This episode of HawkTalks explores one of the biggest challenges in the data center industry: talent acquisition and leadership development. Moderated by David Sandars, EMEA Regional Director at datacenterHawk, the conversation features industry leaders Joseph Pavitt (NDY), Holly Fenner (GeN+1), and Hayley Godlieb (Equinix), who discuss how GeN+1 is redefining efforts to attract and nurture the next generation of digital infrastructure professionals.

As the data center industry grows rapidly alongside digital transformation, the skills gap continues to widen. Joseph Pavitt highlights the urgent need to engage younger professionals, pointing out the aging workforce demographic. GeN+1 tackles this through initiatives that promote inclusivity, raise career awareness, and offer actionable solutions like outreach programs in schools and colleges to inspire future talent.

Holly Fenner explains how GeN+1 evolved from informal gatherings to a structured organization focused on inclusivity and young talent. The group’s refreshingly different approach to networking—hosting events with live music and approachable formats—has created an engaging space for emerging professionals to connect and grow their careers.

GeN+1 also uses platforms like TikTok and Instagram to connect with Gen Z and millennials. Hayley Godlieb notes that these platforms are more relevant to younger audiences than LinkedIn, sharing relatable content like “Day in the Industry” reels to spark interest and challenge outdated perceptions of the sector.

The group’s work extends globally with initiatives like run clubs, wellness events, and technical masterclasses in hubs such as Frankfurt, Dublin, and Milan. Plans for a flagship GeN+1 Conference will further amplify younger voices, with panels led by emerging professionals addressing critical topics like sustainability and innovation.

The episode closes with a call to action: solving the talent crisis requires more than talk—it demands active community building, education, and inclusivity. GeN+1’s efforts serve as a blueprint for the industry, demonstrating how bold action can address workforce challenges head-on.

Whether you’re a young professional, investor, or industry veteran, this episode offers valuable insights into shaping the future of the data center workforce through collaboration and innovation. Don’t miss it!

Addressing the Talent ShortageBuilding a Supportive CommunityReaching the Next GenerationScaling a Global MovementAction-Oriented SolutionsListen Now

In a recent datacenterHawk podcast, David Liggitt sat down with Herson Suindah, President Director & Group CEO of SM+, to explore Indonesia’s rapidly evolving digital infrastructure market. Their discussion highlighted SM+’s vision, the unique opportunities in the region, and the company’s strategic partnerships that are setting a new standard for data center development in Southeast Asia.

SM+ was founded with the mission to fill critical infrastructure gaps in Indonesia. Backed by a major Indonesian business group, the company takes a future-focused approach, integrating fiber networks, mobile operations, submarine cables, and data centers into a unified solution.

Suindah explained, “If the country isn’t ready, then what do we need to do, and how are we going to do it?” This mindset drives SM+ to develop solutions that anticipate and address Indonesia’s evolving digital needs.

With a population of 275 million—many of whom are young and tech-savvy—Indonesia offers massive growth potential. Rather than being limited by outdated systems, the country’s relatively clean slate gives it an advantage: the ability to build modern, efficient infrastructure from the ground up.

Indonesia's openness to technology, from BlackBerry in the early days to social platforms like Instagram, shows a strong track record of digital adoption. While the country may not yet lead in tech creation, it excels at commercializing and scaling digital tools—an asset SM+ leverages in its long-term strategy.

SM+ prioritizes global partnerships to accelerate knowledge-sharing and innovation. One standout example is their joint venture with Korea’s LG Group to expand regional services.

“For us, it’s not about building a franchise but forming true partnerships,” Suindah said. By aligning with global leaders and attracting top-tier talent, SM+ has positioned itself as a trusted local expert and partner for international companies entering Indonesia.

SM+ is currently developing an 18MW city-center data center in Jakarta using modular construction, designed for efficiency and scalability. The company overcomes regulatory and timeline challenges by implementing global best practices and innovative technologies.

Beyond Indonesia, SM+ has regional ambitions. Suindah believes the country will move from being a technology consumer to becoming a hub for innovation and infrastructure leadership in Southeast Asia.

