Why Singapore might say yes to an AI data centre
Three reasons why Singapore might be amenable.

OpenAI wants to build multiple Stargate AI data centres around the world. Here are 3 reasons why Singapore might say yes to one.
Stargate Singapore?
OpenAI want to build AI data centres around the world as it seeks to hedge against sustainability concerns of building so many data centres in the US - among other reasons.
After Stargate UAE, news reports say that OpenAI is looking at the Asia Pacific. A data centre hub, Singapore has for years pushed for more sustainable data centres.
Which means a Stargate Singapore is surely impossible, right?
Three reasons
As I mulled over this during the weekend, I realised this might not be as cut and dried as it appears. Here are 3 reasons why Singapore might be amenable.
- Strategic opportunity
The announcement of an additional 300MW data centre capacity last year came as a huge surprise. As I wrote then, it's about allowing Singapore to capture strategic opportunities and isn't a static allocation.
An AI data centre built in partnership with a top AI giant could fit within the definition of capturing strategic opportunities.
- AI as a sustainability driver
AI data centres could play a role to shift the paradigm around resource use with the right framework to incentivise investments to either improve efficiency or conserve scarce resources.
Two examples: The water treatment plants built by Google at Port Dickson and AirTrunk's upcoming wastewater treatment plant in Johor.
- Built in phases
AI data centres aren't always built to GW-scale. In the region, Taiwan's just-announced AI data centre is "only" 100MW and will be built in 20MW phases.
Singapore has 1.4GW of data centres currently, so 20MW every year or two doesn't sound too bad, particularly since the Lion City is working hard to bring in renewables.
The details matter
As usual, the devil is in the details. Singapore already has a comprehensive AI strategy, and policymakers would surely scrutinise the long-term benefits.
Some key considerations could include economic growth, attracting global talents, and advancing the local AI ecosystem.
What do you think?