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Four data centre proposals selected as part of pilot Data Centre Call for Application (“DC-CFA”)

SINGAPORE – 14 JUL 2023

1. The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) will award about 80 MW of new capacity to four data centre operators through the pilot Data Centre – Call for Application (DC-CFA) exercise. This is part of Singapore’s effort to enable the growth of DCs to support our digital economy in a sustainable manner consistent with our climate change commitments. We will continue to work with the industry to release more capacity in the near term to support emerging needs for Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) compute, and to encourage the deployment of lower carbon DCs in Singapore.

Quality CFA proposals

2. After the temporary pause in the growth of DCs was lifted in 2022, a pilot DC-CFA was launched to facilitate the sustainable building of new data centre capacity. Flexibility was provided for industry to propose innovative approaches that would:

  • Bring in state of the art technologies and best practices for sustainability, particularly in the areas of energy efficiency and decarbonisation;
  • Strengthen Singapore’s international connectivity and position as a regional hub; and
  • Make a significant contribution to Singapore’s broader economic objectives.

3. There was significant industry interest in this pilot, with more than 20 proposals received. Given the quality of the proposals received, we are provisionally awarding about 80 MW to the following companies (listed alphabetically):

  • AirTrunk-ByteDance (Consortium)
  • Equinix
  • GDS
  • Microsoft

4. These 4 awarded proposals were best able to meet our desired outcomes holistically and had significantly competitive propositions to strengthen Singapore’s position as a regional hub and contribute to broader economic objectives. Key highlights include:

  • Delivering best-in-class energy efficient performance through comprehensive adoption of liquid cooling and energy efficient core-IT equipment. This includes meeting Green Mark DC Platinum Certification.
  • Significantly expanding international connectivity, including through facilitating an increase in submarine cable capacity and setting up new carrier neutral exchanges.
  • Anchoring key compute capacities, including AI/ML compute, and High-Performance Compute in Singapore, while linking with offshore DCs to complement Singapore’s capacity.
  • Significant economic commitments to Singapore beyond the direct DC investments.

5. We appreciate the strong support and active participation by the industry in this pilot DC-CFA exercise. The proposals illustrate the continued confidence and the applicants’ commitment to innovatively grow the DC industry in a sustainable manner and strengthen Singapore’s value proposition as a key technology hub for the region.

Considerations for future DCs

6. Given the significant interest, EDB and IMDA will continue to engage industry stakeholders on the next bound. We aim to allocate more capacity in the next 12 to 18 months to advance our interest as an innovative, sustainable, global digital hub. We remain committed to the sustainable growth of the DC sector and will develop a roadmap together with the industry towards the development of Green DCs with lower carbon emissions in support of Singapore’s net-zero targets. With rapid advancements in Generative AI, EDB and IMDA will also engage industry stakeholders in the immediate term on the compute and connectivity infrastructure required to build a competitive AI ecosystem. 

LAST UPDATED: 25 JUL 2024

Issued by the Infocomm Media Development Authority & Singapore Economic Development Board

About Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA)

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) leads Singapore’s digital transformation with infocomm media. To do this, IMDA will develop a dynamic digital economy and a cohesive digital society, driven by an exceptional infocomm media (ICM) ecosystem – by developing talent, strengthening business capabilities, and enhancing Singapore's ICM infrastructure. IMDA also regulates the telecommunications and media sectors to safeguard consumer interests while fostering a pro-business environment, and enhances Singapore’s data protection regime through the Personal Data Protection Commission.

For more news and information, visit www.imda.gov.sg or follow IMDA on LinkedIn (@IMDA), Facebook (@IMDAsg) and Instagram (@IMDAsg).

About the Singapore Economic Development Board

The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), a government agency under the Ministry of Trade and Industry, is responsible for strategies that enhance Singapore’s position as a global centre for business, innovation, and talent. We undertake investment promotion and industry development, and work with international businesses, both foreign and local, by providing information, connection to partners and access to government incentives for their investments. Our mission is to create sustainable economic growth, with vibrant business and good job opportunities for Singapore and Singaporeans. For more information on EDB, please visit www.edb.gov.sg.

For media clarifications, please contact:

(Ms) Valerie Chan
Assistant Manager
(Communications and Marketing)
IMDA
Email: media@imda.gov.sg

(Ms) Theresa Ong
Manager
(Brand, Marketing & Communications)
EDB
Email: theresa_ong@edb.gov.sg

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