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CapitaLand Investment launches research paper on ‘Asia Pacific Data Centre Investment Strategies in the Age of Digitalisation’

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2 years ago

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 Strong secular tailwinds drive investors’ interest in the region’s sector

SINGAPORE, July 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — CapitaLand Investment (CLI) has launched its latest research paper on investment strategies for Asia Pacific’s (APAC) data centre (DC) industry as part of its ‘Perspectives’ research series.  Leveraging insights from CLI’s expertise on the ground, the research paper highlights the demand drivers behind the rapid growth of DCs in the region and strategic investment considerations for investors. The paper also includes a case study on navigating India’s DC sector.

Ms Michelle Lee, CLI’s Managing Director, Private Funds (Data Centre), said: “Digitalisation is a global mega trend driving the growth of data centres. With the DC sector’s strong secular tailwinds, 97% of institutional investors plan to increase their capital allocation into the sector1, particularly in Asia Pacific. As DCs are more resilient, allocation to this asset class can be an integral part of investors’ portfolio diversification strategy.”

“CLI has accelerated our growth in the DC sector, adding 22 DCs since 2021. Today, we have 27 DCs with about US$4.5 billion assets under management and more than 800 megawatts (MW) in gross power across eight countries globally2.  CLI has vertically integrated DC capabilities spanning across design, development, sales, and operations. With DC domain capabilities, combined with our deep market knowledge, deal-sourcing and investment network in Asia, we are well-positioned to partner with investors to tap into the wealth of opportunities in the sector,” added Ms Lee.

APAC as a strong growth market

While cloud computing has been the primary driver for DC demand, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is now fuelling a more explosive growth. The revolution in the scale at which data is being used and managed is fundamentally a global phenomenon, but nowhere is it unfolding as rapidly as in APAC markets. On population per MW basis, APAC markets are underserved compared to regions such as EMEA and North America3.

APAC economies are not only growing faster, the region’s enormous population and swelling internet user base also cement its status as a highly attractive destination for DC investment. Its internet user base has grown seven-fold since 2005, compared to the growth of 1.9 times in the Americas and 1.8 times in Europe over the same period4. Going forward, APAC markets should continue to lead, as internet adoption further increases given the lower penetration rates in the region.

DC transactions in APAC rose about 2.4 times to approximately US$22 billion from 2019 to 2023, compared to the preceding five years, even as markets generally stagnated during the COVID-19 pandemic5.

While hyperscalers continue to drive DC demand, APAC colocation market is also expected to double in size to US$52 billion by 20266, becoming the world’s largest colocation DC market.

Key DC markets in APAC

Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul, Singapore and Sydney are key developed DC markets in APAC7. These markets have achieved scale and are important DC hubs in the region.

Beijing and Shanghai also show promise due to China’s large population, growing digital services sectors, strong government support, and robust long-term economic prospects. 

Increasing demand for DCs in India

Highlighting India as a hotspot for DC investment, Mr Sanjeev Dasgupta, CLI’s CEO for India, said: “India’s DC industry has seen increasing interest from institutional investors and has a long runway for further growth. India has the world’s second highest number of mobile subscribers and one of the fastest growing data consumption per user rates. The government’s digitalisation drive, data localisation regulation as well as the growth of cloud and AI will generate more demand for DC capacity. With CLI’s 30 years of experience in India, we have the capabilities and a deep understanding of the local market. We have a dedicated team of DC experts in India and are currently developing four DCs across the key markets of Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad with a total gross power of 244 MW.”

The seven major cities in India – Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Delhi NCR, Pune, and Kolkata – are the focal points for new DC development, offering strategic locations with proximity to key business centres. Mumbai stands out as the preeminent hub, hosting more than half of the country’s DC capacity8 with the other major cities mentioned developing strongly.

Opportunities and strategic considerations

Different DC models offer a spectrum of options for investors, catering to different preferences and risk appetites. However, the lack of stabilised DCs available for sale in APAC means the most promising opportunities for investors lie in developing new DCs – a strategy that can both satisfy new demand and yield higher returns.

Power availability has taken centre stage as a crucial determinant for DC locations. There is also a growing emphasis on sustainability. Increasingly, DC users and savvy operators are seeking to reduce their carbon footprints by being more energy-efficient and tapping renewable energy sources.

Investors should also be mindful of the geopolitical, regulatory and technological risks associated with DC investments. It is therefore crucial for investors to collaborate with DC partners who have a strong network, local expertise, and specialist domain knowledge.

To read the full research paper on DC investment strategies in APAC, visit: https://www.capitaland.com/global/en/about-capitaland/newsroom/Perspectives/2024/Apac_Data_Centre_Investment_Strategies_Age_of_Digitisation.html

Launched in 2022, Perspectives is CLI’s series of thematic and topical research reports aimed at providing proprietary insights on real asset investment trends and strategies, private equity developments, macroeconomy and markets. For more, visit:
https://www.capitaland.com/en/investment/news-and-events/perspectives.html

[1] 2024 Global Data Centre Investor Sentiment Survey, CBRE.

