Meta, SoftBank, TM and partners to build Candle subsea cable

• Telecom and tech firms are building the Candle subsea cable.
• An 8,000 km cable connecting six Asia-Pacific nations by 2028.

A group of telecom and technology companies—TM, Meta, SoftBank Corp., IPS Inc., PT XLSmart Telecom Sejahtera Tbk, and NEC Corporation—are joining forces to build a new subsea data cable called Candle.

The 8,000-kilometre system will link Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore when it goes live in 2028. Designed with 24 fibre pairs, one of the first of its kind in Asia-Pacific, Candle will provide greater traffic capacity to meet growing demand from 5G, cloud services, and AI. The project also aims to strengthen the region’s connectivity by adding backup routes for international communications.

Don Pang, chairperson of the Candle Management Committee, said the project is a major step in building stronger digital infrastructure across Asia-Pacific. He said Candle will increase network diversity and reliability along an important corridor, using advanced technology, and described it as a product of deep collaboration among partners.

Executives from the consortium highlighted the project’s role in supporting both national and regional goals.

Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, TM’s group chief executive, said the project shows TM’s commitment to meeting the rising need for digital services and cloud-driven innovation. He added that the system will help hyperscalers, enterprises, and service providers expand in ASEAN while reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a regional digital hub.

Meta’s director of APAC network investmentsNico Roerich, said the company sees the subsea cable as part of its broader vision to make AI and emerging technologies more accessible and to keep people connected wherever they are.

SoftBank Corp. vice president Kimimasa Kudo said demand for global connectivity is growing quickly due to generative AI and the Internet of Things. He explained that Candle’s 24-fibre pair structure makes it a core part of the next wave of social infrastructure. Integrated with other cables such as JUPITER, ADC, and E2A, it will add diversity and redundancy to networks from Japan while strengthening the country’s role as Asia’s digital gateway.

IPS CEO Koji Miyashita said the project aligns with the company’s plans in the Philippines, where its subsidiary InfiniVAN will serve as the landing party at Baler, Aurora Province. He said IPS views the Philippines as a future hub for connectivity in Southeast Asia.

Feby Sallyanto, chief of enterprise at PT XLSmart Telecom Sejahtera Tbk, said the company will fully support the initiative and expects it to benefit all consortium members as well as Indonesia.

From NEC, Tomonori Uematsu said the company will act as system integrator, managing everything from cable and repeater manufacturing to route design, installation, and testing. He said NEC’s experience in building subsea networks in Asia-Pacific will help establish a reliable communication environment that supports the region’s digital economy.

By pooling resources and expertise, the consortium aims to expand Asia-Pacific’s connectivity, ensure more secure and reliable international links, and lay the groundwork for future digital growth across ASEAN.

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