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GDS International Enters Thailand with a Landmark $1 Billion Investment to Establish a Hyperscale Data Center Park

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BANGKOK, Nov. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — GDS International, a pioneering high-performance data center developer and operator in Asia, has officially announced its entry into Thailand with a committed investment of up to USD 1 billion over the next five years to develop a hyperscale data center park in Chonburi province, southeast of Bangkok. This development represents a strategic expansion of GDS International’s portfolio of data centers, which provide essential infrastructure driving Asia’s digital economy.

The announcement was made during a meeting with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra at Government House in Bangkok, where GDS International underscored its commitment to playing a key role in Thailand’s digital transformation. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra stated that the investment demonstrates investors’ confidence in Thailand’s thriving digital ecosystem and reinforces the country’s emerging position as a regional hub for cloud infrastructure and AI technology. She remarked that GDS International’s entry into Thailand exemplifies the nation’s strong potential to attract high-value investments in the digital sector, paving the way for further growth and innovation in ASEAN’s digital landscape. She affirmed that the government will provide full support and expressed her anticipation for GDS International’s contributions to Thailand’s digital growth.

The Thailand Board of Investment (BOI), which promotes high-impact investments, recently approved GDS International’s project as part of its push to make Thailand a regional tech hub. Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General of the BOI, said, “Thailand offers not only resilient digital infrastructure and stable, sufficient utilities but also a digitally engaged population, with government support that drives local demand. Its position as a neutral country, along with a commitment to technology neutrality, fosters a dynamic and open digital landscape for investors. The government is dedicated to advancing key areas, including the development of clean energy mechanisms. We are currently establishing a Direct Power Purchase Agreement (Direct PPA), specifically designed for data centers, and refining digital regulations to support advancements in AI technology.”

Government initiatives focused on digital transformation are designed to position Thailand as a regional hub for high-tech and digital infrastructure. GDS International’s investment aligns with these goals, building a foundation to accelerate Thailand’s digital economy and strengthen its influence within ASEAN.

William Huang, Chairman of GDS International, expressed, “Our investment in Thailand aligns with our vision of advancing the digital economy across Asia. Our goal is to build a cutting-edge data center park that not only meets Thailand’s cloud and AI infrastructure needs but also fosters a thriving data center ecosystem. With the support of the Thai government, the BOI, and the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT), GDS International is committed to strengthening Thailand’s role as a digital leader in ASEAN, fostering a dynamic and interconnected digital economy.”

Jamie Khoo, CEO of GDS International, stated, “The rise in AI workloads is driving increased demand for colocation services, as businesses leverage AI to enhance processes and efficiency. GDS International is committed to being a reliable partner in advancing Thailand’s digital infrastructure. This investment will create employment opportunities and support skill development. By collaborating with local industry players and educational institutions, we aim to equip the Thai workforce with essential digital skills for the future.”

Following the announcement, GDS International solidified its plans by signing a comprehensive partnership agreement with AMATA Corporation Public Company Limited, Southeast Asia’s leading industrial real estate developer and operator. The agreement covers land acquisition at the AMATA City Chonburi Industrial Estate and provides access to renewable energy such as floating solar power.

Jamie Khoo, CEO of GDS International, said, “Thailand’s southeast data center cluster in Chonburi has become increasingly attractive to meet the rising demand fueled by the nation’s rapid digital transformation. We selected AMATA as our strategic partner for its impressive scale—hosting around 800 factories and commercial outlets—and its reliable, comprehensive utilities and infrastructure that support diverse needs. Amata City Chonburi Industrial Park offers an ideal site for GDS International’s data center development, with the presence of available zones, proximity to subsea cable landing stations, and secure location outside floodplains.”

“We are thrilled that GDS International has chosen AMATA for its first hyperscale data center project in Thailand,” said Vikrom Kromadit, Chairman of AMATA. “GDS International, a data center pioneer in Asia, brings expertise in developing and operating next-generation digital infrastructure, shaping the future of related industries across Thailand and the broader region. Our commitment to supporting diverse industry needs, especially in line with current investment trends, is demonstrated through our integrated approach and ability to provide tailored solutions across the full spectrum of utilities and infrastructure required for successful operations. We view this partnership as a valuable opportunity to grow together and shape the future.”

