NEC Corporation will build the Asia United Gateway East (AUG East) submarine cable system, connecting Singapore and Japan with key landing points in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea, and Taiwan.
The 8,900‑kilometer cable will significantly expand data capacity across East Asia. The project anticipates rapid increases in network traffic from artificial intelligence (AI) and AI‑enabled applications.
Singtel (Singapore Telecommunications Limited), Singapore’s largest mobile operator, leads the international consortium behind the effort. The group includes major global technology and telecom companies such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft, ARTERIA Networks, Chunghwa Telecom, DREAMLINE, Globe Telecom, Telekom Malaysia, and Unified National Networks.
Alan Tan, consortium chairperson and Singtel’s director of submarine cable planning, highlighted the project’s importance. “The demand for fast, resilient connectivity continues to surge,” he said. “AI innovation requires robust infrastructure capable of handling massive bandwidth.”
NEC will design and deploy next‑generation technology to ensure high reliability and extreme data capacity. The company expects the new system to strengthen digital resilience while supporting regional data flow and cloud services.
According to Singtel, network traffic from AI and AI‑driven applications will surpass that of traditional data by 2031. By 2033, analysts project that 62% of global network traffic will come from AI and machine learning applications.
“This investment will drive digital inclusion and accelerate economic growth across the region,” Tan added.
The AUG East submarine cable is scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2029. It will feature a high‑count fiber pair system capable of supporting millions of simultaneous ultra‑high‑definition video streams.
This milestone reinforces NEC’s position as a global leader in submarine cable construction and strengthens the region’s digital infrastructure for the next generation of AI innovation.
