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Allianz Commercial: AI and cloud computing drive global construction boom for data centers
- Global spending on data centers is expected to reach several trillion US dollars by 2030 with the US and China as main drivers of growth.
- The surging demand for data centers has created a building boom, with costs for some construction projects exceeding $20 billion, say Allianz Commercial experts.
- Rapid expansion is heightening exposures and introducing new risks for companies and insurers.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 November 2025 – The unseen forces of AI and cloud computing are never out of the news, yet behind the headlines lies a story of growth and innovation as tangible as bricks and mortar. The heavy computing power required by AI workloads, and the growing global demand for AI technologies, has seen a building boom take place around the world as developers scramble to build the facilities required to meet these needs. According to market research, up to $7 trillion will be spent on data centers by 2030 – a huge sum driven largely by technology companies in the US and China, while Europe lags a few paces behind. The tech industry’s big three, Amazon, Microsoft and Google Cloud, accounted for almost two-thirds of global cloud revenue in Q2 2025. Combined with Chinese companies such as Alibaba and Tencent, their capital expenditure budgets for 2025 reach hundreds of billions of US dollars, much of it geared towards the industrial scale infrastructure and dependable energy sources that high-performance AI and cloud computing now demands.
The latest Allianz Commercial report, The Data Center Construction Boom, explores the extent of this global buildout and also questions whether the building bonanza can last. Despite the ongoing expansion, several factors could limit future growth, including the surging costs of construction. These have escalated dramatically from $200-$300 million, to projects exceeding $20 billion. According to Allianz Commercial construction experts, average-sized facilities now cost between $500 million and $2 billion. Along with higher construction prices, the complex nature of data center construction and operation requires specialized insurance coverage for risks such as power supply concerns, faulty workmanship, fire or natural catastrophes.
“Construction projects as complex and extensive as data centers require significant time and resources. Typically, they require project-specific policies given their size and their unique risk profile that demands specialized insurance,” says Darren Tasker, Head of Construction, Americas, at Allianz Commercial.
Data centers are fueling the construction industry
A global buildout is underway to construct the infrastructure needed to support the digital economy. The US will be the largest market for data centers, covering about two thirds of the total global data center power demand with 81 gigawatts (GW) by 2028, while China’s data center market is building out equally aggressively. Greater Beijing alone now accounts for roughly 10% of global hyperscale capacity. Europe is trailing behind the two superpowers but is experiencing a 43% annual increase in pipeline activity, with London and Dublin as the largest markets (each with over 1GW capacity), followed by Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Paris, and Milan.
“The bigger data centers have a huge footprint. The scale of a $20bn+ facility can involve tens of thousands of workers on site at peak times, with significant equipment and building supplies moving in and out,” says Chris Fancher, US Head of Construction Property at Allianz Commercial. “Timings can be tight. This requires expert coordination, as any missteps or faulty workmanship can lead to potential losses or costly delays.”
Data centers combine great processing power with unique risk profile
Building a data center is a complex, multi-disciplinary undertaking, which presents a multitude of risks. One of the main issues is the soaring power demand that threatens to outpace grid capacity and infrastructure. The electricity demand from data centers worldwide is set to more than double by 2030, to around 945Twh. This is slightly more than the consumption of the whole of Japan today, with its population of 124 million. To avoid power issues, which are the main source of impactful outages with 45%, data center operators are increasingly seeking to reduce their reliance on the grid by generating their own power on site, including renewables, gas, and even potentially small nuclear reactors.
Fire, heat and water are also significant risks for data centers, potentially leading to severe property damage or business interruption losses. Lithium-ion batteries are increasingly being used in server racks in data halls. The fire risk associated with these batteries is well documented, particularly in relation to electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. Large data centers can consume up to 19 million liters of water a day, equivalent to the water use of a town with a population of up to 50,000. Increasing cooling requirements will drive up water and electricity demand, while rising global temperatures pose a growing risk to the resilience of over half the world’s top data center hubs. This has altered the risk profile of data centers and contributed to the increase in construction and insurance costs.
Risk management crucial with strong growth expected in Asia
The Asia Pacific region accounts for approximately 30% of global data center capacity and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 21% from 2024 to 2028, a faster pace compared to more developed markets. The region consists of multiple markets, each with distinct drivers and market conditions. China, Japan, and India account for 60% of the total installed capacity in the region, while markets like India, Malaysia, and Indonesia are expected to lead the next wave of growth.
