionize the aviation industry in the next 5–10 years.
• Regulatory Readiness & Safety: As the race for flying vehicles accelerates, are we overlooking crucial infrastructure and regulatory frameworks? Paul discusses the risks and necessary safeguards.
• Environmental Debates in Aviation: Are electric planes the real solution—or just a shiny distraction? Paul offers his honest take on where the industry's priorities should lie.

Join us for a forward-thinking conversation on the innovations lifting aviation to new heights—and what it means for Asia-Pacific’s urban future.

#ShapeXPodcast #UrbanAirMobility #SustainableAviation #FutureOfFlight #MobilityTech #AviationWeek #AsiaPacificTech #ShapeX

In this episode, we dive deep into the future of energy and sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region with Peter Lundberg, Executive Director of the Asia Pacific Urban Energy Association (APUEA). Peter shares his insights into the evolving energy transition, the challenges and opportunities shaping this shift, and how urban planning plays a vital role in sustainability efforts.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Peter’s Journey to Asia: What led him to move to the region and how his experiences shaped his approach to energy and sustainability.
• APUEA’s Mission & Initiatives: Discover the core mission of APUEA and some standout initiatives they are championing to promote urban energy solutions across Asia.
• Energy Transition in Asia-Pacific: A closer look at the current energy shift in the region, the challenges faced by developing nations, and the opportunities that lie ahead.
• Balancing Clean Energy and Economic Growth: How cities can find the balance between transitioning to clean energy while ensuring economic growth and affordable energy access for all.
• The Role of Urban Planning in Sustainable Energy: Peter discusses the importance of thoughtful urban planning and its significant impact on environmental goals and economic growth.
• Public vs. Private Investment: Should cities rely more on public funding or would private sector investment bring better outcomes for urban energy projects? Peter provides his perspective on this debate.
• Best Practices in Energy Efficiency: Peter highlights cities in the Asia-Pacific region leading the way in energy efficiency and shares lessons that others can learn from these success stories.
• Emerging Trends in Energy: What’s next for the energy market in Asia-Pacific, and how will new trends and developments shape the future of urban energy systems?

Lastly, Peter talks about the benefits of joining APUEA and how interested listeners can get involved in the association's mission for a sustainable energy future.

Tune in to this thought-provoking conversation and gain valuable insights into the future of energy and sustainability in Asia-Pacific!

In this episode, we sit down with Roger Atkins, Founder of EV Outlook and Advisory Board member for The Battery Show Asia and Mobility Tech Asia, to explore the rapidly evolving world of electric vehicles (EVs), battery technologies, and mobility. Roger takes us through his journey in the industry, from witnessing the transformation of EVs from a niche market to mainstream adoption, to navigating the complexities of the global battery supply chain.

We dive deep into the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of electrification, including the geopolitical tensions surrounding critical minerals, sustainability in the battery supply chain, the promises of solid-state batteries, and the barriers to widespread EV adoption. Roger also shares his perspective on the innovative breakthroughs needed to tackle charging infrastructure and the evolving landscape of vertical integration among leading EV players.

As a key advisor for The Battery Show Asia and Mobility Tech Asia, Roger offers an exclusive preview of the exciting developments at these major events and what attendees can expect to learn and experience in the coming years.

🔋 Tune in to hear Roger’s insights on:

• The roadblocks to full EV electrification and how to overcome them.
• Whether solid-state batteries will live up to their hype.
• The future of battery recycling and second-life applications.
• What’s next for the EV and battery industry and how The Battery Show Asia and Mobility Tech Asia are leading the way.

If you're passionate about the future of sustainable mobility and innovation in battery technology, this episode is a must-listen!

🎧 Listen Now to power up your knowledge and stay ahead of the curve in the EV and battery revolution!