Artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to contribute up to $600 billion AUD annually to Australia’s GDP by 2030, but for many organisations, the challenge lies in turning that potential into measurable outcomes. Across Australia and New Zealand, legacy systems, fragmented data, and a shortage of AI expertise continue to slow progress.

Yet in recent months, a clear shift has emerged. Customers across industries are moving from exploration to execution and putting AI to work in practical, powerful ways. Events like Oracle CloudWorld Tour Sydney and ongoing engagements across the region have shown just how rapidly interest is turning into action, with organisations increasingly focused on embedding AI into operations, improving decision-making, and driving innovation at scale.

The infrastructure to innovate

AI adoption hinges on robust infrastructure and data management and that’s where Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) leads the way. For example, at Oracle CloudWorld 2024, we unveiled the world’s first zettascale AI supercomputer, one of the largest AI supercomputers in the cloud. Available via OCI, it packs up to 131,072 NVIDIA Blackwell graphics processing units (GPUs), more than six times that of other hyperscalers.

While OCI customers benefit from access to our GPUs all over the world, they also have the flexibility to train AI models locally here in Australia – keeping data in country. Our Sydney data centre was among the first globally to receive NVIDIA’s cutting-edge Blackwell B200 and GB200 chips, with even more GPUs expected later this calendar year.

Another good example is our distributed cloud. It is uniquely positioned to help customers implement their AI strategy while helping them meet their digital sovereignty requirements. Additionally, NVIDIA AI Enterprise will be available on OCI, enabling customers to quickly and easily access 160+ AI tools, including NVIDIA NIM™ microservices. This will provide customers with an end-to-end set of training and inference capabilities on OCI, which can be combined with OCI services to build applications and manage data across a range of distributed cloud deployment options.

Don’t forget the data. AI’s potential is limitless, but it’s only as powerful as the data behind it. Oracle is in the unique position of having already embedded AI across its entire technology stack from infrastructure and platform services to databases and business applications. All of this makes it easier to embed AI where it’s needed by bringing it to the data, collect data that’s created from AI processes, and then feed the data back to the models to improve them even further.

Bridging the AI skills gap

In addition to providing world-class AI infrastructure for ANZ, we are also committed to advancing AI skills development in the region. One example is through Oracle University’s AI training and certification programs, which range from foundational level courses for all learners to professional level courses that are designed to equip business and IT professionals with comprehensive AI skills. Working together with leading organisations and universities across ANZ, we’ve already provided training and certification to thousands of learners.

Helping customers accelerate AI success

At the recent Oracle CloudWorld Tour Sydney, we were proud to be joined by many ANZ customers sharing their AI success stories.

A perfect example is Australia’s leading aerial intelligence firms, Outline Global. The team at Outline Global is leveraging Oracle Database 23ai to power its AI-enabled geospatial mapping platform and transform critical data processing and analysis for government agencies and industries such as agriculture, mining, and urban development.

AI in the public sector sphere

In addition to our work in the private sector, we are also working closely with public sector entities to help agencies leverage the latest AI innovations to do more with their data, while ensuring data sovereignty and security.

To support government innovation, Oracle has a cloud region specifically for Government and Defence in Canberra that is fully compliant with the stringent data residency and sovereignty requirements.

Additionally, through TEAM IM, organisations in New Zealand now have access to TEAM Cloud, the country’s first locally owned and operated hyperscale cloud built on Oracle Alloy. This gives organisations greater flexibility to innovate with AI and cloud technologies while ensuring their data remains securely hosted within New Zealand.

Meanwhile, AI agents embedded across our cloud applications automate complex workflows, streamline operations, and enhance service delivery for government agencies.

As ANZ charts a course toward an AI future, Oracle remains committed to driving AI transformation locally through infrastructure investment, skills, and development.