GDS International will incorporate renewable energy solutions, aligning with Thailand’s carbon neutrality goals to ensure sustainable operations. The planned hyperscale data center park will incorporate advanced technologies, including liquid-cooling systems, to enhance energy efficiency.

Thailand, the second-largest economy in Southeast Asia with a population exceeding 70 million, is rapidly emerging as a prime location for AI and high-performance computing workloads. Supported by strong connectivity to the SIJORI region, the network will enable GDS International to expand platform coverage and enhance service offerings across Southeast Asia.

With a strong presence across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Japan, GDS International’s portfolio currently comprises 480 MW of data center capacity in service and under construction, with an additional 590 MW held for future development. This investment in Thailand marks a significant expansion of GDS International’s regional footprint and reflects its commitment to advancing Thailand’s digital infrastructure, supporting the country’s ambition to become a leading digital hub in ASEAN, and fostering a connected data ecosystem that drives digital economies across the region.

About GDS International

GDS International is a data center pioneer in Asia that develops and operates next-generation digital infrastructure for industry leaders who demand reliable, quickly scalable, and cost-effective solutions.

Our cutting-edge data centers empower hyperscalers and large enterprises to connect with and support their customers, spur innovation, and shape the futures of their industries across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong SAR, Japan, and beyond.

Headquartered in Singapore, GDS International’s leadership team has more than 20 years of experience building Asia’s largest data center business and creating new markets to support global customers, including pioneering the development of the SIJORI (Singapore, Johor, and Riau Islands) region as a global hub for data centers.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/gds-international-enters-thailand-with-a-landmark-1-billion-investment-to-establish-a-hyperscale-data-center-park-302296530.html

SOURCE GDS International

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City of Redmond to Streamline Capital Program Management Using Aurigo Masterworks

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AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Aurigo Software, the leading provider of capital planning and construction management software for infrastructure and private owners, announced it has entered into a multiyear contract with the City of Redmond, Washington, to modernize its Capital Improvement Program. Aurigo’s flagship product suite, Masterworks, will help the agency prioritize project investments and create long-range capital plans while providing real-time reports and forecasts throughout the program’s phases. The system will also manage all aspects of project delivery, including construction administration, document management, and tracking program performance.

The City of Redmond is located less than 20 miles east of downtown Seattle. Known for its lush green landscapes and as a hub for technology, Redmond is home to several major corporations, including Microsoft’s headquarters, which significantly contribute to its economic profile. Today, the City has around 75,000 residents and 95,000 jobs, and by 2030, it is expected to have 78,000 residents and 119,000 jobs. Redmond also prides itself on providing extensive recreational activities, as it is surrounded by forests and trails, making it well-known for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and birdwatching.

“We are excited to partner with the City of Redmond and provide a modern, intuitive, integrated solution to meet its capital planning and project delivery goals,” said Balaji Sreenivasan, CEO and founder of Aurigo Software. “As Redmond continues to flourish as a technology hub, Masterworks will enable the City to keep pace with its growth by optimizing resources and ensuring efficient project execution. We are committed to supporting Redmond in delivering infrastructure improvements that meet the needs of its expanding community.”

Aurigo Masterworks will enable the agency to gather proposed projects, prioritize them, and estimate costs accurately. The platform’s what-if analysis will help identify the best project combinations based on available funding and strategic priorities. Once projects are underway, the system will help monitor schedules, resource availability, and contract status to ensure timely and on-budget completion.

This initiative will also establish standardized processes to reinforce best practices for the City, including streamlining workflows, integrating with existing systems, and enabling role-based access and permissions. Enterprise-wide dashboards and reports will provide agency executives with the right data to aid decision making. These processes will be fully auditable and will ensure complete transparency, delivering a consistent approach to capital program management.

Redmond joins King County and the city of Seattle, both Washington-based Aurigo partners, along with several other agencies across North America (including the cities of Portland and Las Vegas and regional agencies in Colorado, Florida, and Ontario, Canada) using Masterworks to digitize their capital programs. The company has seen an increase in demand from the public sector as agencies are looking to adopt modern cloud-based solutions to boost productivity and achieve cost savings.

