Category: #ai

Cloud in Healthcare: How Australia is Using AI to Transform Digital Health 

What if your next medical breakthrough isn’t a new drug or device— 
but the cloud infrastructure running quietly behind the scenes? 

Australia’s healthcare system is undergoing a quiet revolution. And at the heart of it isn’t just AI, or machine learning, or cutting-edge telehealth tools—it’s the rapid evolution and reach of cloud computing. 

From telemedicine in remote towns to real-time hospital analytics in the CBD, cloud infrastructure is no longer an IT decision. It’s a care decision. And it’s accelerating faster than most organisations are ready for. 

The Rise of Cloud in Australian Healthcare 

Cloud computing in Australian healthcare has gone from experiment to essential. 

In 2022–23, 20% of all GP services were delivered via telehealth—phone and video are now a standard part of care delivery, particularly in rural and aged care settings. 

Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are evolving from static repositories to dynamic, AI-ready platforms. 

Predictive analytics is helping hospitals forecast admissions, manage resources, and reduce waiting lists. 

But with every new capability comes a challenge: integration, security, governance, and compliance. 

Cloud has shifted from a back-end technology to a strategic engine for growth and innovation. It’s becoming the backbone of modern health delivery—and the risk and compliance surface has expanded accordingly. 

AI in Action: Smarter, Faster, Fairer Care 

Australia is at the forefront of AI and ML innovations in healthcare. 

  • AI triage bots are helping assess symptoms and direct patients to appropriate care pathways. 
  • Machine learning models are predicting patient deterioration in emergency rooms. 
  • Natural language processing is accelerating clinical documentation, giving practitioners more time with patients. 
  • Computer vision is assisting radiologists in detecting anomalies more quickly and accurately. 

These use cases are not hypothetical. They are operational today—and they rely on scalable, secure cloud environments. 

However, these technologies are only as strong as the infrastructure they run on. And in healthcare, that infrastructure must meet an exceptionally high bar. 

The Privacy and Compliance Tightrope 

Healthcare cloud adoption in Australia must navigate a complex environment of privacy laws, ethical obligations, and system-wide compliance expectations. 

Technology teams supporting healthcare are not simply managing digital records—they are stewards of public trust. 

The Privacy Act 1988  and the My Health Records Act 2012  impose clear responsibilities around data sovereignty, consent, and transparency. 

The Australian Digital Health Agency maintains national standards for interoperability, access controls, and cybersecurity. 

Accreditation frameworks such as ISO/IEC 27001  and IRAP (Information Security Registered Assessors Program) are becoming mandatory in procurement processes. 

Choosing the wrong cloud partner is not just a technical oversight. It becomes a compliance issue, a reputational risk, and an ethical liability. 

Choosing the Right Cloud Partner for Healthcare in Australia 

For healthcare leaders, selecting a cloud partner in healthcare is no longer a purely operational decision—it is a strategic one. 

At a minimum, ensure your cloud solution offers: 

  • Data residency within Australia 
  • IRAP-assessed infrastructure 
  • Proven interoperability with national digital health systems 
  • Capacity to support AI and machine learning workloads 
  • Transparent security protocols, SLAs, and audit trails 

Above all, choose a partner who understands that in this sector, the goal is not disruption. The goal is safe, sustainable, patient-focused innovation. 

Final Thought 

If you’re leading technology in a healthcare organisation, the question is no longer whether cloud and AI should be adopted. 

The real question is: are we building the kind of infrastructure that can support the next decade of health innovation? 

Because in the end, this is not just about platforms and data. It is about empowering clinicians. It is about faster, more informed decisions. And ultimately, it is about improving lives—quietly, securely, and intelligently in the background. 

Let’s build that future—thoughtfully, together. 

Resources 

1. MBS Telehealth Post-Implementation Review Final Report 
https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-06/mbs-review-advisory-committee-telehealth-post-implementation-review-final-report.pdf 

2. Patient Experiences in Australia 
https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-services/patient-experiences/latest-release 

3. Australia Telehealth Market Report 2025–2034 
https://www.expertmarketresearch.com.au/reports/australia-telehealth-market 

4. Privacy Act 1988 
https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/privacy-legislation/privacy-act-1988 

5. My Health Records Act 2012 
https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2012A00184 

6. IRAP – Information Security Registered Assessors Program 
https://www.cyber.gov.au/acsc/view-all-content/programs/irap 

7. ISO/IEC 27001 – Information Security Management 
https://www.iso.org/isoiec-27001-information-security.html 

8. FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) 
https://www.hl7.org/fhir/ 

9. Real-Time AI for Patient Deterioration Prediction

Source: National Library of Medicine (PubMed)

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37150397/

10. AI Chatbots in Australian Healthcare

Source: University of Melbourne, Pursuit
https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/the-promise-and-peril-of-ai-chatbots-in-healthcare

11. Computer Vision in Radiology (SA Medical Imaging)

Source: Adelaide Now (News Corp Australia)
https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/artificial-intelligence-advising-on-xray-diagnoses-in-sa-medical-imaging/news-story/ae20cc4c30320354069d586ca1d23846

The Global AI Investment Race: US, China, UK and Australia in 2025 and Beyond

As 2025 unfolds, the global race to lead in Artificial Intelligence is marked by extraordinary new levels of investment, infrastructure buildout, and competition for talent. The US, China, UK, and Australia each approach this opportunity and challenge from distinct positions—shaped by capital flows, infrastructure ambitions, market scale, and policy priorities. For senior executives, this AI wave is not simply about technology adoption but about securing strategic control over data, chips, power, and talent for the next digital decade.

