The Asia-Pacific Data Centre Association (APDCA) officially launched, marking the first association of its kind in the region. According to a statement, the APDCA is designed to consolidate the shared interests of the data centre industry across Asia-Pacific, delivering common positions for data centre operators, suppliers, and stakeholders, and supporting advocacies for policies that encourage the sustainable growth of the data centre industry.

The founding membership of APDCA includes prominent global data centre operators such as AirTrunk, Digital Realty, Equinix, Global Switch, NTT Global Data Centers, Princeton Digital Group, ST Telemedia Global Data Centres, and Vantage Data Centers.

Jeremy Deutsch, the Interim Chairperson of APDCA, commented on the critical importance of the newly formed alliance. He said, "As economies in the region accelerate demand for digital services through adoption of 5G, generative AI, IoT, and cloud computing, a clear and aligned vision for the role of digital infrastructure and data centres has never been more important."

Deutsch continues, "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."

Encouraging public infrastructure enhancements and attracting a skilled ICT workforce are additional benefits that come with data centre investment within a community.

As a result, the APDCA and its members state they are committed to working with governments to co-develop policies that drive the security and resiliency of data centres, minimise environmental impact, and provide local communities with positive economic benefits.

According to Synergy Research Group, the Asia Pacific data centre colocation market is predicted to reach US$19.3 billion in 2023, surpassing North America and ranking number one among all regions. The market in this region is projected to grow at a 9.9% 5-year CAGR in value from 2022 to 2028, retaining its number one position globally.

Furthermore, Structure Research data reveals the APAC data centre colocation market supported 10,233 megawatts (MW) of critical IT capacity in 2023, signifying around 40% of the global market. This capacity has a predicted growth trajectory of a 13.3% 5-year CAGR to 19,069 MW by 2028.

Marking its connection with its European counterpart, the APDCA has expressed its plans to coordinate and work with the European Data Centre Association. Similarly, the APDCA will be governed by a Board named by its founding members which will soon convene to elect a Chairperson and establish an agenda for the Association.