Peering into the Future of Connectivity Infrastructure
The Asia-Pacific region is one of the largest contributors to global data traffic, driven by increasing internet usage, cloud services, streaming and digital applications. Data traffic in the region is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 30% until 2025.
Major cloud service providers such as Google, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure, as well as content providers such as Facebook and Netflix, are investing heavily in subsea cables to ensure they can meet the growing demand for data transmission.
Countries such as Singapore and Japan are critical hubs for global submarine cable networks due to their strategic location and favorable business environment.
Japan is uniquely positioned as a gateway between Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia. This makes it an ideal location for international business and facilitates connections between major economic regions such as Japan, China, South Korea and ASEAN countries. Okinawa's history as a crossroads of trade and culture in Asia adds depth to this inaugural digital infrastructure event and provides a meaningful backdrop for discussions on global interconnectivity and industry collaboration.
Interconnect World Forum (Tokyo) will converge key industry leaders in the global digital infrastructure and connectivity space, emphasizing collaboration and innovation in shaping the region's digital future.
The discussion on cross-border data flows in Asia highlights the complexities of data movement amidst a fragmented regulatory landscape. It addresses the challenges posed by conflicting laws and evolving compliance requirements, particularly the strict data localization mandates that complicate operations. To navigate these issues, the conversation emphasizes the importance of identifying key steps and fostering partnerships that can harmonize approaches and promote collaborative progress in data governance.
1. How do subsea cables serve as the foundation for Asia’s digital connectivity and enable seamless access to global networks?
2. What role do capacity expansion projects like BIFROST and APRICOT play in enhancing Asia’s competitiveness in the global digital economy?
3. How critical is low latency for industries like finance and media, and how are subsea cables meeting these high-performance demands?
4. What steps are being taken to ensure the resilience and redundancy of subsea cable networks amid natural and geopolitical risks?
5. How do subsea cables empower digital transformation in emerging Asian markets, and what impact does this have on digital inclusion?
6. In what ways do subsea cables facilitate regional economic integration and support cross-border collaboration across sectors?
7. How are sustainability and environmental considerations influencing the future design and deployment of subsea cable networks?
With Asia positioned as a global digital hub, interconnection and peering have become essential to meeting the region’s escalating demand for seamless, high-speed connectivity. This session offers an in-depth look at the evolving landscape of peering in Asia, examining the role of internet exchanges, data centers, and cross-border interconnection in supporting the region’s digital economy. Industry experts will discuss the unique challenges and opportunities associated with peering in Asia, including regulatory hurdles, infrastructure investments, and the rise of edge computing.
