What data centres insiders know but won't say

Had coffee with the CEO of a large data centre operator this afternoon. He told me: "You say things that we know but can't say publicly."

This got me thinking.

With no relation to the above conversation, here are some things that insiders know but don't necessarily say out loud for various reasons.

Singapore wants to keep its hub status

With 1,400MW of live data centre capacity and dozens of subsea cables, Singapore is an acknowledged data centre hub in the region.

In 2019, a commitment to sustainability saw the imposition of a moratorium, followed by a period of controlled growth. This culminated in a green data centre roadmap released in 2024.

From outside, the slow growth in the face of hypergrowth everywhere else sure looks like Singapore has lost the plot with data centres. However, it just wants to play the game on its own terms.

• A fixation on its climate commitments - S'pore style.
• Wants to blaze the path towards sustainable DCs.
• Clear about leveraging the power of AI.
• No interest in being an AI training hub.

Behind the scenes, multiple agencies are working nonstop to connect the dots and maintain its hub status:

• EMA is working on green energy options.
• IMDA is gearing up for DC-CFA2, supported by JTC.
• EDB continues to look for strategic AI opportunities.

Malaysia is going for pole position

The breathtaking rise of Malaysia's data centre market caught many by surprise. It's no fluke - this is a classic example of what happens when preparation meets opportunity.

It was years in the making, through the tireless efforts of MDEC, initiatives like the Multimedia Super Corridor, and a pioneering group of local and international data centre operators.

But now that growth is surging, there is no question Malaysia is aiming for pole position.

Of course, it does face non-trivial challenges, reflected by recent policies and public statements by government officials. Such as how to:

• Minimise its environmental impact.
• Attract a broader variety of workloads.
• Leverage data centres to accelerate renewables.
• Convert one-time DC investments into gains elsewhere.

Data centres are big business

Make no mistake: much of the interest in data centres is about the money-making potential for investors and businesses.

This means that:

• Vendors will say what benefits them.
• Media will amplify whatever gets clicks.
• Investors will sing praise when it suits them.
• Consultants will find problems that need their solutions.

So when they speak, listen accordingly.