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Asia Pacific faces AI data centre gap despite booming demand
Asia Pacific faces AI data centre gap despite booming demand

Techday NZ

time29-05-2025

  • Business
  • Techday NZ

Asia Pacific faces AI data centre gap despite booming demand

CBRE has released a report indicating a significant gap between supply and demand for AI-ready data centres across the Asia Pacific region despite an expected rapid increase in total capacity over the next three years. The report forecasts that data centre supply in Asia Pacific is set to double by 2028, yet there will likely be a shortfall of 15 to 25 gigawatts due to limitations in both power availability and the lack of facilities equipped to support artificial intelligence workloads. Growth in artificial intelligence adoption and the demand for cloud services are highlighted as key drivers behind intensified requirements for data centre infrastructure across the region. However, CBRE's analysis notes that many existing and forthcoming data centres were built based on traditional specifications rather than the heightened demands of AI applications. CBRE explains that AI-centred data centres require more than double the power density per server rack compared to conventional set-ups. These facilities also demand advanced infrastructure, including specialised cooling systems, increased floor loading capacity, and greater sensitivity to network latency and bandwidth requirements. Many projects currently under construction were designed before these new requirements came to the fore, leaving the region on course for a shortage of suitable AI-ready space. Notwithstanding these challenges, CBRE reports that investment in the data centre sector has remained robust. Figures compiled by MSCI and CBRE Research show that direct investment volumes reached USD $4.7 billion in 2024, with continued high levels of activity registered in early 2025. Many operators and developers are now looking to repurpose stabilised assets to meet evolving needs, while land investments continue to rise despite power constraints, project delays, and resistance from local communities. Tom Fillmore, Executive Director, Data Centres, Capital Markets, Asia Pacific for CBRE, commented that investors should be adapting their strategies to capture opportunities driven by the AI transformation. He said, "To capitalise on the growth in AI workload, investors should focus on more advanced data centre assets. Prioritising mergers and acquisitions, as well as equity investments in operators with a strong development pipeline will be key to achieving scalability, especially for projects that are power-ready." The CBRE report highlights that the sector's robust fundamentals are expected to sustain a broad range of investment opportunities, from direct acquisitions and new builds to joint venture partnerships and platform-level participation. It also forecasts steady price appreciation for the newest and most advanced data centre assets, which are likely to see increased investor demand. Ada Choi, Head of Research, Asia Pacific for CBRE, described the dual impact of AI expansion and cloud services uptake on the regional market. She said, "The AI boom and need for cloud services will continue to drive robust demand for both co-location and hyperscale data centres in Asia Pacific in the foreseeable future, attracting significant investor interest. Developed markets like Japan, Australia and Korea will see heightened demand, with Singapore also attracting attention despite its supply limitations." CBRE's analysis suggests that addressing power supply constraints and ensuring data centres are equipped for AI workloads will be critical to meeting Asia Pacific's data infrastructure needs in the coming years.

Bengaluru among top 12 global tech hubs as AI talent hits 1 million
Bengaluru among top 12 global tech hubs as AI talent hits 1 million

