SINGAPORE/HONG KONG – July 21, 2025 – The Southeast Asia-Japan Cable 2 (SJC2), a
state-of-the-art submarine cable system spanning 10,500km, has commenced operations,
delivering a transformative bandwidth upgrade of over 126 Tbit/s to the Asia-Pacific region. The
system interconnects Singapore, Hong Kong, mainland China, and Japan, with additional branches
extending to South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand, enhancing digital resilience
and accelerating AI-driven economic growth across the region 1.
Technological Innovation and Strategic Impact
SJC2 incorporates seven fiber pairs leveraging advanced wavelength division multiplexing
technology, each capable of 18 Tbit/s, to address soaring demand for cloud computing and
real-time data exchange. Singtel and China Mobile International (CMI), key consortium investors,
emphasize its role in providing "ultra-low latency and unparalleled redundancy" for critical
infrastructure. The consortium also includes Chunghwa Telecom, SK Broadband, and other regional
telecom leaders, with NEC Corporation overseeing system integration and deployment
Pioneering Sustainability in Submarine Infrastructure
Concurrently, the cable industry is advancing eco-friendly innovations. In Scotland, the world's first
carbon-neutral, plastic-free cable protection system was deployed at the Meygen offshore wind
farm in April 2024. Developed by ARC Marine and Cefas, these "marine mattresses" replace
concrete-based solutions, reducing seabed disruption while creating habitats for marine species.
Funded by the UK's £1.4 million OWEC Programme, this initiative aligns with global net-zero
transitions 5.
Further revolutionizing safety standards, German manufacturer igus recently achieved a landmark
UL certification for its halogen-free TPE cables. As the first globally approved solution eliminating
toxic flame retardants like chlorine, these cables minimize fire risks in industrial settings while
offering 10x greater resistance to mechanical stress and bio-oils-critical for dynamic applications in
energy chains
Regional Expansion and Future Projects
SJC2's launch follows the activation of the Asia Direct Cable (ADC) system in late 2024, which added
160 Tbit/s capacity across eight fiber pairs. Upcoming projects like the 8,900km AUG East (linking
Singapore to Japan by 2029) and the trans-Pacific E2A cable underscore intensified investments in
intra-Asian connectivity, driven by AI deployment and 50GW offshore wind targets 19.
Conclusion
The SJC2 cable system marks a leap in Asia-Pacific's digital capabilities, while concurrent
breakthroughs in sustainable materials and safety certifications redefine industry benchmarks.
These developments collectively support resilient, low-carbon global data infrastructure.