SM+’s success stems from its forward-thinking approach, strong partnerships, and commitment to solving real-world infrastructure challenges. “At the very basic layer of all the things we want to build is the infrastructure,” Suindah noted.

For IT professionals, investors, and global operators, the message is clear: Indonesia is an emerging powerhouse in digital infrastructure, and SM+ is leading the way.

Stay tuned for more updates on SM+ and their transformative projects across Indonesia.

The Vision Behind SM+: Building Indonesia’s Digital BackboneWhy Indonesia is a Market to WatchPartnerships: The Key to GrowthRevolutionizing Indonesia’s Digital InfrastructureA Blueprint for Leadership

The latest episode of the datacenterHawk podcast features Donny Gunadi, Senior Insight Analyst at datacenterHawk, and Hendrikus Gozali, Country Head of STT GDC Indonesia. They discuss Indonesia’s dynamic data center growth, highlighting innovation, scalability, and sustainability as key drivers shaping Southeast Asia’s digital infrastructure market.Indonesia’s Digital LandscapeIndonesia is emerging as a pivotal hub for digital transformation in Southeast Asia. Hendrikus Gozali attributes this to the rise of AI, cloud computing, and growing digital consumption. STT GDC Indonesia, part of a global data center powerhouse, has expanded rapidly by building high-capacity campuses for hyperscale clients, such as its Jakarta campus designed to handle over 200 MW of power. “It’s really Indonesia’s time to shine as a digital infrastructure leader,” Gozali remarked, citing reduced latency and agile solutions for end users.Sustainability and InnovationSustainability is a cornerstone of STT GDC’s strategy, with 75% of its global facilities operating on renewable energy. Gozali emphasized eco-efficient practices and advanced cooling technologies, such as air and liquid cooling systems, to handle the growing demands of AI workloads. Agility, he stressed, is critical in adapting to clients’ needs swiftly, especially as global cooling standards remain in progress.Strategic Advantages in Land and PowerIndonesia’s abundance of land and energy resources gives its data center market a competitive edge. Unlike other regions facing power shortages, Indonesia has surplus energy and significant land banking, enabling STT GDC to deploy large-scale facilities quickly. Gozali noted that 100 MW facilities can be deployed in just a year by leveraging pre-secured infrastructure and robust supply chain partnerships.Thriving in a Market of “Surprises”Indonesia’s data center market is defined by unpredictable demand, with hyperscale client requests often arising at short notice. STT GDC addresses this by proactively building facilities and maintaining operational flexibility. “We build first because we know they’ll come,” Gozali explained, emphasizing forward-planning and adaptability.Bright Future for Indonesia’s Data CentersGozali envisions significant potential for Indonesia’s data center industry, driven by its growing digital economy, supportive government policies, and AI adoption. STT GDC is also committed to fostering local talent and community development, creating jobs and supporting long-term digital transformation.Final TakeawaysIndonesia’s data center market offers immense opportunities, with unique advantages in sustainability, scalability, and proactive strategies. As the region evolves, it’s poised to become a leading player in global digital infrastructure, shaping the future of connectivity and transformation in Southeast Asia.

In this conversation, David Liggitt, founder of datacenterHawk, chats with Jon Curry, VP of Operations APAC at Digital Realty, and Krishna Worotikan, CFO of Digital Realty Bersama. Together, they explore the explosive growth in Indonesia’s data center market—fueled by digital transformation, rising connectivity needs, and surging demand for cloud and AI technologies. The discussion offers valuable insight into how global expertise and local partnerships are shaping the future of Indonesia’s digital infrastructure.

A central focus is the partnership between Digital Realty and Digital Realty Bersama—a joint venture just three months in, already seeing momentum. Krishna Worotikan emphasizes how this collaboration leverages Digital Realty’s global experience, particularly in Asia, while anchoring itself through local alliances. Jon Curry notes that the fusion of international standards and regional insight makes them strong enablers of digital growth in Jakarta and beyond.

Indonesia’s rapid digitalization is unmistakable. Curry reflects on the transformation since 2013—from limited infrastructure to today’s booming digital banking, e-commerce, and AI activity. As enterprise cloud and AI adoption intensifies, demand for scalable, reliable infrastructure is soaring. Worotikan forecasts dramatic capacity growth—from 5 MW to 150 MW within the decade.

