KUCHING: Big Data plays a pivotal role in effective asset management for water utilities.
Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi noted that condition assessments of water pipes are both expensive and disruptive.
As such, he said that Big Data should be utilised to develop intelligent prediction systems for pipe failures, reducing maintenance costs and minimise disruptions to water supplies and the community.
“This is particularly important to my ministry and all our water agencies, and I believe it is also important to other countries. Water is one of the critical utilities we need right now.
“Integrating historical failure data, pipe attributes like material, diameter, and age, as well as environmental factors such as soil type, weather, and operational data including pressure and flow rate, while using machine learning analytic techniques, has revolutionised the way water utilities approach asset failure prediction and risk management.
“This is one of the strategies that I believe will help us solve our water problems, especially in the near future,” he said when delivering a keynote address on ‘Transforming Digital Economy: The Role of AI and Big Data’ during the second day of the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) 2024 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching here, today (Oct 17).
Noting that Artificial Intelligence (AI) promises to drive economic growth through productivity, employment, and investment, Julaihi said it is already reshaping the energy sector, revolutionising how power is generated, distributed, and consumed.
From smart grid management to renewable energy forecasting, he asserted that AI is fundamentally changing the way the energy industry operates, moving it towards a more efficient, sustainable, and secure future.
“For example, AI will enable smart grid management by monitoring and controlling the flow of electricity in real time.
“By integrating renewable energy sources, energy storage systems, and demand response, AI will help balance supply and demand and maximise renewable energy utilisation.
“Similarly, AI algorithms can analyse large amounts of data from energy systems, including power grids and renewable energy sources, to optimise energy generation, distribution, and consumption, leading to more efficient use of energy resources and reducing carbon emissions,” he added.
However, Julaihi warned against the misuse of AI, emphasising that it is a shared responsibility to create and implement AI in a way that upholds ethical standards and aligns with human values.
“This includes addressing issues such as the misuse of personal data, biased algorithms, and the potential for AI to perpetuate or exacerbate existing inequalities.
“The goal is to build trustworthy AI systems that are, all at once, reliable, fair, and aligned with human values,” he stressed.
On the same note, he pointed out that AI poses another challenge as it contributes as a significant energy consumer with rising water consumption, amid ongoing climate change and sustainability concerns.
“The energy demands of AI, particularly for data centres, are soaring, potentially rivalling the consumption of entire countries.
“Governments at all levels are taking a closer look at data centres and outsized consumption of these resources,” he said.
In light of this, Julaihi urged the need to embrace Big Data and continuously adapt to technological advancements, including AI Integration, Edge Computing, Data Ethics and Privacy, and Data-driven Sustainability.
“Big Data and AI are central to transforming industries, shaping customer experiences, and revolutionising the way we do business.
“Big Data, ethical and responsible AI, and cybersecurity are guiding us toward a sustainable, data-driven tomorrow,” he said.
