The infrastructure initiative called Candle Project was recently introduced to the public. This project aims to build the largest-capacity undersea cable system in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region.
The cable will connect Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore—spanning a total distance of 8,000 kilometers with a data transfer capacity of up to 570 terabits per second (Tbps).
Scheduled to be operational in 2028, the Candle Project marks a major milestone in the global expansion of digital infrastructure, strengthening the foundation of internet connectivity and AI-based services across one of the fastest-growing digital economies in the world.
Driving Connectivity and Digital Infrastructure in the Asia Pacific
Asia Pacific is currently home to more than 58% of global internet users. With the increasing reliance on digital services, demand for high-capacity and low-latency networks has become essential.
Through the Candle Project, along with the Bifrost, Echo, and Apricot cable systems, the region will secure reliable and efficient intercontinental data capacity.
- Candle will be the highest-capacity intra-Asia submarine cable.
- Bifrost currently links Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, and the United States—and will extend to Mexico by 2026.
- Echo connects Guam and California, with a capacity of 260 Tbps.
- Apricot connects Japan, Taiwan, and Guam, with planned extensions to the Philippines, Indonesia, and Singapore.
Together, these four subsea cable systems will become the backbone of Asia Pacific’s digital connectivity to the Americas and beyond.
Candle Project and Its Relevance to the Data Center Industry
The Candle Project is not merely a telecommunications investment; it also carries significant implications for the growth of the data center industry in Southeast Asia.
This large-scale capacity and regional connectivity will result in:
- Increased demand for colocation and edge data centers – as higher data traffic flows drive the need for localized, low-latency infrastructure.
- Greater efficiency in content distribution and AI workloads – faster networks enable organizations to manage artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and real-time digital services more effectively.
- Stronger integration between global networks and domestic data center facilities, accelerating the digital economy across countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore.
As a data center provider focused on reliability, energy efficiency, and high connectivity, EDGE DC sees projects like Candle as strategic opportunities to expand local data ecosystems supported by robust global infrastructure.
Building the Future of Digital Connectivity
Investments in projects like Candle, Bifrost, Echo, and Apricot are part of a long-term commitment to building a resilient, high-capacity global digital network.
This initiative aligns with the broader vision of providing wider access to AI-based and emerging technologies for billions of internet users worldwide.
With enhanced cross-border connectivity, data center operators such as EDGE DC will play a crucial role in ensuring that data flows rapidly, efficiently, and securely—bridging global infrastructure and local end-users.
Conclusion
The Candle Project marks a new chapter in Asia Pacific’s connectivity development. With its hundreds of terabits per second of capacity and multinational reach, the system will strengthen the foundation for digital transformation across the world’s fastest-growing region.
At the same time, the presence of this large-capacity submarine cable will drive the expansion of local data center ecosystems as integral components of the global digital network.
