BFM 89.9

HIGHLIGHTS 
Podcast  >  Enterprise  >  Enterprise Explores  >  Why Subsea Cables Are the New Oil Pipelines

Why Subsea Cables Are the New Oil Pipelines

Martyna Sucharzewska, Technology Analyst, BMI (A Fitch Solutions Company)

03-Nov-25 12:00

Why Subsea Cables Are the New Oil Pipelines

Over 97% of all international data travels through a vast, invisible network of subsea cables. As Malaysia invests billions in its AI ambitions and data center boom, this undersea infrastructure is no longer just a utility, it's a critical strategic asset.

Martyna Sucharzewska, a Technology Analyst at BMI, joins us to explore this new global race. She discusses why the explosive demand from AI is fueling new investment, how tech giants like Google and Meta are shifting the balance of power by owning these digital highways, and the growing geopolitical risks in contested areas like the South China Sea.

We discuss:

  • Why subsea cables are the critical backbone of the AI-powered economy.

  • How AI and cloud services are driving a surge in new cable investments.

  • The fundamental shift as tech giants (not telcos) build their own private cables.

  • Why these cables are now strategic assets and geopolitical flashpoints.

  • Malaysia's strategic position to become a regional digital infrastructure hub.

Produced by: Roshan Kanesan

Presented by: Roshan Kanesan


This and more than 60,000 other podcasts in your hand. Download the all new BFM mobile app.

Categories:  technology

Tags:  subsea cablesdigital infrastructuredata centresAI infrastructuregeopolitics





Play / Pause

Listen now : The 6AM Stretch: Thought-provoking discussions on ideas, people and events shaping our...

Today’s Shows



6:00 AM

The 6AM Stretch

Thought-provoking discussions on ideas, people and events shaping our lives.

7:00 AM

World Market Watch

David Chow, Director of Investment at Azure Capital tells us where international markets are heading.

7:15 AM

Morning Brief

We recap global and local headlines from today's papers and portals.

7:30 AM

Morning Brief

Bunn Nagara, Director and Senior Fellow at the Renaissance Strategic Research Institute and Honorary Fellow of the Perak Academy, walks us through the recent G20 Summit.

7:45 AM

Morning Brief

Dr Oh Ei Sun, Principal Adviser, Pacific Research Centre discusses developments heading into the upcoming Sabah elections.

8:00 AM

The Breakfast Grille

Yee Chee Meng, CEO, Infomina Berhad talks about the challenging operating environment in Asia and how important is AI in Infomina’s growth strategy.

8:30 AM

Morning Brief

Anand Raj, Vice-President of the Malaysian Bar, discusses proposed changes to the Legal Profession Qualifying Board and the appointment of former AG Tan Sri Ahmad Terrirudin to the Judicial Appointments Commission, and what these developments mean for Malaysia’s legal independence and public trust.

8:45 AM

Morning Brief

Varun Mittal, Founder of Fintech Nation discusses how SGX’s crypto futures and the SEC’s shift affect the global crypto outlook.

9:00 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) David Chow, Director of Investment at Azure Capital tells us where international markets are heading.

9:15 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) We take a look at the FBM KLCI as well as regional capital markets.

9:35 AM

Pinnacle Perspectives

Liesbeth Van Der Linden, Global Executive Coach, Author & Speaker, shares on how organizations can reduce keyman risk from relying on a single leader.

10:05 AM

Open For Business

Kun Chi Jun, Business Development Director, and Chung Han Bung, Strategy Officer, Ladore Signature

11:05 AM

P&L

Justin Lim, Managing Partner, Nexea Ventures

12:00 PM

Enterprise Explores

Carlos Garcia Rodriguez, Project Director, Turner & Townsend

1:00 PM

The Breakfast Grille Repeat

Our flagship show, we feature both game-changers and groundbreakers in the hot seat.

2:05 PM

Discovery Hour

An eclectic selection of BBC shows, curated with variety in mind.

3:05 PM

Earth Matters

A festive Nature Reads episode, with all three Sunda Shelves founders sharing their favourite nature books and thoughtful Christmas gift picks.

4:05 PM

Health & Living

How bad does it get when you develop a severe dengue infection? We hear the personal stories from two women on how they survived.

5:00 PM

Top 5 at 5

6:00 PM

Today I Learned

7:00 PM

Just For Kicks

8:00 PM

A Bit of Culture