About Aurigo Software

Aurigo builds software that helps build the world. Aurigo provides modern, cloud-based solutions for capital infrastructure and private owners to help plan with confidence, build with quality, and maintain their assets efficiently. With more than $300 billion of capital programs under management, Aurigo’s solutions are trusted by over 300 customers in transportation, water and utilities, healthcare, higher education, and government on over 40,000 projects across North America. Aurigo helps capital program executives make better decisions based on proprietary artificial intelligence and machine learning technology. Aurigo is a privately held U.S. corporation headquartered in Austin, Texas, with global offices in Canada and India. Learn more at www.aurigo.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/city-of-redmond-to-streamline-capital-program-management-using-aurigo-masterworks-302296256.html

SOURCE Aurigo Software Technologies, Inc.

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European Chips Skills Academy Unveils Comprehensive Skills Strategy to Boost Competitiveness of Semiconductor Ecosystem

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BRUSSELS, Nov. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The European Chips Skills Academy (ECSA), an EU-funded initiative coordinated by SEMI, today announced the publication of the Skills Strategy report by DECISION Etudes & Conseil that outlines the strategic approaches required to tackle Europe’s growing talent shortage in the semiconductor sector. The report provides critical insights into the industry’s workforce demand and supply, while outlining methods to address the talent gap by 2030.

With increasing demand for chips and the investments from the EU Chips Act beginning to gain traction, the semiconductor industry is expected to experience substantial growth in the coming years. The report shows a projected employment annual growth rate of 5% by 2030, with more than 271,000 job openings expected over the forecast period. However, the current pipeline of graduates is not growing at a sufficient rate to match this growth. The report predicts a shortage of over 75,000 technical jobs across key areas such as hardware and software engineering, technicians, and data specialists.

Despite Europe producing over 1.1 million STEM graduates in 2022 and 320,000 in semiconductor related fields of study, only 6% of European STEM graduates are expected to enter the semiconductor industry. With many of these graduates opting for engineering careers in unrelated domains or positions beyond traditional engineering sectors, it is essential for Europe to respond to solve the talent gap.

ECSA’s Skills Strategy recommends both short- and long-term solutions. In the short-term, Europe should optimize the existing labor supply by improving EU-wide mobility, simplifying visa processes for non-EU workers, and reskilling current employees to meet evolving needs.

“Strategic communications campaigns will be pivotal in driving long-term growth in student interest in semiconductor-related disciplines,” said Laith Altimime, President of SEMI Europe. “The influx of STEM graduates into the sector is heavily shaped by the industry’s ability to project a compelling image, further enhancing its attractiveness as a desirable and innovative field for emerging talent.”

“Collaboration between education and industry needs to be strengthened to meet the long-term demand of the industry,” said Raphaël Beaujeu, Senior Consultant at DECISION Etudes & Conseil. “Aligning the academic curricula with the needs of the sector will ensure a sustainable pipeline of skilled workers that can drive innovation and productivity in Europe.”

Initiatives such as ECSA are well positioned to help address the talent gap by offering relevant training with input from industry. The wide network of companies involved with the ECSA aid in promoting STEM careers and ensuring a diverse workforce.

With the semiconductor industry at the core of global digital transformation, Europe’s ability to close the skills gap in its ecosystem will be crucial in maintaining competitiveness on the global stage.

About SEMI
SEMI® is the global industry association connecting over 3,000 member companies and 1.5 million professionals worldwide across the semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain. We accelerate member collaboration on solutions to top industry challenges through Advocacy, Workforce Development, Sustainability, Supply Chain Management, and other programs. Our SEMICON® expositions and events, technology communities, standards, and market intelligence help advance our members’ business growth and innovations in design, devices, equipment, materials, services, and software, enabling smarter, faster, more secure electronics. Visit www.semi.org, contact a regional office, and connect with SEMI on LinkedIn and X to learn more.

About ECSA
The European Chips Skills Academy is an innovative alliance of 18 partners across Europe, working together to bridge the skills gap in the semiconductor sector. Through the development of decentralized education programs and fostering collaboration between industry and academia, ECSA aims to cultivate the next generation of semiconductor professionals essential for Europe’s technological leadership.

