Board Interview Series (2): An Interview with Carly Wishart and Jonathan King

In the second series of interviews with APDCA Board members, we speak with Carly Wishart, Managing Director, Corporate and International, AirTrunk, and Jonathan King, Group Chief Strategy and Investment Officer, ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC).

Carly and Jonathan explore the evolving landscape of data centres in the AI era, with a particular focus on making sure investment in digital infrastructure benefits local communities and is sustainable for the long term.

Stay tuned for further interviews where APDCA Board members will share insights into the key topics in the APAC data centre sector.

How is the demand for digital transformation and AI affecting the demand for data centres in APAC?

Carly: Asia Pacific & Japan is one of the fastest-growing regions globally, fuelled by strong macroeconomic trends like population growth and rising GDP. Innovation and digitalisation are accelerating that momentum. That’s exciting, however it also means we need the right infrastructure in place, at the right time...to not just keep up, but to get ahead.

AI is supercharging this shift, making hyperscale data centres the backbone of APAC’s digital economy. The opportunity is clear: markets that offer reliable, affordable, and sustainable infrastructure will ride the wave of AI-led investment.

Hyperscale campuses are rising to meet the moment. They’re built for efficiency, scale, and sustainability—designed to handle the demands of AI while supporting the energy transition.

I often think of data centres like modern roads. Roads move people and goods; data centres move ideas, services, and livelihoods. And the pace is astonishing. Asia’s physical highways took decades to build. Today’s digital infrastructure—networks, cloud platforms, hyperscale data centres—is coming together in just 10 to 15 years, driven by digital-first economies and relentless digital demand.

At AirTrunk, we see this unfolding every day. Demand for hyperscale facilities is surging—from AI, cloud, enterprise, and beyond. It’s a huge opportunity, and a huge responsibility. We’re building infrastructure that’s fast, future-ready, and sustainable.

Jonathan: Digital transformation and AI adoption are accelerating demand for data centres across APAC. While data centres currently consume ~1.5% of global electricity, this figure is expected to rise—managed through ongoing innovation and efficiency gains. AI workloads require high computational power, prompting investment in AI-optimised infrastructure. Governments are backing sovereign, low-latency data centres to meet data sovereignty and digital economy goals, fuelling growth in markets like Japan, India, Malaysia, Australia, and Indonesia.

As of 2024, APAC hosts over 1,800 data centres with 12.2 GW of live capacity, projected to double by 2028. Despite strong momentum, APAC faces constraints in renewable energy availability, infrastructure, and talent — which create an AI-ready data centre capacity gap that is expected to widen. However, sustainability remains central, with operators adopting energy-efficient designs and renewable sources to mitigate rising energy demands.

Capital flows remain robust, with data centres increasingly viewed as long-term strategic assets. This dynamic ensures APAC is poised to overtake other regions in capacity before 2030, reinforcing its role as a global hub for AI and digital infrastructure.

How well understood is the impact of data centres on the environment? Are there opportunities to improve understanding among policymakers and the public?

Carly: Most people use data every day - whether that’s through streaming, messaging or working online; however, the infrastructure behind it, like data centres, often goes unnoticed. These facilities quietly support our digital lives and play a key role in keeping economies connected and services running.

I think the understanding and the appreciation of the role data centres play in society is still in its early stages.

When it comes to their environmental impact, there’s still a lot of misunderstanding. It’s easy to assume all data centres operate the same way, but modern hyperscale data centres are designed to be much more efficient than older, on-premise setups. One study found they use up to 67% less energy, which is a material improvement in efficiency.

They’re also helping support the shift to cleaner energy. Many operators are now major buyers of renewables, which helps bring more clean power into the grid. At AirTrunk, for example, 74% of our electricity use last year was matched with renewables, and we’re on track to achieve 100% by 2030.

Water use is another area we’re actively addressing - especially in regions where it’s scarce. We’re focused on reducing our use of drinking water, finding alternative sources, like recycled water, and improving how efficiently we use it. In FY24, 53% of our portfolio was supplied with recycled water supply.

