Social media company Facebook has announced plans to build its first custom-built data centre in Asia.
Based in Singapore, the 170,000 sq m, 11-storey development will cost US$1bn, and will be entirely run on renewable energy.
The choice of Singapore has proved controversial. Indian journalist Pankaj Mishra said on Twitter that the Singapore location was a "snub" to India, which is a large market for Facebook.
The US company said it chose Singapore owing to its fibre internet, local infrastructure, workforce and community partners.
The firm added: "Singapore has also established policies that foster a business-friendly environment, including measures that support the enforcement of contracts and increase the ease of construction permitting."
The data centre will have a lightweight facade to maximise airflow and will be built by Oregon-based contractor Fortis Construction.
Image courtesy of Facebook
