Keppel’s multi-year strategic framework agreement with Amazon Web Services was commemorated by the CEOs and senior management of Keppel and AWS. From left: Mr Kevin Miller, VP, Global Data Centres of AWS; Mr Matt Garman, CEO of AWS; Mr Loh Chin Hua, CEO of Keppel, and Mr Manjot Singh Mann, CEO, Connectivity, Keppel.  

Cloud computing powers much of modern life, from connecting with friends and family to banking, shopping, ride hailing and ordering food delivery online, forming the invisible backbone of countless daily conveniences in today’s increasingly digital world. 

Looking ahead, cloud adoption is expected to generate over US$12 trillion in global GDP between 2024 and 2030, up from US$1 trillion in 2023, while cloud-enabled AI could account for an additional US$1.5 trillion in global GDP over the same period, compared to US$98 billion in 2023¹. To support this exponential growth, global cloud providers and technology leaders need to scale up with more powerful and energy-efficient digital infrastructure. 

Against this backdrop, Keppel signed a new multi-year strategic framework agreement in December 2024 with global hyperscaler Amazon Web Services (AWS), the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud, to collaborate on data centres, subsea cables and renewable energy solutions, regionally and globally. This is the first-of-its-kind agreement that AWS has signed with a solutions provider at a global level that spans these connectivity and energy sectors – areas where Keppel has strong expertise.  

The agreement will provide Keppel the opportunity to understand AWS’s requirements for energy, data centres and subsea cables ahead of time, and engage AWS on Keppel’s proposed solutions.  

It also paves the way for Keppel to forge strategic alliances with more global technology leaders, driving advancements in the data centre and infrastructure segments through AI, sustainable solutions and quantum computing. 

Partnership for sustainable data centres and connectivity 

As part of this landmark agreement, Keppel will support AWS in expanding its sustainable data centre infrastructure worldwide. This could involve identifying optimal locations for new data centres, adhering to AWS's stringent design standards, and integrating low-carbon or renewable energy sources, where possible.  

Keppel will also collaborate with AWS to bolster network connectivity through subsea cable systems, potentially enhancing AWS’s global network and improving scalability and reliability. Notably, Keppel is co-developing the Bifrost Cable System, which will be the largest capacity high-speed transmission cable across the Pacific Ocean. 

Keppel’s collaboration with AWS will span data centres, subsea cables and renewable energy solutions regionally and globally. 

Leveraging Keppel’s deep capabilities in decarbonisation 

As the urgency to address climate change grows, more companies are shifting towards more sustainable practices. AWS aims to reach net-zero carbon emissions across its operations by 2040 by investing in carbon-free energy, scaling solutions and collaborating with partners such as Keppel.  

With a shared commitment towards sustainability, Keppel and AWS will collaborate on energy-related technologies to help decarbonise power consumption in applicable grids, leveraging Keppel’s deep capabilities in energy infrastructure and decarbonisation. This includes net-zero or low carbon power generation and energy storage solutions.  

Accelerating digital transformation with AI  

At the same time, Keppel has selected AWS as its preferred cloud provider to accelerate the digital adoption of cloud and AI solutions across Keppel’s operations and private funds. Keppel and AWS seek to boost generative AI innovation and will design an AI Platform built using Amazon Bedrock, which will serve as a central hub for both existing and new AI use cases to enhance productivity, generate insights and foster innovation across Keppel's operations.  

"Our strategic framework with AWS strengthens our position as a leader in data centres and advanced connectivity solutions," said Mr Manjot Singh Mann, CEO, Connectivity, Keppel. "This collaboration drives innovation in connectivity, sustainability and AI, delivering carbon-efficient solutions that support AWS's global goals while enhancing Keppel's technological offerings. Together, we're advancing both environmental responsibility and digital innovation in infrastructure." 

"This strategic agreement with Keppel marks a significant milestone in our commitment to sustainable digital innovation across Southeast Asia and beyond," said Mr Jeff Johnson, ASEAN Managing Director, AWS. "This collaboration exemplifies our shared vision for driving sustainable digital transformation at scale, as well as creating long-term value for businesses and communities throughout the region." 

¹ Source: AWS and Telecom Advisory Services.