We also believe in being transparent. We track and report metrics like energy and water efficiency so people can see where we’re making progress—and where there’s more to do.

So yes, there’s room to improve public and policymaker understanding. But there’s also a real opportunity to show how data centres are evolving—by operating more efficiently, investing in renewables, and being open about their impact.

Jonathan: The environmental impact of data centres is often oversimplified, portrayed as energy-intensive without context. In reality, they are foundational to the digital economy—powering AI, cloud, and digital services—while navigating complex sustainability challenges. Leading operators have made significant strides in energy efficiency and sustainable design, pushing the limits of thermodynamic and power management. AI compute has intensified pressure on power systems, raising the stakes for decarbonisation and grid modernisation.

While the debate has centred on data centres, it’s more productive to view digital infrastructure as a catalyst for low-carbon energy transition. This perspective is gaining traction but requires broader awareness and alignment. Transparent reporting on energy and water usage is vital, but real progress depends on deeper collaboration across regulators, utilities, and tech providers.

Establishing strong public-private platforms will be key to co-creating actionable solutions and aligning industry and government efforts with a shared sense of purpose and resolve. Expanding educational initiatives and communicating the role of digital infrastructure in enabling low-carbon or renewable energy and modernising electricity grids can shift public perceptions —reinforcing that digital growth supports, rather than undermines, sustainability goals.   

How is your company investing and innovating to make your data centres more efficient in their use of energy?

Carly: We’re always working to make our data centres more efficient and sustainable.

Cooling is a major focus. We’re finding ways to balance water and energy use, to ensure efficient operations and reduce emissions.

Innovations like liquid cooling are essential to ensure data centres are AI-ready and optimising energy efficiency. In Malaysia, our pioneering direct-to-chip liquid cooling for high-density AI servers delivers substantial energy savings and some of the lowest PUEs (Power Usage Effectiveness) in the region. Given the efficiency benefits, we’re working through opportunities to integrate liquid cooling into our other data centres.

We’re also investing in renewable energy. In Australia for example, we’ve partnered with Google to support a new solar farm that will add 25MW of clean energy to the grid. Across all our sites, we’re aiming to match 100% of our electricity use with renewables by 2030.

We’re also engaging with energy providers and regulators to support broader infrastructure improvements. It’s not something we do alone—it’s a shared effort with our partners and communities.

Jonathan: ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC) is advancing energy efficiency through targeted innovation and sustainable design. Key initiatives include:

·       AI-driven cooling optimisation: In partnership with Phaidra, STT GDC has piloted autonomous AI systems that analyse real-time data to optimise cooling efficiency, potentially reducing cooling energy consumption by up to 30% in test facilities.

·       Hybrid and liquid cooling technologies: STT GDC deploys advanced systems that integrate air and liquid cooling to optimise cooling-specific energy efficiency and overall thermal management.

·       Renewable energy integration: Over 78% of STT GDC’s energy consumption globally is sourced from renewables, significantly reducing carbon emissions and aligning with national clean energy goals.

·       Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO): STT GDC is the first in Singapore to use HVO for backup generators. This renewable diesel alternative cuts lifecycle emissions by up to 90% without requiring engine modifications.

·       Energy-efficient infrastructure: Facilities are designed for scalability and efficiency, incorporating smart power distribution, low PUE and WUE metrics, and certified by LEED and Greenmark Platinum standards.

·       Transparent sustainability reporting: STT GDC publishes detailed ESG disclosures on energy, water, and emissions, reinforcing accountability and stakeholder trust.

Through these efforts and others, STT GDC is setting a regional benchmark for energy-efficient, future-ready digital infrastructure that supports growing demand while minimising environmental impact.

What role can AI play in making data centres more environmentally friendly?

