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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


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Categories:  technology

Tags:  subsea cablesdigital infrastructuredata centresAI infrastructuregeopolitics





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