Srishti Chakraborty

Nokia has secured a contract with Viettel Group to modernise its 4G infrastructure and roll out 5G across 22 provinces in Vietnam. The project will utilise Nokia's AirScale portfolio, which includes advanced baseband solutions, Massive MIMO radios, and Remote Radio Head products, all powered by the energy-efficient ReefShark System-on-Chip technology. This deployment marks the first locally manufactured 5G equipment in Vietnam, emphasizing Nokia's commitment to the region.

Energy Development Corporation (EDC) has announced plans to add 83 MW of clean energy capacity by the end of 2024 in the Philippines. This expansion is part of a broader strategy by its parent company, First Philippine Holdings (FPH), to meet net-zero carbon emissions goals.

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has partnered with the Department of Energy (DOE) to enhance offshore wind project development by modernising key port infrastructure. The PPA will initiate detailed engineering designs and repurpose three priority ports: the Port of Currimao in Ilocos Norte, the Port of Batangas, and the Port of Jose Panganiban in Camarines Norte.

OMS Group has announced a USD300 million investment to expand its submarine cable and terrestrial infrastructure in Southeast Asia (SEA). This initiative aims to improve regional connectivity and cater to the growing demand for digital services.

ST Engineering has launched its new AI-powered smart shipyard at 55 Gul Road in Singapore, replacing the Tuas Yard, which closes at the end of 2024. The Gul Yard, acquired for SDG95 million, is double the size of its predecessor and features advanced 5G-enabled digital infrastructure. AI technology developed in-house improves efficiency through integrated yard management, predictive maintenance, and real-time monitoring.

Globe Telecom has expanded its 5G network with 256 new sites in the Philippines in 2024. This brought its outdoor 5G coverage to 98.45 per cent in the National Capital Region (NCR) and 94.15 per cent in key cities across Visayas and Mindanao.

B.Grimm Power has signed 25-year Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) for a total of 323.3 MW across eight solar projects in Thailand.

The Government of Thailand has announced plans to launch the second phase of its 3.6 GW renewable energy scheme in Q4 2024. The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) had delayed this phase due to a legal dispute over transparency issues in the first phase's selection process, involving 1.5 GW of wind power.

The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) of Cambodia has signed two memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) to conduct feasibility studies on a subway network in Phnom Penh and improve infrastructure connectivity in Cambodia's northeastern region.

The Ministry of Finance of Singapore has allocated SDG2.1 billion from green bond proceeds for the Jurong Region Line (JRL) and Cross Island Line (CRL) projects in FY 2023. This funding comes from SDG1.7 billion issued in August 2022 and an additional SDG0.4 billion from a reopened tranche in September 2023. The total issuance of the 50-year Green Singapore Government Securities (Infrastructure) bond is SDG2.8 billion, with remaining unallocated proceeds expected to be fully utilised by the end of FY 2025.