Singtel’s Digital InfraCo, the data center subsidiary, is solidifying its position as the leading infrastructure provider in the region, particularly in AI computing. The company signed four MOUs on Jan 31 with key industry players, including Nvidia, regional renewable energy suppliers, technology businesses for efficiency improvements, and five higher learning institutes for talent development.
According to Digital InfraCo CEO Bill Chang, they are building a purpose-driven ecosystem for sustainable and responsible growth in the digital infrastructure, especially in an AI-driven world.
Singtel also launched the Nxera brand for its data center business on the same day, emphasizing its commitment to the growing digital economy in ASEAN.
The collaboration with Nvidia positions Digital InfraCo as the chipmaker’s cloud partner in the region, aiming to provide AI access to businesses through data centers hosting Nvidia’s GPU clusters. While the CEO didn’t disclose the investment value, recent developments, like YTL’s $4.3 billion deal with Nvidia, offer some insights.
Chang addressed speculations about a possible listing, stating it’s a decision for Nxera’s shareholders. Currently operating two data centers at 60MW, Nxera plans to expand its capacity beyond 200MW with new AI-focused and sustainable centers in the coming years.
To achieve operational net-zero emissions by 2028, Nxera aims for maximum sustainability and energy efficiency across its data centers. The company plans to establish a Regional Sustainable Data Centre Academy by mid-2024 in collaboration with educational institutions to produce at least 150 data center professionals annually.
Chang sees the AI industry at an early stage, comparing it to the “Palm Pilot moment” before smartphones became mainstream, predicting AI’s mainstream integration in under five years.