United States: Outpacing the Field with Capital and Infrastructure

Unprecedented Investment—Now and Planned:

The US continues to set the pace in AI, with approximately $90 billion in new AI, data center, and power projects already underway in 2024–25.

In a historic shift, the Stargate initiative—a joint venture between SoftBank, Oracle, OpenAI, and partners—will inject up to $500 billion in additional US-based AI infrastructure over the next four years (Bloomberg, Reuters). This project will create multiple new “megasites,” fundamentally reshaping both compute and energy landscapes.

These investments are on top of major expansions by Google ($25B), Meta, Microsoft, CoreWeave, and others, with Pennsylvania and Texas emerging as major AI infrastructure hubs.

Data Center and Power Build-Out:

  • US data center capacity is expanding at an unprecedented rate.
  • By 2035, data centers are projected to consume 8.6% of total US electricity, up from around 4% today (Bloomberg).
  • This growth is catalyzing upgrades in grid infrastructure and a pivot towards both renewables and natural gas.

Chips—The Nvidia Factor:

  • Nvidia remains the linchpin of global AI compute, with US tech giants in pole position for supply.
  • Ongoing export restrictions to China exacerbate global scarcity, turning Nvidia allocation into a critical competitive edge.

Talent—A Global Magnet:

  • The US is the global epicenter of the AI talent war, with inflated offers, multi-million-dollar retention bonuses, and major headhunting from around the world—especially the UK, Australia, Canada, and EU.
  • Smaller US firms and startups are squeezed for expertise and restricted access to premium Nvidia GPU clusters.

China: Massive Expansion Under State Direction

State-Backed Investment and Strategy:

  • China invested $98 billion in AI in 2025 alone (Reuters), with a further national five-year plan worth $138B targeting foundational research, infrastructure, and industry adoption.
  • By 2030, the projected size of China’s AI-adjacent markets could reach $1.4 trillion, with major new state-backed initiatives coming online each year.

National and Overseas Infrastructure:

  • The “East Data, West Computing” program networks over 250 data centers across the country.
  • New megaprojects in regions like Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia are leveraging renewable power to meet AI demands, while Chinese companies (e.g., Haoyang) are building large-scale AI centers overseas (Thailand, Malaysia) to secure global computing capacity.

Chip Shortage—A Persistent Barrier:

  • The ongoing US ban on high-end Nvidia chips is pushing China to source tens of thousands of banned GPUs for their desert-based megacenters (Bloomberg), while accelerating efforts to develop domestic alternatives. However, it’s rumoured that H20 chips from Nvidia will resume export to China soon, and Nvidia are developing a specific chip – the RTX Pro – for use in China’s smart factory and innovative robotics.

Talent—Scaling at Scale:

  • China is investing in mass upskilling through university-industry-government partnerships, but faces challenges retaining world-leading talent, with top scientists occasionally being drawn to opportunities abroad.

United Kingdom: Ambitious Policy and Regional Focus

Public and Private Commitment:

  • The UK government is targeting £14 billion (~$17 billion) in new AI investment by 2030, largely public sector-led but structured to encourage private match-funding.
  • Strategic “AI Growth Zones” are designed to increase UK compute capacity 20-fold, focusing on faster data center development and guaranteed energy supply.

Talent, Policy, and Research:

  • UK universities remain global leaders in AI research but are challenged by a notable “brain drain” of top experts to the US and (to a lesser extent) China.
  • The UK’s key differentiator is regulatory innovation and leadership in AI safety and ethics, promoting responsible development even as it strives to overcome scale constraints.

Australia: Fast Follower Status

Surging but Modest in Scale:

  • Total AI spending is expected to reach $3.6 billion in 2025, with leading sectors including finance, government, and services.
  • Amazon’s AU$20 billion (US$13B) investment in local data centers by 2029 is the anchor of Australia’s next-gen AI infrastructure, representing by far the largest digital investment in national history.

Talent and Capability Challenges:

  • Australia faces a skills gap of over 160,000 AI specialists by 2030, with local companies actively competing with global recruiters—especially US tech giants.
  • Partnerships, training initiatives, and public-private funding are ramping up, but substantive innovation at scale remains several years behind the US and China.

