Energy & Technology

HONG KONG: Equinix, Inc. (Nasdaq: EQIX), the world’s digital infrastructure company®, unlocks Indonesia’s burgeoning digital opportunities by inaugurating its first International Business Exchange™ (IBX®) data center in Jakarta under the joint venture with PT Astra International Tbk (“Astra”). This high-performance data center, called JK1, provides access to more than 50 global and local network service providers and internet exchanges, forming a robust ecosystem to support businesses expanding in Indonesia. With its digital economy projected to reach US$130 billion by 20251, Indonesia needs foundational digital infrastructure to bolster connectivity and support emerging technologies like AI. By leveraging Equinix’s cloud-dense and highly secure platform, businesses in Indonesia can deploy data networks and services rapidly and at scale with a global footprint and extensive digital ecosystem, Equinix is well poised to empower local and global enterprises with a robust digital foundation to grow, innovate and interconnect. Meutya Hafid, Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs (KOMDIGI), Republic of Indonesia, said: “As Equinix’s first data center in Indonesia, Equinix JK1 is expected to serve as a strategic gateway for global technology companies and startups to expand their investments. Indonesia has the advantage of sufficient water supply and competitive energy access, including the great potential of green energy, which is a key factor in the operational efficiency of data centers. The presence of Equinix JK1 also opens up opportunities for collaboration with national businesses, from large corporations to SMEs, in strengthening the globally connected digital ecosystem.” Ricky Kusmayadi, Deputy Minister for Investment Information Technology, Ministry of Investment / Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), stated: “The launch of Equinix’s first data center in Indonesia underscores our nation’s growing attractiveness for long-term digital investment. This collaboration between global and local partners supports our vision of positioning Indonesia as a regional digital hub. We invite more investors to explore opportunities in Indonesia’s data center industry and take part in building a strong, sustainable digital infrastructure. We also welcome those committed to developing a robust and inclusive data center ecosystem that brings lasting value to businesses and society at large.” Cyrus Adaggra, President of Asia-Pacific, Equinix, commented: “Southeast Asia is a strategic market for Equinix, and our global customers as demonstrated by the impressive lineup of customers already committed to JK1 at its inauguration. Over the past few years, Equinix has been dedicated to expanding our footprint across this vibrant region to serve the rising digital needs of our customers. With our inaugural data center in Indonesia, we’re thrilled to enhance our support for businesses looking to grow in the region, as well as empower local companies eager to make their mark on the global stage.” Haris Izmee, Managing Director of Equinix, Indonesia, said: “E-commerce remains Indonesia’s largest sector in the digital economy, with the industry potentially reaching US$120 billion in 2025. This growth is further accelerated by a remarkable surge in cloud adoption, driving the demand for robust connectivity and scalable, high-performance digital infrastructure. Furthermore, as the nation gears for Indonesia Emas 2045 vision, establishing itself as a key digital hub in Asia will be crucial for long-term economic transformation. The inauguration of JK1 serves as a major milestone for Equinix, and we remain committed to support Indonesia’s broader ambitions for sustained economic growth.” Santosa, Director of Astra, said: “Astra continues to focus on developing digitalization to optimize the reach and quality of digital services that can be accessed by customers and the community without limitations of place and time. The combination of Equinix’s expertise in digital infrastructure and Astra’s extensive experience in the Indonesian market is expected to make JK1, the International Business Exchange (IBX) data center, which was inaugurated today, capable of providing comprehensive solutions to meet the needs of businesses in Indonesia both locally and internationally.” Highlight/Key Facts Equinix JK1 is located in Jakarta’s Central Business District, in close proximity to major internet exchanges in the region, enabling Indonesian businesses to access the rich network of highly connected International Business Exchanges globally. JK1 is an eight-story facility that offers 550 cabinets in the first phase, with a total capacity of 1,600 cabinets and colocation space of 5,300 square meters when fully built. The facility will provide interconnection services, including Equinix Fabric® and Equinix Internet Access®, enabling businesses in Indonesia build their own ecosystems and capitalize on digital opportunities. JK1 incorporates sustainability into its design, leveraging innovative technologies such as Cooling Array and liquid cooling technology, ensuring efficient heat management for high-density and high-performance computer workloads such as AI.  JK1 is designed to achieve an average Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.41 at full load. The facility will be operated efficiently within the globally accepted boundaries of the A1A standards from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Equinix’s data center in Indonesia is 100% covered by renewables2 through the purchase of renewable energy credits (RECs). Globally, Equinix achieved 96% renewables coverage in 2024. Equinix continues to focus on decarbonizing its global operations and optimizing efficiency across its portfolio. Equinix data centers boast an industry-leading, high average uptime track record of >99.999% globally. Today, the global footprint of Platform Equinix spans 270 data centers across 75 metros and 35 countries. In Asia-Pacific, Equinix currently operates 60 data centers in 16 key metros across Australia, China*, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia and Singapore. The company also announced its market entry into the Philippines and Thailand last year. *Equinix operates five data centers in Shanghai through a strategic partnership.

Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest oil company, has signed agreements with major US companies, potentially amounting to $90 billion (RM385.74 billion). The deals were formalised through Aramco Group Co, covering collaborations across various sectors, including liquefied natural gas, fuels, chemicals, emission-reduction technologies, and artificial intelligence (AI). The agreements were announced following US President Donald Trump’s visit to Riyadh on his first official international trip since resuming office. Trump has been advocating for Gulf states to increase their investments in the United States and purchase more American goods. Among the 34 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) signed, key collaborations include one with Exxon Mobil Corp to evaluate an upgrade to the SAMREF refinery. Additionally, Aramco partnered with Amazon to advance digital transformation and lower-carbon initiatives, and with Nvidia Corp to develop AI infrastructure. This week, Aramco also revealed plans to invest $3.4 billion in its Motiva refinery in Texas, which stands as the largest fuel-making facility in the US. The series of agreements reflect Aramco’s strategy to diversify its energy portfolio and leverage advanced technologies, while also aligning with the US administration’s push for increased economic collaboration. -Bloomberg

Samsung Electronics Co. has announced its acquisition of FlaktGroup Holding GmbH, a German ventilation company, for 1.5 billion euros (approximately US$1.68 billion). This marks Samsung’s most significant takeover in nearly eight years, following its $8 billion acquisition of Harman International in 2017. The South Korean tech giant confirmed the deal with Triton, a European investment firm, to purchase a 100% stake in FlaktGroup. Headquartered in Herne, western Germany, FlaktGroup specialises in energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) solutions for diverse applications, including data centres, airports, museums, and commercial buildings. Roh Tae-moon, acting head of the device division at Samsung Electronics, expressed confidence in the strategic move. “Through the acquisition of FlaktGroup, an applied HVAC specialist, Samsung Electronics has laid the foundation to become a leader in the global HVAC business, offering a full range of solutions to our customers,” he said. “Our commitment is to continue investing in and developing the high-growth HVAC business as a key future growth engine.” The acquisition aligns with Samsung Electronics’ broader strategy to secure growth in emerging sectors, including HVAC, robotics, medical technology, and consumer audio. The global HVAC market is expected to expand significantly from $61 billion in 2024 to $99 billion by 2030, at an annual growth rate of 8%. This surge is driven by increased demand for energy-efficient systems and data centre solutions, propelled by the rise of generative AI, robotics, and autonomous technologies. Samsung aims to strengthen its service and maintenance offerings by integrating its building management systems with FlaktGroup’s HVAC control technologies. This combination is expected to deliver a comprehensive suite of energy management tools, enhancing Samsung’s capacity to serve a broader customer base. The acquisition builds on Samsung’s recent initiatives to expand its HVAC business, particularly in ductless systems for residential and commercial applications. In May 2024, Samsung Electronics formed a joint venture with Lennox International Inc. to strengthen its HVAC presence in North America. By acquiring FlaktGroup, Samsung Electronics takes a decisive step towards establishing itself as a global leader in HVAC solutions, positioning the company to capitalise on the sector’s robust growth and evolving technological landscape. -Yonhap

Foxtron, an automaker partially owned by Taiwan’s Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn), has announced a strategic collaboration with Mitsubishi Motors to develop an electric vehicle (EV) for the Australian and New Zealand markets. The partnership was confirmed on Wednesday, marking a significant step in Foxconn’s ambitions to enter the EV sector. Hon Hai, best known as the manufacturer of Apple’s iPhone, is among several technology firms diversifying into the electric vehicle industry by leveraging their expertise in electronics and automotive supply chains. Foxtron, a joint venture between Hon Hai and Taiwan’s Yulon Motor Co., aims to produce the new EV at Yulon’s facilities. The vehicle is expected to debut in Oceania in the second half of 2026. The companies did not disclose financial details, noting that the memorandum of understanding will be followed by further discussions. Foxtron’s involvement in EV production aligns with Mitsubishi’s strategic goal to transition its entire lineup to EVs or hybrids by 2035, as Japanese automakers respond to competition from Chinese rivals. Earlier speculation suggested that Hon Hai might pursue a partnership with Nissan following unsuccessful merger talks between Nissan and Honda. However, the latest agreement focuses on the collaboration with Mitsubishi, reinforcing both companies’ commitment to expanding their EV portfolios. At the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas earlier this year, Foxtron showcased its Model B EV hatchback, alongside its range of automotive electronics. The company’s current lineup features 11 vehicle models, including the Model T bus, Model V pickup truck, Model N van, and the Model E luxury sedan. As Foxtron and Mitsubishi continue to develop their partnership, the planned EV for Oceania reflects both firms’ ambitions to capitalise on the growing demand for sustainable transport solutions. –Japan Today