NOVEMBERASIA BUSINESS OUTLOOK9NEUTRADC-AMD ALLIANCE TO BOOST AI INFRASTRUCTURE IN SOUTHEAST ASIANEWSROOMNeutraDC Singapore has signed a memorandum of understanding with AMD to explore the deployment of AMD Instinct accelerators and collaborate on advanced AI integration projects across Southeast Asia.As part of Telkom Indonesia, NeutraDC operates major data centers in Indonesia and Singapore. This strategic partnership aims to strengthen the region's access to high-performance computing capabilities.The agreement covers technical consulting, joint research initiatives, and specialized training programs that will support enterprises adopting AI-driven solutions.Initiated in October 2025, the collaboration focuses on testing proof-of-concept deployments and creating AI-driv-en enterprise services tailored for Southeast Asian markets.Executives from both companies emphasized that the partnership will expand access to next-generation AI infrastructure, addressing the rising demand for scalable and energy-efficient processing technologies.NeutraDC currently operates 29 data centers and provides cloud-connect and digital infrastructure services to businesses in the region. Through its collaboration with AMD, the company aims to accelerate innovation and enhance its offerings for customers seeking advanced data center transformation and AI infrastructure solutions.The initiative also supports the broader expansion of Southeast Asia AI adoption, enabling enterprises to leverage high-performance computing for analytics, automation, and intelligent workloads. By combining AMD's accelerator technologies with NeutraDC's regional presence, the partnership is expected to create a strong foundation for next-gen AI development, improved service capabilities, and sustainable digital growth across the region. Bank Indonesia plans to enable QRIS (Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard) digital payments in China and South Korea starting in 2026 as part of a broader regional expansion strategy.According to Deputy Governor Filianingsih Hendarta, negotiations with both countries are ongoing and expected to conclude next year. QRIS is already live in Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and launched cross-border support progressively from 2022 to 2025.The central bank is also targeting future partnerships with India, while rollout in Saudi Arabia remains delayed due to regulatory coordination challenges. Cross-border QRIS usage has surged, with Bank Indonesia recording 24,121 inbound transactions worth IDR 7.1 billion (about USD 450,000) between January and April 2025, representing a 225 percent year-on-year increase. Total QRIS cross-border transactions across Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand reached IDR 1.66 trillion by June 2025.However, adoption in Japan remains limited, suggesting potential challenges in merchant onboarding and real-world acceptance in China and South Korea. QRIS expansion could benefit tourism-heavy markets--Indonesians made over 336,000 trips to China and South Korea in 2024, spending an average of USD 1,021 per trip.Merchants in major tourist districts, including transport and street-food sectors, may gain early demand, especially given Indonesia's 56.3 million QRIS users and a 0 percent MDR policy for micro-transactions under IDR 100,000. QRIS TO EXPAND TO CHINA & SOUTH KOREA BY 2026, SAYS BANK INDONESIA· NeutraDC partners with AMD to expand high-performance AI infrastructure in Southeast Asia.· The collaboration includes research, consulting, training, and proof-of-concept AI deployments.· With 29 data centers, NeutraDC aims to enhance AI-driven enterprise services across the region.· Bank Indonesia to enable QRIS payments in China and South Korea by 2026· Cross-border QRIS transactions rose 225 percent YoY, driven by tourism· Large tourist hubs in China and South Korea expected to adopt QRIS early
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