Carly: Clearly, AI will change the way we work, live and play. It is increasingly becoming a valuable tool in all our lives and it’s no different in helping data centres operate more sustainably, and at AirTrunk, we’re seeing its potential across a few key areas.

AI can be used to help fine-tune how data centres run day to day. Real-time tools can help adjust power and cooling systems, so they use less energy and run more smoothly.

AI also helps with better planning. It can forecast energy demand and support the integration of renewables into the grid by managing variability. In construction, AI can be used to improve supply chain planning, which helps reduce waste and lower emissions tied to building materials.

All of this helps us design and operate data centres that are ready for the future—and more sustainable, too. AI is helping us move faster and smarter toward better outcomes for our customers, community and the environment.

Jonathan: AI plays a transformative role in boosting productivity and optimising nearly every industry, from streamlining manufacturing processes, facilitating smart grid management, to optimising logistics, and automating infrastructure. AI workloads drive significant efficiency gains that translate into reduced environmental footprints. The data centres supporting these AI workloads are essential enablers of this digital transformation and play a critical role in advancing sustainability over the long term.

Within the data centre itself, efficiency should be measured not just by total energy use, but by computing output per unit of energy. AI workloads powered by GPUs deliver significantly higher performance per watt than traditional CPUs, shifting the paradigm toward greater computational value with lower energy input. AI also enhances sustainability by optimising energy use and cooling systems—major energy consumers in data centres. Through real-time analytics and automation, AI forecasts energy demand, allocates resources efficiently, and fine-tunes cooling based on thermal conditions like temperature and airflow. It also enables predictive maintenance, reducing downtime and unnecessary energy use. Real-world examples highlight AI’s impact: Google cut cooling energy by 40% using AI, while STT GDC partnered with Phaidra to pilot autonomous AI control of hybrid cooling systems in Singapore.

Ultimately, AI drives a strategic shift in data centre management—from reactive to proactive—balancing performance with environmental responsibility. Innovations like liquid immersion cooling and AI-powered optimisation exemplify this evolution by improving efficiency and sustainability in advanced data-driven ways.

How should the industry work with local communities to build support for data centre investment?

Carly: Before building anything, we need to build trust. Data centres aren’t just technical facilities—they’re part of the communities they operate in, and it’s essential that we show up as good neighbours. That begins with helping people understand why data centres matter: they’re essential infrastructure powering everything from healthcare and education to banking and entertainment.

We also need to be transparent about how we use local resources. Energy and water are finite and needed to operate data centres. It’s our responsibility to justify that use through responsible design, innovation, and efficiency. Sustainability isn’t just a goal - it is one of AirTrunk’s values and it’s a commitment to operating in ways that respect and protect the environment.

Being a good neighbour means engaging with the local community early and often. It means creating employment opportunities, supporting local education, and ensuring our presence contributes positively to the region. Our impact should extend beyond the walls of the data centre, like through initiatives like STEM education, biodiversity and conservation, equal digital access and helping our communities during natural disasters.

None of this works without genuine engagement. It’s about being present and making sure our work brings lasting value to the people around us: we want to be great neighbours.

Jonathan: Workforce development is critical and central to community engagement. By partnering with educational institutions, training centres, and local governments, data centre operators can create tailored programmes that equip the community with skills for future-ready careers—directly benefiting the local economy. Investing in certifications and hands-on training helps close the skills gap and builds a resilient workforce. This transforms communities from passive neighbours into active participants in the industry’s growth, fostering trust and long-term support.

Prioritising local hiring and sourcing further circulates economic value, aligning with broader sustainable development goals. It positions the industry not just as an infrastructure provider, but as a committed community partner. Ultimately, meaningful collaboration and investment in talent create a virtuous cycle of opportunity, capability, and shared prosperity—building enduring support for data centre investment and empowering communities to thrive alongside digital progress.

How can governments and data centre operators work together to ensure that digital transformation and sustainability go hand in hand? 

