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In focus
- How a data localization policy could spell success for data centers in the Philippines
- What you need to know about SFO’s latest funding round pre-IPO
- How water can run dry amid SEA’s data center boom
Hello reader,
Southeast Asian governments compete for investors in various innovative industries. In electric vehicle production, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand seem to be winning the race. In data centers, Singapore and Malaysia have so far secured most of the pie.
The Philippines has largely been excluded from these discussions despite being home to more than 100 million people. Data center operators are hoping to change that.
In our first top story today, I dive deep into how local data center players have been seeking the passage of a data localization law in the country. They believe such a policy will spur investment and almost force hyperscalers to establish a presence in the Philippines.
But considering the attendance of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the opening of one of the largest data centers in the country last year, it looks less like a question of if but more like when the law will be passed.
Meanwhile, in our second top story, Indian electronics manufacturer SFO seems to be preparing to go public after closing a new funding round.
Hardware-focused technologies appear to be early investment winners in Asia so far this year. But will that change with the recent geopolitical developments on the continent, such as the conflict in the Middle East? That’s something worth keeping an eye on as we near the end of the first quarter.
Elyssa Lopez, journalist
Top Stories
1️⃣ PH bets on local data centers. Can it handle the heat?
Image credit: Made by Miguel Cordon/Tech in Asia with the help of AI
Data center operators in the Philippines say most hyperscalers use Singapore-based data centers to serve local needs. With the possible passage of a data localization law, they’re hoping to change that in their favor.
Not everyone is on board, however, as the costs of switching locations could be passed on to these giants’ enterprise clients.
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