Despite the opportunity, hurdles remain. The talent gap is a pressing issue, with Worotikan calling for stronger alignment between tech skills and emerging AI workloads. The government is actively supporting this push. Curry highlights operational complexities like liquid cooling, which will be key for supporting AI. Standardized, forward-looking solutions are critical.

Digital Realty’s success in Indonesia hinges on marrying global best practices with local market knowledge. Lessons from hubs like Frankfurt and Singapore guide Jakarta’s development, while local partners ensure on-the-ground relevance. Their Service Fabric platform enables seamless connectivity to global cloud ecosystems—boosting Indonesia’s role in regional and global networks.

Curry and Worotikan express optimism about Indonesia’s rise as a leading data center hub in Southeast Asia. With strong digital momentum, local-global collaboration, and infrastructure innovation, the market is set to mature rapidly. For IT leaders and investors, Indonesia represents a vibrant, strategic opportunity in the digital age.

Strategic Joint Ventures for Rapid ImpactDigital Acceleration Driving Infrastructure NeedsNavigating Challenges in a Dynamic MarketLocal Insights Meet Global ScaleA Promising Future

In the latest episode of the datacenterHawk podcast, Dedi Iskandar, APAC Regional Director at datacenterHawk, sits down with Darryl Chiew, Country Manager for Thailand and Singapore at OneAsia Network. The conversation delves into the dynamic growth of Thailand's data center market, OneAsia's strategic expansion, and the evolving demands of the digital infrastructure industry.Thailand's Emerging Data Center MarketThailand is rapidly becoming a hotspot for data center investments, driven by government support and increasing interest from hyperscalers. Darryl Chiew highlights how the country’s strategic location and growing digital economy make it an attractive destination for operators. With only 200 MW of live capacity currently, the market is poised for significant growth, potentially outpacing neighboring Malaysia in the next few years.OneAsia's Strategic ExpansionOneAsia Network has been at the forefront of this growth, with its first international data center in Thailand—a 20 MW facility launched in October 2023. Darryl shares plans for a second facility set to open next year, reflecting the company’s commitment to meeting rising demand. Beyond Thailand, OneAsia is also expanding into Japan and South Korea, solidifying its presence in the Asia-Pacific region.The Role of AI in Driving DemandThe rise of AI technologies, particularly since the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022, has significantly influenced data center requirements. Darryl discusses how customers are building AI GPU clusters and developing custom chipsets to support advanced computing needs. This shift is creating new opportunities for data center operators to cater to specialized workloads.Differentiating Through Value-Added ServicesOneAsia sets itself apart by offering more than just colocation services. The company provides GPU orchestration software, enabling customers to manage and monetize their GPU clouds. Additionally, OneAsia’s in-house design and build capabilities, coupled with its international talent pool, allow it to deliver tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of hyperscale and cloud customers.ConclusionThis episode underscores the transformative potential of Thailand’s data center market and OneAsia’s pivotal role in shaping its future. As the industry evolves, operators like OneAsia are not only meeting current demands but also innovating to address emerging trends. For professionals in the digital infrastructure space, this discussion offers valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges of operating in a rapidly growing market.

