Southeast Asia is witnessing a rapid expansion of AI-driven data centers as demand for high-performance computing surges across industries such as finance, healthcare, and technology. The shift towards AI-optimized data centers reflects broader regional efforts to support digital transformation while addressing the unique challenges of high-power density computing and energy efficiency.

In this TNGlobal Q&A, Mayank Srivastava, Chief Executive Officer of BDx Data Centers, highlights that scalability, sustainability, and advanced cooling technologies are now critical factors in data center development. The CGK4 AI campus, for example, is designed to accommodate up to 500 megawatts of renewable-powered capacity while utilizing liquid cooling systems to manage the heat generated by AI workloads. These innovations are essential as enterprises and governments in Southeast Asia increasingly rely on AI for applications ranging from generative AI to large-scale model training. Moreover, the integration of NVIDIA’s GPU technology further enhances AI capabilities, allowing businesses to process vast datasets with minimal latency, ultimately enabling more efficient decision-making across various sectors.

Looking ahead to 2025, Srivastava predicts a sharp increase in demand for AI-ready infrastructure as real-time applications and edge computing gain traction across Southeast Asia. He anticipates a significant shift toward fully renewable-powered data centers, coupled with the continued expansion of sovereign AI solutions to meet regulatory and security concerns. As AI adoption accelerates, ethical considerations and data privacy will also become more prominent, influencing how governments and enterprises approach digital transformation. With sustainability at the core of these advancements, data centers in the region are not only scaling up but also prioritizing eco-conscious designs to balance performance with environmental responsibility.

As Southeast Asia cements its position as a global AI hub, the region’s data center industry is poised for continued growth. Investments in AI infrastructure, energy-efficient solutions, and regulatory-compliant data storage will define the next phase of digital transformation. Companies and governments must navigate these shifts by fostering collaboration, investing in talent development, and integrating sustainable practices. With AI increasingly shaping business strategies and public sector initiatives, Southeast Asia’s digital future will be built on the foundation of scalable, intelligent, and sustainable data centers.

Can you share more details about the AI-based data center park in Indonesia and what sets it apart from other facilities in the region?

The AI-based data center park is driven by BDx Indonesia,  a joint venture between BDx Data Centers, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (IOH), and Lintasarta. Also known as the CGK4 AI campus, it is Indonesia’s first sovereign AI data center. Situated in Jatiluhur, this innovative campus is designed to support Indonesia’s vision of becoming an AI-first nation by 2045. The campus integrates cutting-edge technology with sustainable practices, establishing a foundation for AI-driven transformation in the region.

This project reflects a collaborative vision to position Indonesia as a regional AI hub and emphasizes the importance of sovereign AI infrastructure to foster innovation and strengthen Indonesia’s digital economy. To address the substantial cooling needs of AI systems, the campus employs state-of-the-art liquid cooling technology, enhancing efficiency and sustainability.

The CGK4 AI campus stands out in the region due to its exceptional scalability, advanced technology, and focus on sustainability. It is designed to accommodate up to 500 megawatts of renewable-powered capacity, making it one of the largest AI data center parks in Southeast Asia. This scalability ensures it can meet the growing demands of AI workloads and adapt to future technological advancements.

A key aspect of its superiority lies in its high-power density capabilities, supporting up to 200 kilowatts per rack. This makes it ideal for handling intensive AI applications, such as generative AI and large-scale AI model training. To complement this, the campus incorporates state-of-the-art liquid cooling solutions, efficiently managing heat and reducing energy consumption.

The campus also boasts superior connectivity, seamlessly integrating with BDx Indonesia’s interconnected digital infrastructure. This network links core and edge sites, optimizing AI deployments and ensuring efficient data transfer. Additionally, its robust security measures, including eight layers of protection and 24/7 on-site support, enhance its reliability and make it a trusted facility for enterprises.

By aligning with sustainable practices and leveraging cutting-edge technology, the CGK4 AI campus not only sets a benchmark for data centers in the region but also supports Indonesia’s ambition to lead in AI and digital innovation.

How does this project align with BDx’s vision for supporting AI-driven transformation in Southeast Asia?

BDx’s AI data center park is a pivotal step in advancing the company’s vision of driving AI-driven transformation across Southeast Asia while solidifying our leadership in the region’s evolving AI landscape. This ambitious initiative focuses on three fundamental pillars that address the region’s growing demand for robust AI capabilities.

