MONEY MASTER

Key Takeaway:  Singapore remains a leading data centre hub in Asia-Pacific, but rising costs, scarce land, and limited power supply are straining growth, pushing operators to look toward Johor and regional alternatives. Market Overview According to the  TDICA Global Data Center Report 2025 , Singapore’s live data centre capacity reached  1,002 MW in 2025 , yet vacancy rates are just  2% , underscoring a supply crunch. The development pipeline remains limited, with only  246 MW  slated —  20 MW under construction  and  226 MW in planning . Pricing Pressures Colocation costs in Singapore rank among the highest in Asia-Pacific, ranging from  US$300–450+ per kW per month for wholesale blocks (250–500 kW). In contrast,  Johor, Malaysia  offers far cheaper pricing starting at  US$130 per kW . Power costs:  US$0.281 per kWh Construction cost index:  142 (Amsterdam baseline = 100) These factors contribute to Singapore’s ...

AirAsia X Bhd recorded a 41% surge in passenger numbers in 2024 , carrying  over 4 million travelers , while  seat capacity grew 35% year-on-year (y-o-y) to 4.8 million . The airline’s  passenger load factor (PLF) improved to 83% , reflecting  strong demand for travel . 📈 Strong Growth in Passenger Traffic & Capacity 🔹  Total passengers in 2024:   4 million  (+41% y-o-y) 🔹  Total flights:   13,262  (+35% y-o-y) 🔹  Available seat per kilometre (ASK) capacity:   20.37 billion  (+31% y-o-y) 📌  4Q2024 Performance: Passengers carried:   1.1 million  (+20% y-o-y) Seat capacity:   1.3 million seats  (+20% y-o-y) PLF:   82%  (unchanged y-o-y) ASK capacity:   5.79 billion  (+21% y-o-y) Revenue seat per kilometre (RPK):   4.71 billion  (+23% y-o-y) 💬  AirAsia X:   "Demand for travel remains robust, supporting continuous growth in our network expansion." ✈️ Ex...

Cross-border investment volumes in the Asia-Pacific region are expected to rise by over 33% in the second half of 2024, driven by anticipated Federal Reserve rate cuts that favor commercial real estate investments. Australia is set to lead this surge, with a projected 129% increase during the period, according to real estate consultancy Knight Frank. For the entire year, Australia is expected to attract 36% of total cross-border flows, making it the top destination. In the second quarter of 2024 alone, Australia received US$1.9 billion in international capital, a 2.5-fold increase from the first quarter of 2024, said Neil Brookes, Knight Frank Malaysia’s global head of capital markets. "The office sector was the main driver, accounting for 63% of total transactions. A standout transaction was Mitsui Fudosan’s acquisition of a 66% stake in 55 Pitt Street for US$879.4 million," Brookes noted. Transaction volumes are forecasted to reach 30% in the office sector, with Australia a...