Carly: Digital growth and sustainability should go hand in hand, but that only happens when everyone works together. It’s not just up to governments and data centre operators— utilities, communities, researchers, and advocacy groups - all have a role to play.

Governments can help by making planning and approvals more straightforward, supporting renewable energy development, and making sure policies reflect local needs. Operators need to be open about what they’re doing and ready to listen.

Communities must also be a part of this conversation. Data centres are built in real places, and it’s important to understand local concerns and opportunities—whether through jobs, education, or environmental projects.

Researchers and environmental groups help with transparency and accountability. Shared metrics and open reporting make it easier to track progress and improve. And when industry partners and utilities work together, we can scale up solutions faster.

No one has all the answers, but when all these voices come together and are heard, we can build digital infrastructure that supports growth and innovation while staying grounded in environmental and social responsibility.

Jonathan: Governments and data centre operators must forge strong public-private partnerships anchored in shared sustainability goals. Governments play a pivotal role by setting clear regulations, offering incentives, and enabling access to low-carbon energy markets. Initiatives like Singapore’s Green Data Centre Roadmap, Malaysia’s Data Centre Standards and Certification framework, and India’s open access renewable energy rules exemplify this approach. Regional efforts such as the ASEAN Power Grid can further enhance cross-border energy sharing and grid resilience, unlocking renewable potential across Southeast Asia.

Operators can align investments with these policies by adopting best-in-class technologies, reporting progress transparently, and co-developing solutions tailored to local conditions—such as sustainable cooling and low-carbon or renewable energy exploration projects. Joint investment in research, workforce development, and smart infrastructure strengthens the ecosystem beyond individual facilities. Leveraging AI, automation, and smart grids enhances planning, procurement, and operational efficiency.

Through coordinated action and continuous dialogue, governments and industry can drive balanced digital infrastructure growth that meets rising demand while advancing environmental goals—positioning the region as a leader in the global digital and green economy transition.

Board Interview Series (1): An Interview with Serene Nah and Cyrus Adaggra

In a first of a new series of interviews with APDCA Board members, we speak to Serene Nah, Vice Chair, APDCA and Managing Director & Head of Asia Pacific, Digital Realty, and Cyrus Adaggra, President APAC, Equinix. Serene and Cyrus share their visions for the data centre industry in Asia-Pacific and what excites them most about their roles in it.

Stay tuned for further interview series where APDCA Board members will share insights into the key topics in the APAC data centre sector.

What excites you most about APAC’s data centre industry and your role in it?

Serene: The data centre industry is playing a pivotal role in driving digital transformation across Asia Pacific (APAC). From the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) to the surge in cloud adoption, the region is reshaping the future, and data centres are at the heart of this. Being at the forefront of an industry projected to be worth over US$70 billion by 2032 presents an incredible opportunity to shape infrastructure solutions that fuel growth, innovation, and sustainability. My role is to ensure that Digital Realty – and the wider industry – is in the best possible position to help customers manage these transformative shifts. We need to focus on building and managing infrastructure that not only meets today’s demands but is also future-ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

Cyrus: Asia-Pacific (APAC) is becoming a data centre hub with major investments pouring into the region. AI will catalyse transformative growth in APAC's data centre industry by driving demand for smarter, more sustainable, and localised facilities. The region's rapid digitalisation and AI adoption make it a hotspot for innovation and investment in this space. Moody's Ratings has forecast APAC data centre capacity to grow at a compound annual growth rate of almost 20% through 2028.

Data centres are fundamental infrastructure that needs to be prioritised. Collaboration between our industry, digital leaders and government will be necessary to transform our power infrastructure for the future to ensure we can meet the unprecedented demand for data centre space driven by the rapid adoption of AI and digital transformation in the APAC region. Workloads and infrastructure are moving to the edge as our customers race to extend their capabilities and enable new immersive experiences. To realise the full potential of the digital economy, we must possess an equally ambitious commitment to sustainability and I am excited by the commitment I see from the industry to collaborate and innovate in order to ensure we grow sustainably. 

