Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 5, A group of technology companies, including Meta, SoftBank, TM Technology Services (TM), IPS Inc., PT XLSmart Telecom Sejahtera Tbk, and NEC Corporation, has revealed plans to develop the Candle subsea cable system, an 8,000-kilometer network across the Asia-Pacific region. Set to be operational by 2028, the cable will link Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, enhancing digital connectivity across these nations.

Led by Malaysia’s TM Technology Services, with NEC as the system integrator, the project addresses the region’s increasing demand for reliable, high-capacity communication networks. Featuring 24 fiber pairs, the Candle cable surpasses the typical 16 fiber pairs of most Asia-Pacific cables, offering higher capacity and reduced latency to support advanced technologies like generative AI and IoT. The system integrates with existing cables such as JUPITER, ADC, and E2A, boosting regional network resilience.

Don Pang, chairperson of the Candle Management Committee and Meta’s regional executive, stated: “Candle represents a pivotal advancement in fortifying the region’s digital infrastructure. As the need for robust, high-speed connectivity grows, Candle will deliver greater network diversity and resilience along this essential corridor.”

NEC will manage all technical components, including cable production, route design, installation, and testing. Tomonori Uematsu from NEC said: “Our experience in building subsea networks will help establish a reliable communication environment that supports the region’s digital economy.”

Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, group CEO of TM, noted: “It demonstrates our commitment to meeting rising demand for digital services and cloud-driven innovation. Candle will help hyperscalers, enterprises, and service providers expand in ASEAN and reinforce Malaysia’s position as a regional digital hub.”

Kimimasa Kudo, VP and head of global business at SoftBank, added: “With the rapid advancement of generative AI and IoT, the demand for international telecommunications is accelerating. Candle adopts a 24-fibre-pair architecture, making it one of the core foundations of the next-generation social infrastructure we’re building.”

In the Philippines, the cable will connect through Baler, Aurora Province, via InfiniVAN, a subsidiary of IPS Inc. Koji Miyashita, CEO of IPS, said: “We view the Philippines as a future hub for connectivity in Southeast Asia.”

The Candle project enhances network redundancy and disaster resilience, connecting key economic hubs along the Japan-to-Singapore corridor. It supports regional digital growth and strengthens infrastructure to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving digital economy.