The project is dedicated to empowering AI-driven growth by delivering a state-of-the-art data center park tailored to support the immense computational needs of AI applications. This infrastructure will catalyze innovation across critical industries such as finance, healthcare, and technology, enabling businesses to harness the transformative power of AI to unlock new opportunities and efficiencies.

Such digital infrastructure also signifies the growth of a vibrant digital ecosystem for businesses in Southeast Asia. By facilitating the seamless integration of AI and cloud technologies, the data center ensures efficient data processing, storage, and management, which are vital for fostering a thriving digital economy.

Lastly, it emphasizes sustainability and scalability. By adopting eco-friendly practices and a modular design approach, BDx is aligning its operations with global standards of environmental responsibility. These design choices not only minimize the ecological footprint but also enable the infrastructure to adapt to the rapidly increasing demand for AI-driven services, ensuring that BDx remains at the forefront of sustainable innovation. Through this project, BDx has set a benchmark for AI-focused infrastructure in Southeast Asia, positioning ourselves as critical enablers of the region’s AI transformation, while addressing sustainability and innovation comprehensively.

How does NVIDIA’s GPU technology enhance the capabilities of this data center park, and what industries are poised to benefit the most?

NVIDIA’s GPU technology enhances the capabilities of BDx’s AI data center park by providing advanced infrastructure for AI training and inference. The deployment of NVIDIA’s AI and accelerated computing platform ensures that the data center can handle the extensive computational demands required for sophisticated AI applications.

This integration enables the CGK4 AI campus to deliver high-performance processing capabilities, which are essential for managing the rising volumes of data involved in AI operations. NVIDIA’s platform is known for its ability to optimize both training and inference tasks at the edge. This ensures low-latency processing for AI workloads and is particularly beneficial in applications across industries such as healthcare, finance, and technology, where real-time data analysis and decision-making are critical.

It also empowers businesses, advances national AI strategies, and reinforces Indonesia’s position as a leader in the AI revolution. By leveraging NVIDIA’s GPUs, the data center also ensures that data sovereignty and security are maintained, as highlighted by the commitment to housing data within Indonesia.

Furthermore, the integration of NVIDIA’s GPU technology is set to revolutionize multiple industries across Southeast Asia by providing advanced computational capabilities for AI-driven innovation. In healthcare, this technology can support applications like medical imaging, diagnostics, drug discovery, and personalized medicine, enabling faster and more accurate analysis of vast patient datasets. The financial sector also stands to benefit significantly from this advancement, which is ideal for tasks such as fraud detection, algorithmic trading, credit risk assessment, and personalized financial services. Similarly, the technology industry, including AI development and robotics, will find the infrastructure invaluable for large-scale AI training and inference, advancing innovations in machine learning and computer vision.

Others that would benefit are the government and public sector as they can utilize the sovereign AI data center to support national AI strategies, improve public services, and enable smart city initiatives, predictive policing, and data-driven policymaking.

What motivated BDx to focus on Indonesia as a key market, and what challenges have you encountered in establishing operations there?

BDx’s focus on Indonesia is driven by a combination of exciting opportunities and strategic factors that align perfectly with both the company’s goals and what Indonesia has to offer. With its ambitious vision of becoming a digitally empowered, AI-first nation, Indonesia is a natural fit for BDx’s investment in cutting-edge infrastructure. The country’s rapid digital growth and the increasing demand for AI and cloud services make it an ideal place for BDx to position itself as a leader in Southeast Asia’s tech ecosystem.

Indonesia’s large, tech-savvy population and growing middle class provide a thriving market for digital services. Key industries like finance, telecommunications, and e-commerce are quickly adopting AI-driven solutions, which only increases the need for robust data center infrastructure. BDx is also aligned with the Indonesian government’s focus on data sovereignty, which requires data to be stored locally and ensures secure and compliant data handling.

Indonesia’s central role in Southeast Asia’s connectivity makes it even more attractive. However, setting up operations in the country had its own challenges. The creation of the CGK4 AI campus required a significant investment in infrastructure, all while tackling challenges like power supply reliability and connectivity. Establishing a “boundless” AI data center to meet Indonesia’s strict data sovereignty laws also meant navigating complex regulatory requirements around data storage, processing, and transmission.

Additionally, deploying NVIDIA’s advanced AI platform required skilled talent in AI and data center technologies, which is in short supply in the region. BDx also faced challenges in differentiating itself in a competitive market, as it worked to establish Indonesia as both a progressive AI country and a regional hub for innovation. Finally, BDx’s commitment to sustainability by powering its operations with renewable energy brought its own set of challenges in sourcing and scaling green energy solutions for such a large project.

