JUNEASIA BUSINESS OUTLOOK9Alphabet's Google has completed the expansion of its data center and cloud facilities in Singapore, marking a significant milestone with a total investment of $5 billion (S$6.75 billion) in its regional technical infrastructure. This investment underscores Google's commitment to enhancing its services in Southeast Asia.Google's data centers in Singapore are pivotal in powering key services such as Google Search and Maps. These facilities employ over 500 people and contribute to the local economy and technological landscape. The expansion is part of Google's broader strategy to strengthen its infrastructure and improve regional service delivery.In a related development, Google recently announced a $2 billion investment in Malaysia to establish its first data center. This move is part of Google's ongoing efforts to expand its global data center network and enhance its cloud services across Asia.Alphabet is recognized as one of the Big Five American information technology companies, alongside Amazon, Apple, Meta, and Microsoft. This group of companies is known for its significant influence on the global tech industry and its contributions to technological innovation and economic growth.Google's investments in Southeast Asia, including the recent expansions in Singapore and Malaysia, reflect its strategic commitment to the region. These investments aim to support local economies, enhance service delivery, and meet the growing demand for advanced cloud and data center services. Through these initiatives, Google continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the technological landscape of Southeast Asia and beyond. Japan Airlines (JAL) has announced a codeshare agreement with IndiGo, which will enhance JAL's reach to 14 destinations within IndiGo's domestic network. Currently, JAL operates flights from Tokyo to Delhi and Bengaluru. It offers daily services to Delhi from Haneda Airport and thrice-weekly flights to Bengaluru from Narita Airport.The new codeshare partnership aims to provide more travel options between Japan and India. Initially, it will allow JAL to extend its connectivity within India, while later phases will enable IndiGo customers to access JAL's extensive domestic and international routes.This collaboration will include codesharing on routes in India that connect with JAL-operated flights to and from Delhi and Bengaluru. As a result, JAL will gain access to a broad network across India, covering major cities such as Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Kochi, Coimbatore, Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruchirappalli, Pune, Lucknow, Varanasi, and Goa.Both airlines plan to further expand their cooperation, with IndiGo codesharing on JAL-operated flights in the future. This strategic partnership aims to enhance travel options for JAL customers traveling to or from Japan via IndiGo's extensive Indian network.Abhijit Dasgupta, IndiGo's Senior Vice President for Network Planning and Revenue Management, highlighted that this agreement broadens the travel choices for JAL customers and supports trade, commerce, and tourism between India and Japan. Over time, the partnership aims to expand its geographical and reciprocal coverage, providing more travel opportunities for customers of both airlines. GOOGLE MAKES A LANDMARK INVESTMENT OF $5 BILLION TO DEVELOP CLOUD INFRA IN SINGAPOREJAPAN AIRLINES PARTNERS WITH INDIGO AIRLINES TO IMPROVE REACHNEWSROOM
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