[2] Includes data centres in operation and under development.

[3] The World Bank, United Nations, CBRE, CLI PERA Research, June 2024.

[4] ITU World Communication, CLI PERA Research, June 2024.

[5] MSCI, Real Capital Analytics, CLI PERA Research, June 2024.

[6] CBRE, CLI PERA Research, June 2024.

[7] CBRE, Cushman & Wakefield, DC Byte, CLI PERA Research, June 2024.

[8] Avendus, “DCs: Powering Digital India”, May 2023, DC Byte, CLI PERA Research, June 2024.

 

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ST Engineering iDirect and MBSat Partner to Build Next-Generation Sovereign Connectivity Services Across Oman and the Middle East

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3 hours ago

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October 25, 2026

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Intuition ground system selected to support MBSat’s planned 2027 service launch, enabling accelerated deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable service growth

HERNDON, Va., Oct. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ST Engineering iDirect today announced a strategic partnership with Mohammed Al Barwani Satellite Company (MBSat), part of Mohammed Al Barwani Group, to provide the ground system technology foundation for MBSat’s next-generation satellite gateway and network operations across Oman and the wider Middle East region. Intuition will provide a flexible, software-defined foundation to support sovereign connectivity services, enabling efficient service deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable network operations.

Intuition will deliver a turnkey ground segment solution that accelerates deployment, simplifies operations and gives MBSat the flexibility to scale services as demand grows. The software-defined platform enables dynamic resource management, service automation and seamless integration with existing and future operational systems. The solution also includes Ka-band gateway infrastructure, service provisioning and management capabilities, open API integration frameworks, training and full-lifecycle support. Together, these capabilities will help MBSat launch and operate services efficiently while adapting to evolving market requirements.

The network will leverage capacity from MB Sat-1, a sovereign MicroGEO satellite, with planned service launch in 2027, to support flexible, scalable connectivity services across the region.

The partnership reflects growing investment in sovereign communications infrastructure across the Middle East as operators seek greater control over service delivery, network expansion and long-term technology evolution.

“This partnership represents an important milestone in our efforts to build an advanced satellite communications platform in Oman and the region,” said Ammar Al Rawahi, General Manager, MBSat. “Through our collaboration with ST Engineering iDirect, we are establishing the technical infrastructure required to launch services efficiently, respond to evolving customer needs and expand into new markets, supporting the sustainable long-term growth of our business.”

“We are providing MBSat with a flexible, software-defined ground platform that integrates with its existing operational environment,” said Sridhar Kuppanna, Chief Executive Officer, ST Engineering iDirect. “This enables more efficient service deployment and operations today, with the flexibility to scale, introduce new capabilities and evolve as requirements change.”

About ST Engineering iDirect

ST Engineering iDirect, a subsidiary of ST Engineering, is a global leader in satellite communications, providing technology and solutions that enable its customers to expand their business, differentiate their services and optimize their networks. Through its portfolio of ground infrastructure, intelligent networking and advanced satellite communications solutions, the company supports operators, service providers, governments and enterprises worldwide.

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SOURCE ST Engineering iDirect

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ST Engineering iDirect and MBSat Partner to Build Next-Generation Sovereign Connectivity Services Across Oman and the Middle East

Published

3 hours ago

on

October 25, 2026

By

Intuition ground system selected to support MBSat’s planned 2027 service launch, enabling accelerated deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable service growth

HERNDON, Va., Oct. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ST Engineering iDirect today announced a strategic partnership with Mohammed Al Barwani Satellite Company (MBSat), part of Mohammed Al Barwani Group, to provide the ground system technology foundation for MBSat’s next-generation satellite gateway and network operations across Oman and the wider Middle East region. Intuition will provide a flexible, software-defined foundation to support sovereign connectivity services, enabling efficient service deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable network operations.

Intuition will deliver a turnkey ground segment solution that accelerates deployment, simplifies operations and gives MBSat the flexibility to scale services as demand grows. The software-defined platform enables dynamic resource management, service automation and seamless integration with existing and future operational systems. The solution also includes Ka-band gateway infrastructure, service provisioning and management capabilities, open API integration frameworks, training and full-lifecycle support. Together, these capabilities will help MBSat launch and operate services efficiently while adapting to evolving market requirements.

The network will leverage capacity from MB Sat-1, a sovereign MicroGEO satellite, with planned service launch in 2027, to support flexible, scalable connectivity services across the region.

The partnership reflects growing investment in sovereign communications infrastructure across the Middle East as operators seek greater control over service delivery, network expansion and long-term technology evolution.

“This partnership represents an important milestone in our efforts to build an advanced satellite communications platform in Oman and the region,” said Ammar Al Rawahi, General Manager, MBSat. “Through our collaboration with ST Engineering iDirect, we are establishing the technical infrastructure required to launch services efficiently, respond to evolving customer needs and expand into new markets, supporting the sustainable long-term growth of our business.”