Despite these hurdles, our ability to overcome them and launch such a groundbreaking initiative demonstrates its resilience, innovation, and long-term commitment to Indonesia’s digital future. By establishing a strong presence in Indonesia, BDx can integrate its infrastructure into a broader regional ecosystem, improving connections and efficiency for businesses across Southeast Asia. Collaborating with local partners also enabled BDx to tap into local knowledge and resources, which was key to our success.

How does BDx support government-led digital transformation initiatives in Southeast Asia, particularly in emerging markets?

We’re certainly proud to play an active role and we believe in a global-local approach when supporting government-led digital transformation initiatives across Southeast Asia. Take the CGK4 AI campus in Indonesia, for example, this is a clear demonstration of BDx’s commitment to supporting the country realize its vision of becoming an AI-first nation. The project aligns perfectly with Indonesia’s goals of driving digital transformation because the facility is designed with data sovereignty in mind, ensuring that local data remains secure and compliant with regulations, which is paramount in building trust with local partners.

BDx is also revolutionizing digital infrastructure through its Interconnected Mesh of Distributed Digital Infrastructure, which links core and edge sites to make AI training and inference seamless. This approach helps governments and businesses in emerging markets access advanced technologies without needing a massive in-house setup. By partnering with technology leaders like NVIDIA, we’ve ensured that emerging markets have the computing power they need to drive large-scale digital projects, from AI development to smart city initiatives.

Sustainability is another top priority for BDx, which powers its operations using renewable energy. This not only supports global and regional green energy goals but also strengthens the sustainability of government-led digital initiatives. Moreover, as a provider of cloud- and carrier-neutral data centers, BDx offers the flexibility and scalability needed by governments and businesses in rapidly growing markets looking to modernize their infrastructure.

That said, BDx’s impact extends beyond individual countries to benefit Southeast Asia. Having developed one of the largest data center portfolios in Asia in the past 4 years—5 countries, our regional presence gives businesses and governments in emerging markets access to scalable, secure, and sustainable infrastructure, enabling faster digital transformation with minimal upfront costs. Our cloud- and carrier-neutral approach also allows organizations to choose their preferred cloud and network providers, driving competition and cost-efficiency, which is vital for resource-constrained markets.

Sustainability is a key focus for BDx. What energy-efficient or green technologies have been integrated into this new data center park?

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and our new data center park is a testament to that commitment. It incorporates some of the most advanced energy-efficient and eco-friendly technologies available today. To tackle energy consumption head-on, we’ve implemented state-of-the-art cooling solutions, like precision air conditioning, liquid cooling, and dynamic airflow management. These systems are designed to maximize cooling efficiency and minimize waste—especially important in tropical climates like Indonesia, where cooling is a major energy driver.

We’re also focused on leveraging renewable energy whenever possible. By tapping into locally sourced green energy like solar and wind power, we’re reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. We’ve also forged partnerships to procure renewable energy and are even exploring options like on-site solar panel installations to ensure a stable, sustainable power supply for the long term.

To take things a step further, we’ve integrated AI-powered energy management tools into the facility. These tools monitor energy use in real-time, pinpoint inefficiencies, and adjust operations dynamically. For example, they can fine-tune cooling during off-peak hours or redistribute workloads to make the most of available energy resources.

Even the design of the data center reflects our sustainability priorities. From energy-efficient LED lighting to the use of recycled and eco-friendly building materials, we’ve planned every detail with the environment in mind. The modular design also allows us to scale operations gradually, using resources only when needed. Water conservation is another key focus as our closed-loop cooling systems recycle water, significantly reducing waste – a crucial feature in regions where water scarcity is a pressing issue.

With these efforts, BDx is not just reducing its carbon footprint; we’re setting a new standard for sustainable innovation in the data center industry. By aligning with global sustainability goals and local environmental regulations, we’re paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future for the digital economy in Southeast Asia and beyond.

How does BDx balance the growing demand for AI infrastructure with the need to reduce environmental impact?

We acknowledge the need to meet the growing demand for AI infrastructure while keeping environmental impact to a minimum. This balance is achieved through innovative technologies, thoughtful planning, and a strong commitment to sustainability. As mentioned in my response for Q6, these solutions help manage the heat generated by high-performance AI systems while reducing overall power consumption, ensuring the facilities operate sustainably without sacrificing performance.

