In a significant move to unify and advance the data center industry in the Asia-Pacific region, the Asia-Pacific Data Centre Association (APDCA) has been officially launched. This pioneering trade association group, the first of its kind in the region, is set to play a critical role in representing the collective interests of the data center industry.
With an emphasis on collaboration, the APDCA is poised to bring together data center operators, suppliers, and stakeholders to identify and formulate common positions. This initiative is not just about industry growth – It would be a strategic step towards advocating for policies and regulations that promote sustainable development within the sector.
The establishment of the APDCA is a response to the burgeoning demand for data services across Asia. The founding members are a testament to the significance of this move, with leading global data center operators like AirTrunk, Digital Realty, Equinix, Global Switch, NTT Global Data Centers, Princeton Digital Group, ST Telemedia Global Data Centres, and Vantage Data Centers joining hands. Together, these companies hold a substantial 40% share of the APAC market, excluding Mainland China, as per insights from Synergy. This collective strength underscores the potential impact the APDCA can have on the industry’s future trajectory.
Commitment is at the heart of APDCA’s mission, with members dedicated to working alongside governments to develop policies that ensure data center security and resilience, minimize environmental impacts, and contribute positively to local economies. This collaborative approach is expected to yield significant benefits, not only for the data center industry but also for the wider communities in which these data centers operate.
5G, GenAI, IoT, Cloud Computing
The Asia-Pacific region, according to Structure Research, is experiencing a surge in data center colocation market growth. In 2023, this market supported a remarkable 10,233 megawatts of critical IT capacity, approximately 40% of the global market share. Furthermore, Structure Research’s projections suggest a growth rate of 13.3% over the next five years, reaching 19,069 megawatts by 2028. This growth trajectory is indicative of Asia’s pivotal role in the global data center landscape, driven by increasing demands for managed data services.
Jeremy Deutsch, Interim Chairperson of the APDCA and President Asia Pacific at Equinix, highlighted the importance of this development amidst the accelerating demand for digital services in the region. He emphasized the need for a unified vision for digital infrastructure and data centers, especially in the context of emerging technologies such as 5G, generative AI, IoT, and cloud computing. “APDCA will represent this essential industry in the region, with a commitment to support the interests of our members, our industry, and the people, businesses, and communities we serve,” said Jeremy Deutsch.
The APDCA’s role is further contextualized by its relationship with the European Data Centre Association (EUDCA), a sister organization and a key participant in the Climate Neutral Data Centre Pact. The EUDCA’s Chair, Lex Coors, and Managing Director, Michael Winterson, expressed enthusiasm for collaboration, recognizing the global nature of the issues faced by the industry. Their support underscores the shared vision of both organizations in building future-ready data centers and achieving sustainability goals.
Looking ahead, the APDCA’s governance will be overseen by a Board, composed of representatives from the founding members. The immediate agenda includes the election of a Chairperson and setting strategic goals for the Association. This development would mark a significant milestone in the Asia-Pacific region’s journey towards a robust, sustainable, and collaborative data center ecosystem.