Comparing Regional Strategies and Future Investment

CountryPlanned AI Investment (2025 and Beyond)Key Focus
USA$500B+ (Stargate, 2025–29, plus $90B+ current)Largest global AI project, hyperscale data centers, energy buildout, and talent import.
China$98B (2025), $138B (2025–30), $1.4T target by 2030Largest state-driven AI expansion, domestic and overseas data centers, energy mega-projects, local chip and skills autonomy.
UK£14B (~$17B) by 2030Regional compute expansion, AI regulation, safety policy, and research; focused on homegrown growth and retention.
AustraliaAU$20B ($13B) by 2029 (Amazon) + public supportRapid cloud/AI infrastructure buildout, skills development, local ecosystem support; infrastructure led by global cloud giants.

Executive Takeaways

  • The US and China are locked in a “build-at-any-cost” race—deploying capital and resources on a scale that vastly outpaces other regions and reshapes national strategies on energy, data, chips, and workforce.
  • The UK and Australia are scaling up through targeted incentives, talent initiatives, and regulatory leadership, but must overcome both absolute funding gaps and challenges in talent retention.
  • SoftBank-Oracle-OpenAI Stargate ($500B) and China’s multi-year, trillion-dollar AI push signal an era where single projects or programs can eclipse whole nations’ historic tech spend.
  • Winning in AI for companies worldwide now means securing compute resources, reliable power, critical chip supply, and top-tier talent—each increasingly scarce and expensive.

Watch out for how these major commitments materialize, as actualized investment will determine which regions become the foundational hubs of global AI in the decade ahead.

Sources: This summary integrates data and reporting from Bloomberg, Reuters, national government releases, and recent executive announcements from the companies referenced. All forecasts are subject to change as projects are funded and executed.

SaaS and AI: The Future of Cloud Computing 2025

I found this draft I wrote this at the end of 2024 and had planned to publish, however time and events conspired against me. I think this is still valid and somewhat insightful – just bear in mind it was six months ago…

Thank you 2024, that’s a wrap! Over the year we’ve seen the switch from AI experimentation to development of some real use cases. A lot of development to incorporate AI into products. No doubt there will be more of this next year. For now the highlights of 2024 show us an evolution of the cloud computing model and the big players’ AI strategy execution.

The Cloud’s Favorite Child (SaaS)

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) dominates the cloud conversation, with its market projected to reach $250 billion by 2025. Businesses are flocking to SaaS solutions like it’s a free buffet—who can resist the promise of streamlined operations and improved productivity? However, this rapid adoption isn’t without its quirks.

Challenges Ahead:

  • Integration Issues: With so many SaaS tools in play, companies will find themselves in a digital juggling act. Finding a way for these tools to communicate effectively will be key—after all, nobody wants their marketing software arguing with their finance app.
  • Security Concerns: As businesses embrace more SaaS solutions, the risk of cyber threats increases. It’s like inviting a raccoon into your pantry; it might seem cute until you realize it’s rummaging through your snacks.
  • Complex Pricing Models: The days of straightforward pricing are fading. Expect to see more usage-based models that could make budgeting as tricky as solving a Rubik’s cube blindfolded.

AI: The New Cloud Powerhouse

While SaaS is busy taking center stage, the big players—Microsoft, Amazon, and Google—are building foundational AI services that promise to revolutionize cloud computing. By 2025, AI will no longer be just an add-on; it will be the brain behind many cloud operations.

Key Trends to Watch:

  • AI-Powered Solutions: Expect AI to optimize everything from resource allocation to threat detection. It’s like having a personal assistant who not only organizes your calendar but also predicts when you’ll need an extra cup of coffee.
  • Edge Computing Integration: As IoT devices proliferate, edge computing will become essential for reducing latency and enhancing performance. This means data processing happens closer to where it’s generated—ideal for real-time applications like autonomous vehicles.
  • Multi-Cloud Strategies: Companies will increasingly adopt multi-cloud environments to avoid vendor lock-in and enhance flexibility. It’s akin to dating multiple partners until you find “the one”—except here, you can have your cake and eat it too.

The Road Ahead: What 2025 Holds

  1. AI Everywhere: Prepare for AI to be embedded in every aspect of cloud services, transforming how businesses operate and making processes smoother than a well-rehearsed punchline.
  2. Hybrid Cloud Solutions: These will gain traction as organizations seek to blend public and private clouds for enhanced security and flexibility. Think of it as having the best of both worlds—like enjoying pizza while on a diet (in moderation, of course).
  3. Focus on Security: With increasing threats, businesses will prioritize robust security measures in their cloud strategies. After all, nobody wants their sensitive data exposed like a poorly timed joke at a comedy show.
  4. Sustainability Initiatives: As environmental concerns grow, expect cloud providers to ramp up efforts toward greener solutions. It’s time for tech giants to show they can be eco-friendly without sacrificing performance.

As we step into 2025, the cloud landscape promises to be dynamic and full of opportunities. Embracing these changes will be crucial for businesses looking to thrive in this ever-evolving digital world.