The latest episode of the datacenterHawk podcast dives into the evolving digital infrastructure landscape. Hosted by Donny Gunadi, Sr. Insight Analyst at datacenterHawk, the episode features Hamid Maani, Chief Sales Officer of BW Digital, discussing their innovative projects, philosophy, and the strategic importance of Singapore and neighboring markets.Why Batam is Ideal for Digital Infrastructure BW Digital is establishing a major data center hub in Batam, Indonesia, as part of the "Singapore Plus" ecosystem. With Singapore’s land scarcity and resource limits, Batam—just an hour away—emerged as an ideal solution. Its abundance of resources, including land and electricity, and its status as a Special Economic Zone make it a prime location. Maani emphasized BW Digital's holistic approach, focusing on building an ecosystem with investments in resources, talent, and connectivity to integrate Batam with Singapore seamlessly.Cutting-Edge Submarine Connectivity One of BW Digital’s key initiatives is a new submarine cable system connecting Singapore and Batam. Supporting up to 24 fiber pairs, this infrastructure boosts regional connectivity. The Singaporean government’s trust in the project aligns with its goal of doubling submarine cable landings in the next decade. BW Digital’s cable landing station, integrated within their data center campus, consolidates operations and improves efficiency. For enterprise clients, this seamless international connectivity is a significant draw.Flexible Data Center Design for Emerging Needs BW Digital emphasizes flexibility in its data center design. Facilities support both air and liquid cooling technologies, accommodating high-performance computing workloads, especially AI. “At a time when liquid cooling wasn’t mainstream, we designed our data centers to support it,” said Maani. With rack densities reaching 200 kW, BW Digital is prepared for AI training demands. Clients can start with lower densities and scale up as needed, offering flexibility for hyperscalers and enterprises.Investing in Local Talent A unique aspect of BW Digital’s approach is its focus on community integration and skill development. Leveraging Batam’s Special Economic Zone status, the company trains a skilled local workforce rather than relying on remote support. The Digital Park in Batam further fosters innovation through initiatives like the Apple Academy and partnerships with MIT and IBM. Maani highlighted the importance of enabling local growth while meeting customer needs.Scalable Development and Market Potential BW Digital’s Batam campus is projected to deliver 120 MW of capacity, with the first 23 MW phase ready by Q1 2026. The campus will feature six data halls, each supporting 3.8 MW. This aligns with the submarine cable’s completion, ensuring the ecosystem goes live as a unified solution. A Vision for the Future The podcast highlights BW Digital’s vision and adaptability in the competitive data center industry. By combining bold design, connectivity, and talent initiatives, BW Digital sets a new standard for digital infrastructure in the Asia-Pacific region. Their approach offers a blueprint for intelligent growth, blending innovation with socio-economic development. For IT professionals and digital investors, this episode offers valuable insights into the strategies reshaping data centers and driving future growth.

The latest episode of the Latin America podcast by datacenterHawk explores Mexico’s growing data center markets, focusing on Querétaro and Monterrey. Featuring insights from industry experts Steve Sasse, Regional Director of The Americas, and analysts Daniel Correira and Mafer Flores Segueda, the discussion highlights opportunities, challenges, and the future of these markets.Querétaro – Mexico’s Data Center HubQuerétaro is a key player in Mexico’s data center growth, with 250MW of commissioned capacity, 800MW in planning, and 30MW under construction. Its strong interconnectivity, with fiber routes through Monterrey and into the U.S., has attracted hyperscalers, making it one of the most interconnected regions in Mexico. However, growth has been slowed by energy grid limitations and bureaucratic hurdles. The panel stressed the need for private investments in power infrastructure to sustain future expansion.Monterrey – An Emerging ContenderWith 10MW of commissioned capacity and 20MW in planning, Monterrey is gaining attention as a promising alternative. Its proximity to the U.S. border, access to natural gas, and renewable energy potential make it attractive for hyperscalers and colocation providers. Steve Sasse noted Monterrey’s abundant land, favorable energy conditions, and strategic location for AI and cloud operations aimed at the U.S., predicting its rise as a significant data center hub.Energy ChallengesEnergy availability remains a major hurdle in Mexico’s data center industry. Querétaro faces significant power grid congestion, prompting private firms to step in with transmission solutions. Monterrey offers some relief with access to renewable energy and Texas natural gas pipelines, but transitioning to sustainable sources will require substantial government and private investment.Hyperscaler InvestmentsMajor players like Microsoft and AWS are investing in Mexico’s data center market, signaling confidence in the region's potential. However, challenges like regulatory complexities and energy delays remain. The panel recommended partnerships with established colocation providers to navigate these obstacles and meet aggressive deployment timelines.Monterrey’s Bright FutureMonterrey is positioned as a rising star with its industrial strength, energy resources, and cross-border connectivity opportunities. Initiatives like a Zona Franca (a tax-free trade zone for data center equipment) could attract further investment. While Querétaro will continue to grow, its slower pace due to energy constraints may shift attention northward to Monterrey.Key TakeawaysThe podcast emphasized the importance of tracking renewable energy projects, private power agreements, and partnerships between hyperscalers and colocation providers. Both Querétaro and Monterrey offer unique opportunities, but success requires strategic planning and local expertise.Closing ThoughtsThe episode provided a comprehensive overview of Mexico’s evolving data center market. Querétaro and Monterrey each present distinct advantages and challenges, with Monterrey emerging as a key player for future growth. A mix of foresight, agility, and partnerships will be crucial for tapping into this market’s full potential.

