Satellites can spot Malaysia’s water leaks, but can they fix them?

[KUALA LUMPUR] Every day, Malaysia loses more than a third of its treated water before it even reaches a tap – more than double the global benchmark of 15 per cent.

Now, utilities agencies are turning to satellites, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven analytics and smart meters to manage water systems more efficiently and gain quick, high-return improvements.

The idea is simple – use predictive intelligence to pinpoint the riskiest portions in the network, fix those sections fast, and get more bang for the buck. It’s a “huge win”, said Yohei Nishiyama, vice-president of business development at Tokyo-based Tenchijin.