Asia’s data boom: The new power race

Asia is fast becoming the global epicenter of cloud infrastructure and AI capacity.

In recent weeks, global tech giants and regional players have launched billion-dollar data center projects — turning the region into a geopolitical and economic battleground for data dominance.

The Details

🌏 Growth at full speed: According to Moody’s, Asia could account for 40% of global data center capacity by 2030, powered by over 800 billion USD in investments.

🟩 Singapore goes green: The Green Data Centre Roadmap only allows ultra-efficient facilities with PUE values below 1.3. About 300 megawatts are reserved for “green” projects.

🇹🇭 Thailand attracts billions: Four new projects worth 3.1 billion USD have been approved. The country is fast-tracking permits and promoting data centers beyond major cities.

🇰🇷 South Korea thinks in gigawatts: Seoul is building a 35-billion-dollar AI-driven data center complex with 3 GW of capacity — designed and operated entirely by artificial intelligence.

🇮🇳 India rises quietly: NTT Data is expanding its lead as India’s market is projected to reach 4.5 GW by 2030, attracting up to 25 billion USD in investments.

And the rest of the world?

• 🇺🇸 Full throttle: AWS, Microsoft, Google, and Meta are pouring over 360 billion USD into new data centers and AI infrastructure. U.S. states like Arkansas and Indiana compete with tax breaks and fast-track approvals.

  🇪🇺 Slower, but greener: Microsoft is investing 10 billion USD in a new AI hub in Portugal, and Google is spending 6.4 billion in Germany. The EU backs 19 “AI factories,” but high power costs and strict environmental rules are slowing the rollout.

👉🏻 Want more AI deep dives? Every Wednesday, we bring you exclusive insights on all AI trends from across Asia.