Google Advances Singapore Data Center and Cloud Region with New Expansion
Google has achieved a premium milestone with the completion of its latest data center and cloud region campus enhancement in Singapore.
The expansion boosts the tech giant’s total investment in technical infrastructure within the country to an impressive US$5 billion, a significant increase from US$850 million in 2018. The company now employs over 500 individuals across its data centers in Singapore.
Google’s data centers form the backbone of its widely used digital services such as Search, Maps, and Workspace, which are utilized by billions of people and organizations worldwide, including those in Singapore. These facilities are also essential in enabling Google to bring the benefits of AI to users and businesses across the country. Singapore is one of only 11 countries where Google has established and operates data centers that serve users globally.
The Singapore cloud region delivers high-performance, low-latency services to large enterprises, startups, and public sector organizations. Google Cloud customers benefit from robust controls that enable them to uphold the highest standards of security, data residency, and compliance, including specific data storage requirements. The Singapore cloud region is among the 40 regions and 121 zones currently operational worldwide.
Google’s expansion of data center and cloud region infrastructure will help meet the increasing demand for cloud services locally and globally. This expansion complements strategic initiatives that Google has been running in partnership with the Singapore Government, such as AI Trailblazers, Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First Singapore, and Skills Ignition SG.
It supports the Government’s goal to establish Singapore as a regional data center hub and aligns with Singapore’s National AI Strategy 2.0, focusing on compute infrastructure to drive AI-led economic development.
A Google-commissioned Economic Impact Report by Access Partnership found that Singapore businesses could gain US$147.6 billion in economic benefits, including cost savings, revenue increments, and productivity gains by 2030, if AI-powered products and solutions are utilized.
Also, Sustainability has been a priority for Google since its inception 25 years ago, and this commitment is evident in the ongoing expansion of its state-of-the-art data center facilities in Singapore.
Google’s data centers feature industry-leading sustainable practices, ensuring efficient resource management to support even the most demanding applications. This is especially important in tropical climates like Singapore, where cooling measures must be carefully regulated to prevent energy waste and maintain data center efficiency.
To achieve this, Google’s data centers in Singapore operate at an average temperature of approximately 27°C, providing a comfortable environment for employees and an optimal range for equipment performance. These facilities also utilize specially engineered cooling systems that recycle water multiple times, minimizing water intake. Comprehensive water management systems monitor usage continuously, triggering immediate alerts for any atypical rates to prevent potential waste.
These sustainable design principles ensure that the Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of Google’s Singapore data centers is in line with improvements across its global network, despite the hotter climate. Google publishes the PUE of its data centers at the campus level every quarter.
These sustainability measures have earned Google the 2024 Water Efficiency Award from the Public Utilities Board (PUB), recognizing top performers in water efficiency in their sectors.
Google’s commitment to sustainability extends to local communities as well. In the Bukit Batok housing estate, a resident network is developing an “Eco Pond” with support from Google and the SG Eco Fund. The Eco Pond will harvest rainwater for stormwater management and communal uses, reducing reliance on potable water supply.
Kate Brandt, Google’s Chief Sustainability Officer, emphasized that data centers drive digital progress by providing the foundation for digital transformation and innovation.
“The expansion of our data center campus in Singapore reaffirms our commitment to helping Southeast Asian organizations capitalize on digital opportunities while ensuring that growth is as sustainable as possible. Google is deeply committed to managing our environmental footprint, supporting a just climate transition, and accelerating the global shift to a net-zero future,” Brandt added.
