Gulf and Singtel Group form strategic partnership to enhance submarine cable connectivity between Thailand and Singapore

Gulf Development (Gulf) and Singtel Group have announced a strategic partnership to develop enhanced submarine cable connectivity between Thailand and Singapore, solidifying their roles as key digital economies in Southeast Asia. The collaboration unites Gulf's infrastructure development capabilities and expanding digital business portfolio with Singtel's expertise in submarine cable infrastructure and services.

Both entities will jointly invest in subsea cable assets to accommodate the surging demand for cloud, AI, data centre, and digital services across the region, demonstrating their mutual dedication to long-term collaboration and value generation.

Mr. Sarath Ratanavadi, Gulf's Chief Executive Officer, stated, "This partnership with Singtel marks a significant step in Gulf's digital infrastructure strategy. Together, we are establishing a platform that bolsters submarine cable connectivity between Thailand and Singapore, while supporting Thailand's goal of becoming a leading digital and AI economy in Southeast Asia.

Leveraging our complementary strengths, we aim to construct crucial infrastructure that drives digital growth and generates long-term value for the economies and communities we serve."

Mr. Yuen Kuan Moon, Singtel's Group Chief Executive Officer, remarked, "Thailand and Singapore are among Southeast Asia's most vital digital economies. Our partnership with Gulf combines our expertise in digital infrastructure and submarine cable systems to cater to the escalating demand for cloud, AI, data centre, and digital services. We eagerly anticipate deepening submarine cable connections between our two nations and fostering the forthcoming phase of digital growth and innovation in the region."

The first step in this partnership involves the Vietnam-Thailand-Singapore (VTS) Cable System, a new subsea cable link that will bolster Thailand's connectivity to Singapore. The VTS Cable System is projected to commence operation by 2030, with capital expenditures spread across several years. Gulf and Singtel may also consider investing in terrestrial cable and additional subsea cable systems in the future.

Thailand is experiencing a surge in investments in data centers, cloud services, and digital platforms. As the demand for digital and AI infrastructure escalates, robust international connectivity will be instrumental in supporting the country's aspiration to become a leading digital and AI economy. The partnership also reinforces Singapore's status as Southeast Asia's primary digital connectivity hub.

By reinforcing submarine cable links between two of Southeast Asia's leading digital economies, it will cater to the evolving requirements of enterprises, cloud providers, hyperscalers, and digital platforms seeking dependable, diversified, and high-performance connectivity. This agreement builds upon Gulf and Singtel Group's existing collaborations in Thailand across telecommunications and data centers, offering a platform for both companies to explore further opportunities across Southeast Asia, promoting digital investment, innovation, and sustainable economic growth in the region.