Business Standard

time27-05-2025

  • Business
  • Business Standard

Bengaluru among top 12 global tech hubs as AI talent hits 1 million

Bengaluru has been named one of the top 12 global tech 'powerhouse' cities in CBRE's Global Tech Talent Guidebook 2025, joining heavyweights like San Francisco, London, Beijing, and Tokyo. The city's tech talent pool has now surpassed one million, placing it among the world's leading technology hubs out of 115 markets surveyed. The report classifies markets as Powerhouse, Established, or Emerging based on talent size, competitiveness, and cost. Bengaluru leads in India's AI talent boom Bengaluru leads India in AI talent and is emerging as a serious competitor to US tech strongholds. Between 2018 and 2023, the city's tech employment grew by 12 per cent, driven by its robust startup ecosystem, 28 unicorns, and investments in AI, data science, and product engineering. Favourable demographics also play a role: 75.5 per cent of Bengaluru's population is of working age—the fourth-highest ratio among the top 12 hubs. This segment grew by 2.4 per cent between 2019 and 2024, ensuring a sustained talent pipeline. In 2024, Bengaluru attracted 140 venture capital (VC) deals worth $3.3 billion, including 34 deals in AI. The presence of leading educational institutions and Global Capability Centres (GCCs) has helped anchor strategic functions locally. Anshuman Magazine, chairman & CEO of CBRE India, South-East Asia, Middle East & Africa, said, 'Bengaluru's rise to global tech powerhouse status reflects India's strategic depth in digital innovation and talent readiness. What's even more promising is the parallel growth unfolding in cities like Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur—each contributing uniquely to India's resilient tech ecosystem.' Delhi-NCR and Mumbai stand out The report also highlights Delhi-NCR and Mumbai as key innovation hubs. In 2024, Delhi-NCR closed 183 VC deals worth $1.9 billion, including 42 in AI. Mumbai recorded $4.9 billion in funding across 167 deals, making it one of India's most capital-rich corridors. Emerging cities like Ahmedabad and Jaipur are also gaining traction. Ahmedabad's growth is supported by GIFT City, expected to host 550 firms and employ over 20,000 people. Jaipur, with its strong educational base and lower costs, is attracting startups and IT firms seeking operational efficiency. AI talent drives global corporate strategy Ada Choi, head of research - APAC at CBRE, noted, 'The size and depth of a city's tech talent pool are increasingly influencing corporate location strategies and real estate demand. As companies pursue transformative technologies like AI, they are casting a wider net globally. Bengaluru and other Indian cities are well-positioned to benefit from this shift.' The report added that labour and real estate remain the largest costs for non-manufacturing tech firms. India, US lead in global AI talent Globally, AI-focused tech investment reached $129 billion in 2024. The Asia-Pacific region is home to three of the world's largest tech talent pools: Beijing, Bengaluru, and Shanghai—each with more than one million workers. India and the US continue to lead in AI development talent. As companies expand their search for cost-effective and skilled workforces, Bengaluru is increasingly seen as a strategic tech destination—not just an outsourcing hub.

Hyderabad's Genome Valley among world's dynamic life sciences hubs: CBRE report
Hyderabad's Genome Valley among world's dynamic life sciences hubs: CBRE report

The Hindu

time14-05-2025

  • Business
  • The Hindu

Hyderabad's Genome Valley among world's dynamic life sciences hubs: CBRE report

Hyderabad has emerged as a prominent global centre of Life Sciences manufacturing activity in India, real estate consulting firm CBRE said. Driving the popularity is Genome Valley, near the city, home to more than 200 biotech and pharmaceutical companies from 18 countries. Six of the world's top 10 research and development companies have facilities at the organised cluster, near the city. Hyderabad also plays host to at least 20 life sciences and medical technology incubators, the highest such concentration in India. From drug discovery to clinical research and large-scale manufacturing, the Life Sciences ecosystem in and around Hyderabad supports diverse operations, CBRE said in its 'Global Life Sciences Atlas' report. The growing prominence of the Life Sciences industry has significantly impacted the growth of real estate development globally, with more than 35 million of lab/research and development properties under construction last year. While U.S. markets figure at the top in terms of the world's largest Life Sciences R&D centres, Hyderabad with Beijing, Shanghai, Greater Tokyo in Asia-Pacific; Canada (Toronto, Montreal) and Europe (Cambridge, U.K., Paris) are the other mainstays. In India, gross office leasing space by Life Sciences firms increased by around 56% year on year to 5.8 million in 2024, the highest ever. On factors behind Hyderabad shaping into a hub, CBRE in the report that profiled some of the world's most important Life Sciences hubs cited Telangana government's progressive governance and strategic public-private partnerships as well as policy initiatives. Hyderabad accounts for nearly one-third of the country's pharmaceutical production, one-fifth of the pharmaceutical exports and one-third of global vaccine output. Increased foreign direct investment, enhanced manufacturing capabilities, cost-effective talent pool and greater emphasis on R&D have contributed to the growth of the sector in Hyderabad. Describing Genome Valley as a shining example of how strategic planning and public-private collaboration can create a thriving ecosystem for innovation and scale, Chairman and CEO of CBRE for India, South-East Asia, Middle East and Africa Anshuman Magazine said as India's life sciences industry gains unprecedented momentum, Hyderabad is at the heart of the transformation. Globally, leading hubs such as Boston- Cambridge, the San Francisco Bay Area, Beijing, Shanghai and Cambridge (UK) are shaping the next wave of life sciences growth. In the Asia-Pacific region, Beijing, Shanghai, Singapore, and Greater Tokyo have emerged as the largest markets for life sciences labs and R&D space. 'The Asia-Pacific region is at the forefront... leading global life sciences construction activity. Notably, China currently exhibits the highest volume of ongoing laboratory construction worldwide, while India is establishing itself as a compelling hub for life sciences manufacturing,' Head of Research -APAC of CBRE Ada Choi said.

