Wendy Lo

AI GPUs are retired after just 10–18 months as operators chase newer chips. Microsoft's Circular Centers hit 90.9% reuse rate, but Southeast Asia's ITAD infrastructure remains underdeveloped.

Taiwan's anti-greenwashing guideline targets misused terms like "net zero" and undisclosed award criteria. A new circular label, separate from the eco-label, now covers 12 products under the gMIT brand.

Thailand's cement industry spent years achieving 80%+ low-carbon market share, but data centers still don't specify EPDs or carbon limits. Microsoft's Sublime Systems model shows what could change that.

IEA's Southeast Asia Energy Outlook 2026 says the USD 160B fossil import bill will become standard, not exceptional. Renewables overtake coal for growth by 2035, but the ASEAN Power Grid needs new financing.

A hyperscale data center uses up to 20,000 tonnes of steel. Meranti Green Steel targets 600–700 kg CO₂/tonne by 2030 vs 2,300 kg for blast furnace steel, but EPD verification remains the key bottleneck.

Thailand's natural capital share of wealth fell from 21% to 11% since 2005. The World Bank says Thailand needs USD 219B in climate investment, with biodiversity credits as a new growth lever.

Johor rejected 30% of data center applications over water concerns and now bans Tier 1-2 approvals. AirTrunk's nWUE of 0.40 vs WUE of 0.89 shows why water sourcing matters more than efficiency scores.

Gulf Energy operates 247 MW in Vietnam and is evaluating new LNG and wind projects. The company targets 40%+ renewables by 2033 and completed an USD 18.2B merger with Intouch to enter data centers.