Get more market insights here:https://shorturl.at/QWTRt----In this episode of Hawk Talk, host David Sandars, Regional Director for EMEA at datacenterHawk, sits down with Mark Pestridge, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Telehouse Europe. Together, they explore how Telehouse—one of Europe’s most established data center operators—is evolving to meet the growing demand for connectivity, density, and sustainability.Telehouse’s Growth and LegacyFounded in 1989, Telehouse was one of the first neutral colocation providers in Europe. Starting with a modest half-kilowatt per rack capacity, the company has since grown into a five-building interconnected campus in London’s Docklands. This strategic location has helped Telehouse become one of the most connected sites in Europe, enabling customers to scale within a virtual campus and avoid the high costs of long-distance interconnection.Meeting Power Demands with Smart DesignAs rack densities have increased—from 500 watts to upwards of 15–20kW (with some cases reaching over 50kW)—Telehouse is deploying advanced cooling systems, including hybrid and liquid cooling. These upgrades support next-gen compute workloads while keeping environmental impact in check.Mark Pestridge emphasized the importance of reusing existing infrastructure where possible and incorporating renewable energy sources. For example, the retrofit of Telehouse South reduced environmental impact and opened new capacity for high-density deployments.Connectivity at the CoreConnectivity remains Telehouse’s defining advantage. With 800–1,000 telecom partners onsite and a longstanding relationship with LINX, the Docklands campus is a critical interconnection hub for enterprises, cloud providers, CDNs, and ISPs. Increasingly, even network providers that once used minimal power are transitioning to denser infrastructure, driving further demand for integrated, high-performance environments.Tackling the Talent GapWith the industry facing a skills shortage, Telehouse is taking proactive steps to engage the next generation of talent. Through its partnership with the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, the company hosts career days, mentorship programs, and community outreach initiatives. These efforts aim to highlight the role of data centers in everyday life and attract young professionals to the sector.Planning for the FutureLooking ahead, Telehouse is expanding its Docklands footprint and preparing for future technology needs. A new high-density test lab at Telehouse South will allow customers to experiment with liquid cooling methods and prepare for high-performance deployments. In parallel, the company is exploring growth opportunities in Frankfurt, Marseille, and Paris to support global demand.Final ThoughtsMark Pestridge’s perspective highlights how Telehouse is balancing operational excellence with forward-thinking design, environmental stewardship, and workforce development. Their deep focus on interconnection, sustainability, and innovation positions them as a leader in Europe’s evolving data center landscape.This episode offers valuable insights for IT professionals, infrastructure leaders, and investors looking to understand the forces shaping the future of digital infrastructure.