Christian Sandric, Regional Managing Director of Allianz Commercial Asia, says, “As the demand for data centers in the region surges, it is crucial that parties fully understand the risks involved during construction and operation. Beyond the main risks such as power supply, rising construction costs and supply constraints, fire, and cooling requirements, parties also need to consider aspects such as cyberattacks, and impact on the surrounding environment, ecosystem, and infrastructure. For example, cooling systems may discharge heated water back into local water bodies, and this can raise temperatures and affect aquatic ecosystems.
“These complex and extensive risks call for specialist insurance and expert risk-management guidance, and clients need to work with an experienced team of underwriters who knows the business and can support the project from beginning to end, including multi-year coverage and policy extensions as needed.”
Hashtag: #Allianz #AllianzCommercial
https://commercial.allianz.com/
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About Allianz Commercial
Allianz Commercial is the center of expertise and global line of Allianz Group for insuring mid-sized businesses, large enterprises and specialist risks. Among our customers are the world’s largest consumer brands, financial institutions and industry players, the global aviation and shipping industry as well as family-owned and medium enterprises which are the backbone of the economy. We also cover unique risks such as offshore wind parks, infrastructure projects or film productions. Powered by the employees, financial strength, and network of the world’s #1 insurance brand, we work together to help our customers prepare for what’s ahead: They trust us in providing a wide range of traditional and alternative risk transfer solutions, outstanding risk consulting and Multinational services as well as seamless claims handling. Allianz Commercial brings together the large corporate insurance business of Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) and the commercial insurance business of national Allianz Property & Casualty entities serving mid-sized companies. We are present in over 200 countries and territories either through our own teams or the Allianz Group network and partners. In 2024, the integrated business of Allianz Commercial generated around €18 billion in gross premium globally. https://commercial.allianz.com/
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Columbia Asia Hospital Tebrau Wins ESG Champion Award For Sustainable Healthcare At Sustainability & CSR Malaysia Awards 2026
The Sustainability & CSR Malaysia Awards 2026, supported by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, is one of Malaysia’s recognized platforms for celebrating organizations that demonstrate excellence in sustainability, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices. The award ceremony was officiated in Kuala Lumpur by YB Lim Hui Ying, Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, underscoring the national significance of advancing sustainable and socially responsible business practices in Malaysia.
Columbia Asia Hospital Tebrau received the award for integrating sustainability into healthcare delivery while improving health outcomes for the Johor community. The national award recognizes the hospital’s leadership in environmental sustainability, responsible governance, community health programs and sustainable healthcare delivery in Malaysia.
The award recognizes Columbia Asia Hospital Tebrau’s unwavering commitment to integrating sustainability into healthcare delivery while creating meaningful and lasting value for the communities it serves. It reflects the hospital’s dedication to responsible governance, environmental stewardship and community well-being.
Over the years, Columbia Asia Hospital Tebrau has embraced its mission of “Caring Beyond Boundaries” by extending quality healthcare beyond the hospital walls through impactful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, preventive health education, free health screening programmes and strategic community partnerships. These initiatives have empowered thousands of individuals to take charge of their health while improving access to quality healthcare in Johor Bahru and even across Johor.
Beyond its community outreach, Columbia Asia Hospital Tebrau has embedded green initiatives into its daily operations through energy-efficient practices, responsible waste management, recycling initiatives, digitalisation and paperless workflows to minimise its environmental footprint. These efforts reflect the hospital’s commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care while fostering long-term healthcare sustainability.
Receiving the Company of the Year – ESG Champion for Health, Wellness and Sustainability Award reflects the hospital’s holistic approach to sustainability; balancing quality healthcare, environmental responsibility and good governance to create a healthier and more sustainable future.
“This recognition is a proud milestone for our entire team and reinforces our commitment to delivering not only quality healthcare but also lasting value to our communities,” said Dr. James Chong, Chief Executive Officer of Columbia Asia Hospital Tebrau. “Healthcare organizations have a responsibility beyond treating illness. We believe sustainable healthcare means improving community health, reducing environmental impact and strengthening responsible clinical governance. This recognition reflects how Columbia Asia Hospital Tebrau integrates these commitments into everyday patient care.”
The hospital attributes this achievement to the unwavering dedication of its doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and support staff, whose passion and commitment have enabled Columbia Asia Hospital Tebrau to consistently deliver compassionate, patient-centred care while championing ESG and sustainability initiatives.
Looking ahead, Columbia Asia Hospital Tebrau remains committed to strengthening community partnerships, embracing innovative healthcare solutions and further advancing sustainable healthcare through responsible environmental stewardship and digital transformation.
