Midea and Keppel Collaborate to Develop AI-Based Modular Cooling System Solutions in Asia
Singapore (ANTARA/PRNewswire) - Midea Building Technologies (MBT), a business unit of Midea Group, has officially partnered with Keppel Ltd.’s Infrastructure Division to develop AI-based, energy-efficient cooling solutions in Asia. The partnership launch was witnessed by Cindy Lim, CEO of Keppel’s Infrastructure Division, and Peter Guan, Vice President of Midea Group and President of MBT.
This non-exclusive cooperation agreement combines MBT’s strengths in manufacturing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, as well as smart building systems, with Keppel’s expertise in the Cooling-as-a-Service (CaaS) business model and digital optimisation. Both parties will develop standardised modular cooling systems. Implementation of these systems in specific projects will be governed by separate agreements between Keppel and MBT.
These modular cooling solutions are designed to offer high flexibility with lower capital expenditure (capex) requirements. The systems can be applied and scaled across various sectors, while improving energy efficiency and reducing on-site installation complexity.
Through a modular and pre-engineered approach, Keppel can prefabricate cooling modules that are then assembled directly at project sites. The system will integrate with Keppel’s Operations Nerve Centre (ONC), an advanced control centre based on the in-house developed Infrastructure Intelligence (II) digital platform. This platform leverages AI and machine learning for real-time monitoring and advanced performance analysis, enabling remote management of the cooling modules around the clock.
When combined with MBT’s smart equipment, IoT sensors, and intelligent building management systems, this AI-based cooling solution enhances operational reliability, energy efficiency, and reduces carbon emissions throughout its lifecycle.
As part of this partnership, the two companies will also establish an AI-based Centre of Excellence as a collaboration platform to support engineering processes, standardisation, optimisation, and replication of the solutions across potential projects. Targeted sectors include data centres, advanced manufacturing, industrial estates, healthcare facilities, educational campuses, aviation service centres, integrated development projects, and retrofit initiatives.
Peter Guan, Vice President of Midea Group and President of MBT, said: “This partnership unlocks the full potential of industrial AI applications for cooling systems. MBT offers scalable manufacturing capabilities, device-level smart technology, and proven modular architecture that can be quickly replicated across cities and sectors. Supported by Keppel’s operational platform, we are moving from one-off projects to standardised and easily replicable solutions. As a result, sustainable cooling systems become more accessible and affordable on a large scale.”
Tiong Keng, Executive Director of Energy-as-a-Service at Keppel, said: “This collaboration further strengthens our capabilities in developing and deploying next-generation cooling solutions in Asia. By blending Keppel’s Operations Nerve Centre and operational excellence with Midea’s engineering and manufacturing strengths, we are accelerating the adoption of AI-based smart infrastructure across various sectors. We also look forward to continuing our ongoing collaborations, including the HDB Tengah centralised cooling system project in Singapore.”
About Midea
Midea Group Co., Ltd. (000333.SZ, 00300.HK) is a global technology company ranked 246th on the Fortune Global 500 list for 2025. Midea’s businesses encompass smart homes, industrial technology, building technology, robotics and automation, new energy, healthcare services, and smart logistics. Supported by 65 production facilities and over 190,000 employees across more than 200 countries and regions, Midea recorded revenue exceeding US$64.3 billion in 2025. Midea also operates 41 global innovation centres and holds over 90,000 registered patents.
About Keppel
Keppel Ltd. (SGX:BN4) is a global asset manager and operator focused on sustainable solutions in infrastructure, real estate, and connectivity. Headquartered in Singapore, Keppel operates in over 20 countries and provides essential infrastructure for renewable energy, clean energy, decarbonisation, sustainable urban renewal, and digital connectivity. Keppel creates value for investors and stakeholders through high-quality investment platforms and a diverse portfolio of assets, including private investment funds and listed real estate and business trusts.
SOURCE: Midea Building Technologies