Asia-Pacific leads global tech talent as AI boosts job market
Asia-Pacific leads global tech talent as AI boosts job market

Techday NZ

time06-05-2025

  • Business
  • Techday NZ

Asia-Pacific leads global tech talent as AI boosts job market

A recent report from CBRE has found that the eight largest global tech talent markets, each with over 500,000 tech workers, are all located in the Asia-Pacific region. The Global Tech Talent Guidebook 2025, released by CBRE, explores the shifts in technology talent across the Asia-Pacific area and highlights the increasing competition in Artificial Intelligence (AI) development which is creating new opportunities for skilled workers. Rohini Saluja, Managing Director and Head of Consulting and Integrated Client Solutions, Asia Pacific for CBRE, commented on the changing nature of the sector, stating, "AI will catalyse the next economic growth cycle, producing significant economic value and real estate demand. We are seeing tech talent anchored in APAC, shifting from general engineering to specialized AI roles. India and China are now competing with the largest markets in the U.S. and the U.K., while niche talent pools are emerging in places like Singapore." The report indicates that the prospects for the tech industry and demand for its workforce remain strong, driven by the ongoing digital transformation of economies globally. Ada Choi, Head of Research, Asia Pacific, for CBRE, observed, "The talent pool in Asia Pacific is deep, with a lot of AI-related professionals concentrated in China and India. Ongoing AI developments and innovation will drive economic growth, and fuel tech talent employment growth and real estate demand in the region." In terms of venture capital (VC) funding, AI has been a significant factor contributing to strong growth within the technology industry. According to the guidebook, 2024 saw a record USD $129 billion in venture capital investment across 5,900 deals worldwide. While North America secured 59% of all global VC funding, both the Asia-Pacific region and Europe received about 20% each. Within Asia-Pacific, the guidebook identified Beijing, Bengaluru, and Shanghai as having particularly large concentrations of technology workers, each exceeding one million. The report also highlighted that, when it comes to educational attainment, Ireland, Switzerland, and Singapore are notable for having the highest rates, while the United States and China maintain the largest numbers of top-ranked universities. The report discusses the emergence of cities in China, India and Southeast Asia as new destinations attracting tech talent. Start-ups such as DeepSeek in Hangzhou serve as examples of this growth. Factors contributing to the rise of these markets include improvements in education and technology skills, favourable business climates, lower operational costs, and a high quality of life. The report notes that remote work has played a significant role in supporting these emerging markets by enabling them to integrate more effectively with global teams. The evolving preferences of technology firms regarding office location is also noted. Companies are increasingly reassessing their location strategies in response to shifting international trade policies and talent mobility. The ease of talent movement across borders has become particularly important for corporate occupiers as hybrid work arrangements continue to increase the mobility of office-based employees. Despite a recent slowdown that began in 2023, the report notes that long-term growth prospects for the technology sector remain strong. Continued innovation in AI and steady flows of venture capital are expected to maintain the demand for technology professionals in the Asia-Pacific region.

Asia Pacific investors signal renewed confidence in commercial real estate in 2025
Asia Pacific investors signal renewed confidence in commercial real estate in 2025

South China Morning Post

time18-02-2025

  • Business
  • South China Morning Post

Asia Pacific investors signal renewed confidence in commercial real estate in 2025

Published: 12:00am, 19 Feb 2025 [The content of this article has been produced by our advertising partner.] Heading into 2025, investor confidence in Asia Pacific commercial real estate has improved noticeably, but optimism remains tempered by global economic uncertainties and the US Federal Reserve's more cautious stance on interest rate cuts. According to CBRE's 2025 Asia Pacific Investor Intentions Survey , net buying intentions have improved from 5 per cent in 2024 to 13 per cent this year, driven by falling debt costs, asset repricing and a growing appetite for core-plus and value-add strategies. Greg Hyland, Head of Capital Markets, Asia Pacific at CBRE, attributes the shift in sentiment to stabilising financial conditions. 'We are seeing the capping of interest rates in a lot of Asia Pacific markets that we operate in. In some markets, rates have started to decrease, so I think that has given investors a degree of confidence that we are at the top of the rate cycle,' he said. Ada Choi, Head of Research, Asia Pacific at CBRE, echoed this sentiment, emphasising that investors are displaying stronger buying intentions this year.

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