Contact Information:
Kartikey Srivastava / SEMI Europe
Phone: +49 151 1436 6324
Email: ksrivastava@semi.org     

Samer Bahou / SEMI Corporate
Phone: +1 408 943 7870
Email: sbahou@semi.org  

SOURCE SEMI

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Could use a vacation right now: Elsa Pataky and Chris Hemsworth Partner with Experience Abu Dhabi

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ABU DHABI, UAE, Nov. 5, 2024 /CNW/ — Hollywood couple Elsa Pataky and Chris Hemsworth have collaborated with Experience Abu Dhabi, sharing all the city has to offer blending rich culture, adventure, and peaceful escapes, with incredible weather and endless experiences for every kind of traveller to enjoy at their own pace.

 

The two-year partnership was announced with a campaign film that features the duo on set, dreaming of a much-needed holiday. Using a mix of comedy and action, the film sees the couple agree that they could use an escape and imagine the blissful moments they could be experiencing in a destination that has it all…Abu Dhabi.

Elsa commented on putting family first: “When it comes to family holidays, Abu Dhabi has it all. Whether it is for us as a couple or a family, every day here is a new adventure, there is something for each one of us to enjoy and discover. My kids have fallen in love with Abu Dhabi, as it gives them a playground for all the things they want to do. Whether it’s theme parks with exciting roller coasters, dune bashing and horse riding in the desert to catching the best wave, Abu Dhabi has it all and is now our must-do holiday spot.”

Chris reflected on creating memories: “We’re thrilled to partner with Experience Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi’s got everything we love all in one place. The adventures have left us with amazing memories that will last a lifetime—you can tell how special it was since the kids didn’t want to leave. We’ve loved everything about the culture, the people and the experiences. It’s a place where we can unwind, and relax, with the feeling of being at home. We’ve travelled the world, but Abu Dhabi has captured our hearts. We’re already planning for our next trip!”

As heard in the film, the message “Could Use A Vacation Right Now” resonates with the world. So many of us are drowning in deadlines, work commitments, and a never-ending to-do list—dreaming of that next great holiday. In Abu Dhabi, you can swap your daily routine for the perfect escape, from inspiring cultural experiences to galloping across desert dunes, riding waves at Surf Abu Dhabi and reconnecting with loved ones under a stunning sunset on a white-sand beach.

The campaign film showcases how Abu Dhabi inspires every family to find their own pace—a destination brimming with new adventures and countless opportunities to create lasting memories. From kayaking around Louvre Abu Dhabi to thrilling rollercoasters, all wrapped in the warmth of Emirati hospitality, the couple had the perfect family getaway. They savoured traditional Emirati cuisine before sunset strolls on the beach, feeling welcomed and at ease.

H.E. Nouf Mohamed Al-Boushelaibi, Executive Director of Strategic Marketing & Communications at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “We’re incredibly passionate about sharing Abu Dhabi with the world and are proud to have Elsa and Chris partnering with us. Their dynamic energy and love for discovery highlights everything Abu Dhabi has to offer from inspiring cultural experiences to adventures, creating meaningful and lasting memories, all at their own pace.”

Get inspired by Chris and Elsa’s dream-come-true adventure in Abu Dhabi and watch the new film here.

About Experience Abu Dhabi:
Experience Abu Dhabi is the destination brand of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. 

DCT Abu Dhabi drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors and its creative industries, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions. 

By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.

DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.

For more information about the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the destination, please visit: dct.gov.ae and visitabudhabi.ae

Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQEYVigHGZQ
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2549319/Elsa_Pataky.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2549316/Chris_Hemsworth.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2549317/Elsa_Pataky_Chris_Hemsworth_Desert.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2549318/Elsa_Pataky_Chris_Hemsworth_dining.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2239093/4629993/Experience_Abu_Dhabi_Logo.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/could-use-a-vacation-right-now-elsa-pataky-and-chris-hemsworth-partner-with-experience-abu-dhabi-302296597.html

SOURCE Experience Abu Dhabi

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