CapitaLand partners with Alibaba Cloud to boost AI in China ops

Alibaba Cloud has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with CapitaLand Group to expand digital transformation efforts within CapitaLand's operations in China, including the implementation of artificial intelligence technologies and the use of Alibaba Cloud's proprietary large language model.

The enhanced agreement represents a continuation of the strategic relationship first established between the two companies in 2019. This latest understanding extends the partnership beyond the domain of cloud-based digitalisation, bringing a wider array of AI applications into CapitaLand's business ecosystem. Areas identified for improvement include smart operations, precision marketing, the integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) systems, and a more seamless online-offline customer experience across CapitaLand's commercial properties.

Expanded AI integration

Building on existing collaboration, CapitaLand will adopt Alibaba Cloud's advanced AI-powered technologies, notably the Qwen large language model. The new scope of cooperation will enable CapitaLand to enhance its operational effectiveness and customer service across its various online and offline activities. Through Alibaba Cloud's big data platform, CapitaLand plans to develop an insights-driven system for advanced data analytics, customer profiling, precision marketing, and risk management. Additionally, the integration of Alibaba Cloud's ESG solutions aims to facilitate the development of a greener, low-carbon real estate ecosystem within CapitaLand's portfolio.

Puah Tze Shyang, CEO of CapitaLand Investment (China), said, "As a leading diversified real estate group with a strong focus on innovation, CapitaLand has continuously integrated technologies to drive business growth since 2015. We believe that through deeper cooperation with Alibaba will elevate our collaboration to a new level."

Views on enhanced partnership

Alibaba Cloud emphasised the mutual commitment to leverage digital technologies for business transformation. Jessie Zheng, Chief Strategy Officer of Alibaba Cloud Intelligence, stated, "We are excited to deepen our collaboration with CapitaLand as we continue to explore innovative ways to integrate digital technology with physical spaces. This renewed collaboration underscores our shared commitment to fostering innovation and building a seamless online and offline ecosystem that is more connected, efficient, and customer centric."

The two companies first began collaborating in China in 2015, with a formal strategic partnership established in 2019. Since then, they have prioritised cloud services and the creation of a data platform as core elements of CapitaLand's ongoing digital transformation strategy. CapitaLand's migration to Alibaba Cloud's infrastructure has reduced its need for local server deployments, which in turn led to meaningful reductions in IT infrastructure costs within China.

Introduced in 2020, CapitaLand's data platform has supported key business areas including finance, asset management, leasing, and membership operations. Acting as a central hub, it has enabled data sharing and cross-departmental collaboration, providing a foundation for both digital transformation and additional business innovation at CapitaLand.

Commitment to coordinated development

The expanded cooperation highlights both organisations' commitment to progress technological innovation within the real estate sector. By enhancing their collaboration, CapitaLand and Alibaba Cloud aim to establish a model that leverages their respective strengths and facilitates coordinated development between digital operations and real-economy assets.

Alibaba Cloud serves as a major cloud provider for CapitaLand, delivering technologies and services that support numerous properties and facilities management capabilities. Internationally, Alibaba Cloud operates across 89 availability zones in 29 regions, with its international headquarters in Singapore. As a provider in the Asia Pacific region, Alibaba Cloud offers infrastructure and AI-supported applications for a range of industries operating digital transformation initiatives.