“We are providing MBSat with a flexible, software-defined ground platform that integrates with its existing operational environment,” said Sridhar Kuppanna, Chief Executive Officer, ST Engineering iDirect. “This enables more efficient service deployment and operations today, with the flexibility to scale, introduce new capabilities and evolve as requirements change.”

About ST Engineering iDirect

ST Engineering iDirect, a subsidiary of ST Engineering, is a global leader in satellite communications, providing technology and solutions that enable its customers to expand their business, differentiate their services and optimize their networks. Through its portfolio of ground infrastructure, intelligent networking and advanced satellite communications solutions, the company supports operators, service providers, governments and enterprises worldwide.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/st-engineering-idirect-and-mbsat-partner-to-build-next-generation-sovereign-connectivity-services-across-oman-and-the-middle-east-302918467.html

SOURCE ST Engineering iDirect

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Global Security & Technology Summit Unveils Month-Long Program of Activities Ahead of December Event

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10 hours ago

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October 24, 2026

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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Organizing Committee of the Global Security & Technology Summit (GSTS) held an introductory session today at the Ministry of Interior’s headquarters in Riyadh, bringing together representatives from the government, private, and nonprofit sectors to introduce the program of activities leading up to the summit. The upcoming summit will be held in Riyadh under the patronage of HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, under the supervision of HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Interior, and organized by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with Tuwaiq Academy.

During the session, the Organizing Committee presented the comprehensive GSTS program, comprising three key components: GSTS Month, running from November 1 to 30, 2026; the Global Security & Innovation Fair (SAIF), taking place from November 24 to 26, 2026; and the main Summit, scheduled for December 18 to 20, 2026, in Riyadh. Together, these events form an integrated program designed to advance security and technology innovation, strengthen national capabilities, and foster international cooperation.

GSTS Month will feature working groups, boot camps, training programs, knowledge-sharing sessions, and technical workshops across Saudi Arabia’s 13 administrative regions, delivered both in person and remotely in collaboration with specialized entities. The month-long program aims to develop national capabilities, identify emerging talent, enrich knowledge-sharing opportunities, and equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to develop innovative solutions to future security and technology challenges.

The main Summit will bring together global leaders, decision-makers, experts, and innovators to explore the future of security and technology, promote the integration of advanced technologies within the security sector, strengthen national capabilities, support innovation, and foster international cooperation, further positioning the Kingdom as a global hub for security and technology.

Showcasing the latest technological breakthroughs and security solutions, the summit will bring together government entities, private sector organizations, academic institutions, and research centers to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration across key fields, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), smart security solutions, emerging technologies, and crisis management. The program will also feature main sessions, specialized discussions, and interactive exhibitions. Registration is available at gsts.sa.

Advisor to HRH the Minister of Interior and Chairman of the GSTS Organizing Committee, Ahmed Altowayan, stated that the summit builds on Saudi Arabia’s efforts to establish an advanced security and technology ecosystem focused on knowledge and innovation, keeping pace with rapid developments and future challenges.

Mr. Altowayan noted that the summit is a global platform for strengthening cooperation and exchanging expertise, anticipating future developments in security and technology, and developing strategic partnerships and innovative solutions that enhance the efficiency and readiness of security systems.

Vice Chairman of the GSTS Organizing Committee, Eng. Abdulaziz Alhammadi, said that the summit will offer a range of integrated programs and activities focused on enhancing national skills, encouraging innovation, and supporting international cooperation.

He added that GSTS Month will help build national capabilities, discover talent, and develop skills, with SAIF providing a platform for innovators and researchers from around the world to showcase leading technological solutions, while the main Summit will bring together leaders and experts to discuss the future of security and technology and explore new strategic partnership opportunities.

SAIF will take place at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center, bringing together innovators, researchers, technology talents, and industry experts from around the world to showcase promising innovations and projects across 14 fields of technology and innovation. The fair will provide opportunities to engage with project owners, including students, graduates, and entrepreneurs, and explore the different stages of innovation development through interactive zones, panel discussions on emerging security and innovation trends, and knowledge-sharing workshops led by specialists. Visitor registration is open to participants from within and outside the Kingdom through saifair.sa.

The introductory session also featured contributions from representatives of government, private, and nonprofit sector entities, alongside members of the media. Discussions focused on developing national capabilities in security and technology, strengthening students’ technical expertise, translating scientific research into practical solutions, and supporting Saudi companies in developing security and technology solutions and advancing digital transformation.

Organized by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with Tuwaiq Academy, GSTS is produced by Tahaluf, with the Ministry of Education serving as Strategic Scientific Partner, Tahakom as Founding Partner, and Elm as Principal Partner.

Registration for participants from within and outside the Kingdom is available at gsts.sa.

Click here to view the media kit. 

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