Hashtag: #ColumbiaAsiaHospitalTebrau #RightHereForYou #HealthcareExcellence #TeamTebrau #CommunityCare #HospitalCommunications #AwardWinningTeam #CSRMalaysiaAward #CSR #Sustainability #ESG
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About Columbia Asia
For 30 years, Columbia Asia Group of hospitals has been at the forefront of quality healthcare in the private healthcare industry. Established in 1996, it has evolved from its first hospital in Shah Alam to its latest in Penang, to date. As an international healthcare provider, its services span across 19 hospitals in the region; 13 in Malaysia, five in Indonesia, and one in Vietnam. Through the years, the company strategy has always been about making private healthcare accessible to all, hence its hospitals are strategically located in densely populated areas. Under the umbrella of private healthcare company, Asia OneHealthcare, the Columbia Asia group has expanded its reach to bring effective healthcare, closer to home.
Through the years, Columbia Asia’s emphasis has consistently been about early detection of diseases. This is achieved through advanced diagnostic technology that enables greater precision and supports minimally invasive procedures. To fulfil the typical healthcare needs of communities, Columbia Asia offers core disciplines such as obstetrics & gynecology, pediatrics, and general surgery. Today, it also provides tertiary healthcare addressing more complex fields of medicine such as neurosurgery, cardiac disease treatments, and integrated cancer care.
As it approaches a new decade, Columbia Asia continues to expand; adopting advanced technology to meet the ever-increasing needs of today’s discerning customers.
Upholding strict clinical governance and medical ethics, Columbia Asia is committed to deliver excellent patient outcomes in a safe and trusted environment.
Columbia Asia. Right Here For You.
About Asia OneHealthcare
Asia OneHealthcare (A1H) unites 32 hospitals across Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam into one connected healthcare network with a shared purpose. Built on Columbia Asia’s strong community focused hospitals network and complemented by advanced tertiary and super-specialty centres, A1H is dedicated to caring for people during some of the most important moments of their lives — when they are most in need of trusted medical care.
Our network includes leading institutions such as Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC) and super-specialty hospitals including ALTY Orthopaedic Hospital, Beacon Hospital, Cardiac Vascular Sentral Kuala Lumpur (CVSKL), Hospital Picaso, and Northern Heart Hospital Penang. Together, they provide access to advanced clinical expertise, specialised treatments, and modern medical technology, delivering the best care possible.
With over 4,000 beds across the region, A1H delivers seamless, coordinated care — from initial diagnosis and treatment to complex, life-saving procedures. Guided by our promise, Right Here For You, A1H is committed to standing alongside patients, families, and communities with compassionate, high-quality care when it matters most.
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Orbis Future Vision Leaders 2025/26 Mobilizes 330+ Hong Kong Tertiary Students to Serve Over 2,200 Community Beneficiaries
The campaign spans three core tracks:
- Heal the Future: Infusing medical blindness prevention with psychological empathy and public health outreach.
- Educator 2.0: Deep-diving into campus eye care education and fostering inclusive values in schools.
- Visionary Start-up: Exploring social enterprise models to deliver sustainable accessibility solutions.
Cross-Disciplinary Mobilization Across 10 Hong Kong Universities
Mary Lau, Executive Director of Orbis Hong Kong, praised the student cohorts for independently connecting with over 25 community partners. Through these grassroots collaborations, student teams designed and executed a wide range of interactive eye advocacy initiatives, including vision screenings, clinical escape rooms, AR eye disease simulations, and braille decoding workshops, directly serving more than 2,200 citizens.
The initiative rallied students from 10 major tertiary institutions across Hong Kong (listed in no particular order):
- The University of Hong Kong (HKU)
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)
- The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)
- Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU)
- Lingnan University (LU)
- The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK)
- Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU)
- The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK)
- City University of Hong Kong (CityU)
CEO Mentorship & Distinguished Judging Panel
To bolster the commercial viability and social impact of the Visionary Start-up track, Orbis engaged prominent corporate mentors to guide youth teams in market strategy and operational planning.
Participating Mentor Companies (in no particular order): Climate Incubator, Education for Good, HK Decoman Technology, Pet Space Group Limited, SOFE COFFEE, and V Cycle.
