India’s data centre ambitions will have to go through Malaysia

24 Sep 2024 CW Team

According to a research note by S&P Global, India presently holds the highest leased data centre capacity among several emerging markets, ranging between 1-3 GW. The report suggests that India is well-positioned to become a significant player in the data centre industry over the coming years, though it may face tough competition from countries like Malaysia and Vietnam.

The note projects that over $100 billion will be invested in data centre facilities in the Asia-Pacific region within the next five years. This investment will be driven by increasing data demands, the growth of artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and digitalisation. Emerging markets in the region are expected to experience faster capacity growth than established markets during this period.

The Indian government is reportedly considering subsidies for data centre development, aiming to leverage the AI boom and provide easier access to computing capacity for start-ups and research institutions. Computing power, an essential component for large AI systems, is costly and often inaccessible to smaller businesses, making government support crucial.

S&P Global’s note also points out that emerging markets in Asia-Pacific offer several advantages over developed markets, including lower costs for developing and operating data centres, significant data demand growth due to digitalisation and favourable demographics, and government backing for local data centre infrastructure as part of efforts to maintain data sovereignty.

While India currently leads in data centre capacity among emerging markets such as Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, the report forecasts that Malaysia may see faster growth in the sector between 2023 and 2028. However, India's relatively less stringent data sovereignty regulations could provide it with a competitive edge over Malaysia.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..