How do you envision APAC’s data centre sector developing in the next 5 years?

Serene: Over the next five years, APAC is set to solidify its position as a global data centre powerhouse. Rapid AI innovation across APAC markets is driving unprecedented opportunities for growth, transformation, and leadership in the global landscape. Enterprises will increasingly rely on AI’s inference capabilities to deliver real-time insights and decisions from trained models. These workloads require infrastructure that’s closer to end-users, highly efficient, and deeply interconnected.

To meet this demand, data centres must evolve into core connectivity hubs – integrating advanced computing capabilities with seamless access to rich digital ecosystems. This transformation will be particularly significant with emerging APAC markets, where data sovereignty will shape how enterprises store and manage data locally and are compliant with regional regulations. Sustainability will also be a defining priority, as AI-driven workloads push the industry toward innovations like liquid cooling and renewable-powered campuses.

Digital Realty is committed to leading this transformation. Our data centres are designed to embrace the latest technological advancements, ensuring we meet the evolving needs of our customers. We will continue to invest in cutting-edge infrastructure and sustainable practices to help our customers scale efficiently and responsibly.

Success in this evolving landscape requires deep local expertise. By aligning with trusted local partners, we can navigate market-specific challenges, from regulatory compliance to diverse connectivity needs.

This may look like the traditional approach where we wholly own and operate local DCs, or it may require a more flexible approach. We recently embarked on a joint venture with Bersama Digital Infrastructure Asia (BDIA) in Indonesia, where rapid digital growth and evolving data sovereignty requirements demanded local expertise.

Through Digital Realty Bersama, we combined our global capabilities with BDIA’s insights to deliver scalable, compliant data centre solutions. While JVs aren’t our usual approach, it shows how we can adapt to evolving local market needs.

Cyrus: Accelerated adoption of e-commerce, digital payments and the emergence of new business models are all driving factors contributing to the digital evolution of the whole economic system across Asia-Pacific. Coupled with widespread implementation of disruptive technology, abundant natural resources and an expanding middle class, APAC is set for exponential growth in its digital economy supported by favourable demographic trends. Customer demand for digital infrastructure in the region is growing as consumers are demanding better digital experiences and governments are realising the importance of digital infrastructure to the growth of their economies and national security.  I firmly believe the APAC data centre sector will continue to grow rapidly and will sustainably support new technologies such as AI. 

What are the biggest challenges faced by the industry and how are you addressing them?

Serene: One of the most pressing challenges the industry faces today is balancing the explosive growth of AI with the need to do so sustainably. Innovation shouldn’t come at the expense of the environment, which is why we continue to invest in cutting-edge technologies to reduce the industry’s impact.

In Singapore, we partnered with Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) to pilot its tropical data centre sustainability standard, which has since become part of the country's green data centre roadmap. Across our full portfolio, we are optimising energy efficiency for high-intensity AI workloads through advanced cooling solutions, as well as high-density colocation. These technologies help maximise performance while minimising resource consumption – supporting AI innovation without compromising on sustainability goals.

Managing cross-border data sovereignty is another growing challenge. With 77% of APAC companies adopting a distributed data approach, enterprises now face complex regulatory requirements. Our data centres serve as secure, interconnected hubs that empower customers to localise data processing while preserving cloud agility and performance.

Cyrus: At the same time as AI is growing, increasing power demands from electric vehicles, factories and the "electrification of everything" has brought the issue of power to the forefront.  Our industry needs to be part of the solution, developing and advocating for access to cleaner, alternative energy sources that can sustain the world's growing energy needs while also combating climate change, driving down our carbon footprint and improving efficiency.

Our industry needs to work with regulators to drive sustainable growth and meet the needs of the APAC region.  This will benefit the economy and local communities, drive job creation and bring a responsible approach towards decarbonization.

