BW Digital unveils Batam-Singapore data centre & cable plans

BW Digital has detailed its plans to build a new corridor of digital exchange between Indonesia and Singapore, anchored by a large-scale data centre campus under development at Nongsa Digital Park on Batam Island. The infrastructure forms part of a long-term strategy to meet the growing demands of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and other emerging technologies across the Asia-Pacific region.

Infrastructure demands

Surging interest in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and quantum computing is driving up data consumption globally. The appetite for storage, processing power, and reliable connectivity continues to rise as digital transformation accelerates in both business and government sectors across Southeast Asia. BW Digital aims to address these needs with investments spanning subsea cables, data centres and integrated platforms.

"Digital infrastructure is the foundation of the modern economy. Every AI model trained, every cloud service delivered, every transaction, call, video or insight flows across networks most people never see. Our job is to build and operate those networks responsibly, sustainably and at scale," said Ludovic Hutier, CEO, BW Digital.

Data centre focus

The centrepiece of BW Digital's strategy is the NDP-1 data centre within the planned BW Digital Campus at Batam's Nongsa Digital Park. The 144MW facility has been designed to handle the scale of modern AI workloads and deliver a broad portfolio of Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) offerings. The company targets cloud and content providers, telecom operators, and government agencies across Southeast Asia.

NDP-1 will be linked directly to Singapore via the Nongsa-Changi Submarine Cable, a partnership between BW Digital and PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia International (Telin). New landing infrastructure on both sides of the Singapore Strait is intended to enable expanded connectivity for both BW Digital and third-party operators, addressing a region where available bandwidth is often limited by coastal landing slot constraints.

"Batam is emerging as a strategic digital hub, working in parallel with Singapore. By combining subsea systems, cable landing stations and AI-ready data centres into a unified platform, we're building an ecosystem that can scale with demand - not just keep up with it," said Hutier.

Sustainable operations

Meeting the energy needs of large-scale data centre operations remains a key challenge, particularly with dense AI workloads. BW Digital has prioritised sustainability in the NDP-1 design, using advanced water-based cooling systems. The facility will incorporate Direct Liquid Cooling (DLC) to improve efficiency compared to traditional air-cooling methods, keeping pace with the increased heat output of next-generation hardware.

The company also intends to leverage the wider BW Group ecosystem to augment its sustainability credentials. This includes exploring renewable energy generation, battery storage, and advanced water treatment as part of broader plans for greener operations in the years ahead.

"Data centres are power- and water-intensive facilities. Our long-term plan is to pool resources across the BW network - including solar power and next-generation water treatment - to offer customers a truly integrated, energy-efficient solution," said Hutier.

Connectivity expansion

In parallel with its data centre buildout, BW Digital continues to expand its range of connectivity services. This approach seeks to position the company as a central player in supporting new technologies that will underpin economic development throughout the region.

"The digital infrastructure industry has never stopped evolving. What excites me is that with AI, we are at the beginning of a new industrial revolution. The world will need a new generation of cables, landing facilities and data centres - and BW Digital is ready to build them," said Hutier.

People and progress

Hutier pointed to the importance of skilled teams and long-term commitment in such a rapidly changing sector. "This industry is a marathon. You need the right strategy and value proposition, but everything starts with the team - its resilience, fighting spirit and commitment to solving real problems for customers," he said.

"Digital infrastructure isn't just about technology - it's about societal progress. Our ability to innovate, educate, connect and build the industries of the future depends on the networks we deliver today. BW Digital is proud to be shaping that future," said Hutier.