Trump’s AI plan to boost Asia data centre projects, says Singapore-based CEO

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump’s AI Action Plan unveiled this week is set to be a positive driver for data centre projects in Asia, a Singapore-based industry executive said.

The plan’s increased clarity on chip shipment restrictions should help data centre businesses in the region, said Jamie Khoo, chief executive officer of DayOne Data Centers Singapore. That’s a change from earlier in the year, when the US’ intentions around export curbs created fear and discomfort in the industry, the head of the data centre operator said.

Trump’s AI Action Plan called for strengthening export controls and putting new location verification features in artificial intelligence (AI) chips, as the US’ battle for tech supremacy with China intensifies. Clearer rules could make it easier for the Asia-Pacific region to use advanced graphics processing units with US tech, crucial for AI development.

“Obviously as time goes, the AI demand will definitely really be more important than anything else because that’s the way things are going,” Khoo said.

DayOne is looking to expand across Asia and Spain as it targets one gigawatt in total capacity, boosted by cloud and AI demand. Its latest addition is a 20-megawatt facility in Singapore, powered by renewable energy.

Founded in 2022, DayOne operates data centres in markets including Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Japan.