The flexibility of BDx’s infrastructure is another strength. Its scalable design ensures resources are used efficiently, scaling up only when needed to support growth without unnecessary energy usage. Furthermore, BDx’s collaboration with NVIDIA delivers high-performance AI capabilities while optimizing energy efficiency.

BDx also prioritizes transparency. BDx adheres to recognized green standards like LEED certifications and openly reports its progress toward measurable sustainability goals. These efforts reflect a company-wide commitment to creating a balance between technological growth and environmental stewardship.

At its core, BDx believes that building a sustainable future doesn’t mean slowing down innovation. By embedding eco-conscious practices into everything it does, BDx is leading the way in creating AI infrastructure that’s not only powerful but also responsible for helping to shape a greener digital world.

What trends do you foresee for AI adoption in Southeast Asia, and how is BDx preparing to meet future demands?

AI is poised to become a cornerstone across industries like e-commerce, finance, healthcare, and manufacturing, driving applications such as customer personalization, fraud detection, and predictive maintenance. As the computational needs of these advanced AI workloads grow, so too will the demand for scalable, secure, and energy-efficient infrastructures. Some trends we foresee are:

Sovereign AI solutions

This will address data residency and regulatory compliance and will also gain prominence as countries seek to build trust and ensure local control over their data. At the same time, governments are increasingly adopting AI for public services, including smart city projects, traffic management, and healthcare systems, aligning with national digital strategies such as Indonesia’s “Making Indonesia 4.0” and Singapore’s “Smart Nation” initiative.

Ethical considerations and data privacy

As AI becomes more accessible, ethical considerations around data privacy, transparency, and responsible usage will become central. This will drive demand for infrastructure providers like BDx, who prioritize secure and ethical AI solutions.

Talent development

With the growing demand for AI professionals, there will also be a demand for talent development and upskilling, driven by partnerships among companies, governments, and academic institutions.

Sustainability in the face of AI demand

Sustainability will also be a key consideration, as AI is leveraged to optimize energy usage and reduce environmental impact, aligning with the region’s increasing commitment to green practices. Finally, regional collaboration, particularly through organizations like ASEAN, will encourage standard-setting and innovation, helping position Southeast Asia as a global hub for AI-driven growth.

In response to these developments, we’re expanding our network of AI-ready data centers to ensure the capacity and scalability to meet the rising computational demands of AI workloads. We also often collaborate with leading technology providers, such as NVIDIA and the Association of Indonesia Internet Service Providers (APJII) to boost our digital infrastructure and provide organizations with the computational power that they need. Through these strategic efforts, we’re prepared to meet the future demands of AI adoption but are also helping to drive Southeast Asia’s digital evolution forward.

If you could highlight one-way BDx is setting a benchmark for AI infrastructure in the region, what would it be?

BDx is transforming the AI infrastructure landscape in Southeast Asia with the launch of CGK4, Indonesia’s first AI-focused data center designed to handle advanced AI training and inference. This facility delivers powerful capabilities for businesses and governments, enabling them to tackle the region’s most demanding AI workloads with efficiency and precision.

A key differentiator of CGK4 is its integration into BDx’s robust digital network, offering ultra-low latency and high-bandwidth connectivity. This infrastructure facilitates seamless data flow, ensuring reliability and optimal performance for AI-based applications while reinforcing the security and control of critical data within Indonesia.

In addition to its technological innovation, CGK4 prioritizes environmental responsibility. By incorporating renewable energy sources and energy-efficient systems, the campus balances the rising demands of AI with a commitment to sustainability, setting a high standard for eco-conscious operations.

This initiative aligns with Indonesia’s aspirations to be a leader in AI and digital innovation, providing a foundation for transformative advancements across industries. By driving growth in the digital economy and enabling cutting-edge applications, CGK4 positions Indonesia and Southeast Asia at the forefront of the global AI revolution.

Can you share a short year-in-review for 2024, as well as bold predictions for 2025?

2024 was a landmark year for us. We expanded our data center footprint across key markets, integrated cutting-edge AI-powered infrastructure solutions, and strengthened our sustainability initiatives to achieve greater energy efficiency. Our partnerships with global tech leaders enabled us to support some of the most innovative AI projects in the region. As we closed the year, we reaffirmed BDx’s position as a trusted partner for businesses driving digital transformation in Asia.

2025 will be the year AI infrastructure reaches unprecedented levels of demand, and we foresee accelerated adoption of edge computing and a surge in AI-powered real-time applications across Southeast Asia. By year-end, we predict a transformative shift towards 100 percent renewable-powered data centers and a doubling of AI-ready infrastructure in the region.

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