First of Google’s regional data centres became operational in 2011

Google Cloud has unveiled plans invest an additional US$350 million in setting up a third data centre in Singapore, bringing the internet giant’s total local spend to US$850 million.

The first of Google’s regional data centres became operational in 2011 with the second following shortly after in 2015, with the third now expected by 2020.

The new data centre will be located at Jurong West, close to the vendor's other two data centres, and is in response to growing regional demand that has seen an additional 70 million people over the past three years come online for the first time across Southeast Asia.

This means more than 330 million currently have access to the internet across Southeast; more than the population of the US.

Furthermore, regional demand for Google Cloud Platform (GCP) continues to rise since its 2017 Singapore launch, with the likes of Singapore Airlines, Ninjavan and Wego coming on board, in addition to Indonesia’s Go-Jek and Singapore-based Carousell.

"The multi-story facility will be one of the most efficient and environmentally friendly sites in Asia, in line with our global approach,” said Joe Kava, vice president of global data centres at Google, in a blog post. “It will feature the latest machine learning technology to reduce energy use.

"And we will use recycled water, diverting 100 percent of the data centre’s waste away from landfill."

There was no mention of how many jobs would be created upon completion of this third data centre, however, given the previous two data centres as an example, on-site personnel would be kept to a minimum.

"We’re looking forward to growing our small team at the data centres here, as well as expanding our ties with the local community," Kava added.

"Data centre Googlers like Haikal Fadly have been helping out with STEM workshops at the nearby Zhenghua Secondary School.

"And we’re always on the lookout to contribute to non-profits with good ideas for benefiting the community.

"So I’d like to encourage community organisations and registered non-profits in Singapore seeking funding to reach out to us to learn more and apply for our annual grants program, with the applications window opening today."

Source: channelasia