Grand Final Judging Panel:
- Ms. Mary Lau (Executive Director, Orbis Hong Kong)
- Dr. Vincent Lee Yau-wing (Orbis Volunteer Ophthalmologist & Specialist in Ophthalmology)
- Ms. Sharon Wang (Investment Manager, Beyond Ventures)
- Mr. Francis Ngai (Founder & CEO, Social Ventures Hong Kong)
- Mrs. Julie Ma (Principal, St. Stephen’s College)
Official Launch of the 2026/27 Campaign Cycle
The event concluded with a formal lighting ceremony led by the overall track champions, Orbis Executive Director Mary Lau, and academic representatives from participating universities. The ceremonial lighting of the stage centerpiece marked the conclusion of this cycle and signaled the official launch of the 2026/27 Future Vision Leaders Campaign.
Schools, academic faculties, and community institutions interested in co-curricular partnerships for the upcoming cycle can submit inquiries to [email protected]
Full List of Award Winners: Orbis Future Vision Leaders 2025/26
Overall Track Champions
Heal the Future Overall Champion: The University of Hong Kong
- Project: Created the AEyeChatbot and AEyeScreen Helper web tools via AI/AR to connect with 1,000+ users and boost literacy.
- Team Members: Chan Tsz Ching, Angelina Cheng, Lee Po Wa, Ng Man Lok, Ho Chak Fung.
Educator 2.0 Overall Champion: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
- Project: School workshops combining visual simulation and tactile painting to foster inclusive values among children.
- Team Members: Siu Yan Tung Valerie, Wu Pui Yi, Cheung Hei Long Chloe, Chui Wui
Visionary Start-up Overall Champion: The University of Hong Kong
- Project: Offline digital twin navigation system assisting visually impaired elderly residents in GPS dead zones such as MTR stations.
- Team Members: Sirot Inthasorn, Napat Arjananont, Virakarn Boonfahpratan, Nutnornont Chamadol, Apiwit Triwatana.
Category Winners
1. Heal the Future Track
Vision for theCommunity Award: Hong Kong Metropolitan University (Ng Tim Tim, Wu Nai Wan Rebecca, KeithYeung, Kung Huen Nok) — Launched a Braille workshop, AR senior simulations, and a nursing escape room to drive community blind awareness.
Medical In SightAward: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Wong Pak Hei, Choy Yan Lam, Wong Mei Sze, Chiu Sze Ching, Wong Hiu Lam) — Delivered bilingual workshops and tailored eye screenings that evaluated over 110 ethnic minority seniors and empowered their caregivers.
Innovative Perspectivesin Technology Award: The University of Hong Kong (Chan Tsz Ching, Angelina Cheng, Lee Po Wa,Ng Man Lok, Ho Chak Fung) — Created the AEyeChatbot and AEyeScreen Helper web tools via AI/AR to connect with 1,000+ users and boost literacy.
Inclusivity for the VisuallyImpaired Community Award: The University of Hong Kong (Ng Tsun Hin, Chan Chun Yin, Cherry Lam,Winston Lam, Lam Cheung Yeung) — Hosted a blindfolded running workshop alongside a visually impaired athlete to build critical empathy with medical students.
2. Educator 2.0 Track
Color Adventures Award: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Tsang Pok Hei, Wu Hoi Shan, Tong Chi Kit, Ng Yu Hei) — Deployed an interactive Inside Out themed workshop featuring Stroop tests, paper folding, and drawing sessions to teach primary school students about eye structures, color blindness, and the connection between emotions and colors.
Eye Health Mission Award: Lingnan University / The Education University of Hong Kong (Cheung Ka Wun, Chan Yat Yi, Chan Wing Sze, Gu Shu Ya) — Organised the zero-budget ‘Sight-athlon’ carnival for primary students using AR eye simulations and Braille decoding.
The Unseen World Award: Lingnan University / The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong / Hong Kong Baptist University (Pang Yu Fei, Lo Hoi Chiu, Fan Man Kit) — Implemented a low-cost simulation workshop using DIY glasses to let school children experience glaucoma and color blindness.
Defeating VisionMonsters Award: The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Siu Yan Tung Valerie, Wu Pui Yi, Cheung HeiLong Chloe, Chui Wui) — Managed a color-blindness simulation glasses painting workshop to foster youth STEAM literacy and active prevention awareness.
3. Visionary Start-up Track
Joyful Journeys toWellness Award: The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Chan Ching Tung, Chan Hau Ying, Deng Yu Hing, Au Wing Sze) — Developed ZIP, a gamified walking app utilizing commission-based models to promote lowcarbon urban wellness.
