Singtel, GULF and AIS have commenced the construction of a new data center strategically located near Thailand’s capital, Bangkok. The data center, which is scheduled to begin commercial operations in 2025 and offer 20 MW or more in capacity, will be operated by its joint venture company, GSA Data Center Company Limited (GSA).
GSA capitalizes on the strengths of the three partners: GULF is well-established in the energy and infrastructure business with a portfolio of green energy projects in domestic and international markets as well as an extensive business network. Singtel has deep technological expertise in the development and operation of hyperscale data centers and a diversified global customer base that includes hyperscalers. AIS has local expertise in domestic networks, has developed and operated multiple locations of data center facilities in Thailand, and has experience serving a significant number of enterprise customers. GULF, Singtel and AIS hold equity stakes of 40%, 35% and 25%, respectively, in GSA.
The best-in-class hyperconnected data center will feature state-of-the-art technologies, including comprehensive security and access control systems, efficient energy management and incorporate the use of renewable energy to reduce its carbon footprint, to meet the needs of enterprises and cloud service providers in Thailand and overseas as their economies undergo rapid digitalization. The GSA data center will be constructed in compliance with world-class standards to obtain certifications such as TIA-942 Certification Rated-3, LEED Gold, Threat and Vulnerability Assessment (TVRA) and ISO 27001.
Ravi Kurmarohita, chief executive officer, GSA Data Center Company Limited, said, “Today’s ground-breaking ceremony marks another milestone in GSA’s data center development and is considered an auspicious occasion to officially start the construction of the GSA data center. This state-of-the-art, high-quality data center is located in a strategic location near Bangkok. It seeks to integrate cutting-edge technology and renewable energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance efficiency in energy management to support sustainable operations. With increasing demand from enterprises, particularly cloud service providers, the company therefore sees a strong growth potential of the data center business in a move towards digital transformation.”
Bill Chang, chief executive officer of Singtel’s Regional Data Center business, added, “The commencement of the construction phase of our Thai data center marks an exciting milestone for our regional data center strategy, which aims to create the high-quality digital infrastructure needed to address the accelerating digital needs of ASEAN enterprises and cloud service providers, so as to entrench Singtel’s position as a leading regional data center player. Thailand’s digital economy, in particular, is one of the fastest growing in the region with a compound growth rate of 15% every year to 2025, and our announcement today signals our firm intention to leverage the combined expertise of the joint venture partners to build and operate a best-in-class green data center to support this exciting market.”
In addition to the data center in Thailand, Singtel is developing a data center with a capacity of 51 MW in Indonesia together with partners Telkom and Medco Power. It is also adding capacity in Singapore, with a new build planned for Tuas. The Indonesian and Singapore data centers are expected to begin operations by 2025.