Digital infrastructure providers need to consider environmental sustainability to be a fundamental tenet of their operations. This means addressing all aspects of their footprint, including climate impact, water usage, resource usage, land utilisation, biodiversity, operational efficiency and innovative building and design.

How are data centres driving AI innovation in APAC?

Serene: Data centres are powering the next wave of AI innovation across APAC by providing the scalable, secure, high-performance environments needed to train and deploy AI at speed.

As demand for real-time insights and lower latency grows, we’re seeing the rapid emergence of ‘AI factories’ – high-density, compute-optimised data centres designed to support AI-as-a-Service (AIaaS) and inference workloads closer to end users. These facilities also enable sovereign AI initiatives and hybrid models that prioritise compliance, data privacy, and control.

Digital Realty is building the foundation for AI across the region, helping customers unlock its full potential through interconnected, sustainable, and future-ready infrastructure. A great example is our collaboration with Japanese AI company Turing. To accelerate the development of its full driving automation system, Turing deployed a powerful GPU cluster at our NRT10 data centre in Japan. By using our high-density colocation services, NVIDIA DGX-ready setup, and advanced cooling systems, Turing sped up its AI development--from one year to only three months.

Cyrus: The acceleration of AI adoption will require unprecedented levels of computational power, data storage and networking. The criticality of purpose-built, efficient data centre infrastructure cannot be overstated. These facilities are essential for supporting the massive workloads that drive AI applications, and will help pave the way for a smarter, more connected future.

AI is set to significantly influence the data centre industry in the APAC region, reshaping its dynamics.  The increased adoption of AI across industries in APAC requires data centres to handle compute-intensive workloads. As AI generates and consumes massive datasets, data centre operators will need to build infrastructure closer to data sources (edge data centres) to minimise latency and enhance processing efficiency. 

Reliance on real-time data processing for applications like autonomous vehicles, smart cities and IoT will accelerate edge data centre deployment in APAC to ensure low-latency performance.  Data centres in APAC will increasingly adopt AI for predictive maintenance, energy optimisation, and real-time monitoring. AI-driven solutions can reduce operational costs and enhance uptime by predicting failures and automating corrective actions. AI can help optimise Data centre cooling systems dynamically, especially in regions with extreme climates, to reduce energy consumption and improve PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness).

If you could change one common misconception about data centres, what would it be?

Serene: One of the most common misconceptions about data centres is that they’re inherently unsustainable – that as digital infrastructure expands, its environmental footprint must inevitably grow. That’s no longer the case. In fact, the industry has been preparing for this challenge for over a decade, particularly in anticipation of energy-intensive technologies like AI.

We focus on balancing performance with sustainability. For example, our high-density colocation solutions and advanced cooling technologies like direct liquid cooling are designed to make better use of space and power while reducing emissions. This enables customers like KakaoBank in Korea to drive highly effective AI deployments with precision-engineered power and cooling infrastructure capable of supporting high-power computing needs.

We also use our own AI platform, Apollo, to improve efficiency across our sites. So far, it has identified around 18 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of energy savings globally. We've expanded Apollo’s capabilities across APAC to make our data centres even smarter and more energy efficient.

Cyrus: I would say the lack of understanding of the critical role data centres play in every part of our economy and society. Almost every business today has a digital component. From a local restaurant to a multinational food production company, they all rely on data that has to move between networks, and connect with customers, partners, employees and other businesses.  Society depends on digital infrastructure to help run today’s modern world.

Data centres house IT infrastructure and all the physical and virtual systems, networks and applications that make them operational, making them critical to today’s modern society. They operate 24/7/365 to support a wide range of essential services from the life-saving work of hospitals to powering global financial markets to managing food and pharmaceutical production. In addition, shifts in societal norms like remote work and online shopping are all made possible by data centre infrastructure.  

To best meet society’s needs and our collective climate goals, it is essential that we design, build and operate our digital infrastructure sustainably. As an industry we recognise our responsibility to balance these needs and continue our drive for improved efficiency.