Tech Solutions forChallenges Award: The University of Hong Kong (Sirot Inthasorn, Napat Arjananont, Virakarn Boonfahpratan, Nutnornont Chamadol, Apiwit Triwatana) —Developed GUIDO, an AI-powered 3D SLAM navigation device mitigating urban transit barriers via a Device-as-a-Service framework.
Co-Creating Community Award: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University / The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Yue Yee Ting, Ng Chiu Yee, Chan Chin Yik, Ho Lok Hin) — Formed an ecosystem connector program that bridges schools and NGOs while empowering visually impaired individuals as instructors.
Visual Arts Unleashed Award: Hong Kong Metropolitan University (Fung Ying Ching, Chan Yui Man, Wong Tsz Yi,Li Tsam Yu) — Established a tactile 3D art ecosystem allowing visually impaired individuals to independently create and experience gallery exhibits.
Hashtag: #OrbisHongKong
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AsianPLAS 2026 Connects Global Buyers with Plastics & Rubber Suppliers Through an Extended Online Exhibition
Organized jointly by AsianNet and the B2B marketplace TradeAsia, AsianPLAS 2026 provides participating companies with extended international exposure while enabling buyers to discover products, review supplier information, and submit sourcing inquiries online. Through TradeAsia’s B2B platform and digital matchmaking resources, the exhibition facilitates connections between global buyers and plastics and rubber suppliers, creating additional opportunities for international sourcing and cross-border business cooperation.
Expanding International Sourcing Opportunities Through Global Industry Exposure
To increase global visibility and sourcing opportunities, AsianPLAS 2026 aligns its exhibition period with several major international plastics and rubber industry events, including Expo Plast Peru, Taipei International Plastics and Rubber Industry Show, West Africa Plastprintpack, Fakuma, PLAST IMAGEN MEXICO, and IPF Japan. By running alongside major international industry exhibitions, AsianPLAS 2026 provides additional opportunities for participating suppliers to reach international buyers and expand their exposure across global markets.
Through AsianPLAS 2026, buyers can review supplier information, browse product catalogs, and directly contact exhibitors for sourcing inquiries. The platform gives international buyers convenient access to plastics and rubber manufacturers and suppliers across a wide range of materials, machinery, products, and related industry applications, while helping participating companies strengthen their international visibility and explore new business opportunities.
Comprehensive Product Categories and Industry Suppliers Across the Plastics & Rubber Sector
The exhibition brings together suppliers and manufacturers from across Asia’s plastics and rubber industry. International buyers can explore products and sourcing opportunities presented by companies including ELASTIN INTERNATIONAL, YI CHI HSIUNG, SHANG-YUH MACHINE, LIO CHENG KUNG, UNILONGENTERPRISECO and KAIPHONE TECHNOLOGY.
These exhibitors represent a diverse range of products and applications across the plastics and rubber supply chain, including plastic and rubber materials, processing machinery, plastic and rubber products, packaging and containers, polymers and resins, adhesives and sealants, coatings, chemical additives, and related industrial equipment.
Supporting Global B2B Trade Through Digital Sourcing Solutions
Powered by TradeAsia’s B2B platform, AsianPLAS 2026 provides exhibitors with online product showcases, supplier profiles, and digital e-catalogs designed to increase international exposure and sourcing opportunities.
International buyers can browse products and communicate with suppliers online regardless of location or time zone, making it easier to compare products, review supplier capabilities, and submit inquiries efficiently. The exhibition’s extended online format also enables participating companies to maintain continuous visibility throughout the more than four-month exhibition period.
By integrating online sourcing, digital promotion, and buyer-supplier matchmaking services, AsianPLAS 2026 creates an efficient digital environment for global B2B trade and international procurement across the plastics and rubber industry.
Start Sourcing Now
Explore suppliers, discover products, and connect directly with exhibitors through the official AsianPLAS 2026 online exhibition platform:
https://www.etradeasia.com/online-show/47/Asian-Plastics-Rubber-Industry-Online-Exhibition-2026.html
Hashtag: #TradeAsia
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About TradeAsia
TradeAsia, available at 
www.e-tradeasia.com, is a B2B digital marketplace connecting international buyers with suppliers across global markets. The platform brings together a broad network of buyers and suppliers with an extensive product database, helping procurement professionals discover products, identify potential suppliers, and initiate business inquiries online.
In addition to its digital platform, TradeAsia works with international trade organizations and industry exhibition organizers to connect online marketing resources with global industry events. By combining digital product exposure, international buyer reach, and industry marketing resources, TradeAsia helps suppliers strengthen their international visibility and create new opportunities for cross-border business development.