Get more market insights here:https://shorturl.at/QWTRt----In the latest episode of the datacenterHawk's Latin American podcast series, regional exemplar Steve Sasse and veteran analyst Daniel Correia shine a spotlight on the swiftly expanding data center market in Brazil. Known within the series as "Navigating the Latin American Data Center Market," this session provides a deep dive into Brazil's dominant position as Latin America's largest player in the data center field, exploring its growing potential and vital role in the evolving digital infrastructure ecosystem.Sao Paulo: The Heart of Brazil's Data Center Market Sao Paulo emerges as the epicenter of Latin America's data center activity, commanding attention with its impressive 530MW of commissioned capacity and a promising 100MW under construction. The city's strategic position and sturdy infrastructure establish it as a pivotal hub for hyperscale providers, including tech behemoths AWS and Microsoft.Rio de Janeiro and Emerging Markets Lying 500km apart from Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro is gaining momentum with roughly 70MW in commissioned capacity and an ambitious 500MW awaiting in the pipeline. This city holds strategic eminence due to its historical relevance and dense concentration of financial and media entities. Meanwhile, emerging markets like Fortaleza and Porto Alegre are gaining attention; Fortaleza aspires to be a connectivity heartland, while Porto Alegre is set for growth owing to its advantageous climate and strategic location.Brazil's Competitive Advantages Brazil is reinforced as a data center magnet through its robust clean energy resources, drawing 85% of its electricity from hydro, solar, and wind. Furthermore, its advanced fiber network and competitive energy pricing, between 5 to 10 cents per kWh, combined with plentiful land and water resources, form a favorable tapestry for data center expansion and AI endeavors. Government Initiatives and Foreign Investment Brazil's "Head Data Initiative" is driving significant change by reducing import tariffs on data center components from 60% to 2%. This move is expected to attract substantial foreign investment and boost domestic production, positioning Brazil as a key player in the global data center market. The policy has also sparked growing interest from international technology firms, further advancing the country's digital infrastructure.Conclusion Brazil stands on the brink of exponential data center growth, spurred by strategic governmental directives, intrinsic competitive benefits, and surging foreign investments. As Brazil advances its digital infrastructure, it is well positioned to ascend as a global frontrunner in the data center domain. This podcast episode brilliantly encapsulates Brazil's market dynamics and unfolds the myriad opportunities for stakeholders in the data center and digital infrastructure sector.

Get more market insights here:https://shorturl.at/QWTRt----In our latest HawkTalk, David Liggitt interviews Chris Downie, CEO of Flexential, to explore the burgeoning challenges and opportunities within the data center industry. The discussion delves into Flexential's strategic adaptation to the changing technological landscapes, particularly in response to AI and evolving enterprise demands. Through this conversation, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the industry’s complexities as well as Flexential's role in pioneering solutions.Flexential’s Multi-Tenancy Model: Bridging the Gap in the Market As the episode opens, Liggitt duly acknowledges Downie’s longstanding contributions to the podcast and the industry at large. Gratitude is expressed for Flexential's impressive growth amidst rapidly shifting market dynamics. Downie explains that the company's strategy is deeply rooted in catering to a broad spectrum of clientele through a multi-tenancy model. Unlike many competitors who lean toward hyperscale solutions, Flexential prioritizes versatile offerings that serve both major tech giants and mid-sized enterprises, thereby filling a critical gap in the marketplace.Balancing AI and Traditional Enterprise Data Needs The podcast takes a deep dive into the pressing scarcity of adaptable data center products that can fulfill traditional enterprise needs. Although AI workloads are experiencing a remarkable surge, traditional enterprise data requirements persist, presenting both new challenges and fresh opportunities for Flexential. The company is diligently balancing these needs by delivering scalable services across a myriad of sectors, including finance, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing.Overcoming Infrastructural Challenges with Precision Another focal point is the infrastructural hurdles Flexential faces as it expands its service offerings. Downie shares insights into the intricacy of pre-leasing strategies and the delicate art of forecasting future demand with precision. He underscores the necessity of timing in pre-selling data center capacity to capture optimal pricing and outpace competition.Insights from Flexential’s "State of AI Infrastructure" Report Enlightening findings from Flexential’s "State of AI Infrastructure" report reveal that a substantial number of enterprises are integrating AI technologies and expect to see returns within a year. This trend highlights AI's pivotal role in catalyzing data center demand, emphasizing the imperative for organizations to align their capacity strategies with these advancements.The Importance of Organizational Culture in a Rapidly Changing Industry Concluding the insightful dialogue, Downie emphasizes that sustaining a robust organizational culture is vital amidst the rapid pace of industry change. A strong cultural foundation is essential for long-term success and growth. Liggitt praises Downie’s leadership and contributions, reflecting on the ongoing need for education and dialogue as the data center landscape continues to evolve.A Comprehensive Look at the Data Center Industry’s Evolution This podcast episode offers a comprehensive overview of the data center sector's dynamic environment, driven by AI advancements and enterprise evolution. Flexential's proactive strategies and commitment to adaptable solutions position it as a prominent force in this transformative industry.