Connecting the Industry Behind AI: SENKO at FiberConnect APAC 2026

The future of artificial intelligence depends on the infrastructure we build, and on how effectively the people building it work together.

That connection brought the industry to Kuala Lumpur for FiberConnect APAC 2026 on 14–15 October. Organised by the Fiber Network Council APAC under the theme “Light the AI Revolution: Next-Gen Fiber Connectivity,” the conference brought telecommunications, data centres, technology, investment and policy into a shared conversation about the region’s digital future.

For SENKO, the event was an opportunity to contribute technical expertise, strengthen industry relationships and celebrate an important leadership milestone. Across these activities, one idea connected our participation: advancing AI infrastructure requires both technological innovation and sustained cooperation.

The programme reflected how closely different parts of the industry are becoming connected. AI factories, hyperscale infrastructure, edge computing and submarine networks featured alongside sustainability, financing and next-generation optical technologies. These subjects belong in the same conversation because decisions in one part of the network shape what becomes possible elsewhere.

The organiser’s advanced fibre technology programme brought that discussion down to the physical layer, covering multi-core and hollow-core fibre alongside the technologies needed for 800G, 1.6T and AI-scale infrastructure. For connectivity specialists, these developments raise practical questions about how future networks will be assembled, expanded and maintained.

This is where knowledge exchange becomes especially valuable. Operators bring deployment experience. Technology companies bring engineering expertise. Investors and policymakers bring perspectives on the conditions needed to turn innovation into infrastructure. Bringing those perspectives together helps the industry identify challenges earlier and develop a more informed direction for growth.

Dr Bernard Lee brought SENKO’s technical perspective to the stage with his presentation, “The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Data Centre Interconnect Technology: Knowing the Challenges, the Innovations, and the Road Ahead.” His session placed data centre interconnect technology at the centre of the AI infrastructure conversation, framing the challenges, innovations and future direction the industry must consider as AI evolves.

For SENKO, this is a conversation that connects directly with our optical connectivity expertise. Preparing infrastructure for AI means considering how connections will support increasing capacity and density while remaining reliable, scalable and practical to maintain. Bernard’s participation reinforced SENKO’s commitment to sharing technical knowledge and helping the industry navigate the road ahead.

That exchange continued beyond the conference sessions. SENKO was proud to co-sponsor the Gala Dinner alongside CommScope, supporting an occasion for colleagues and partners to strengthen relationships across companies, markets and generations.

An industry ecosystem grows through the people who contribute to it. Experienced professionals carry knowledge built over decades, while emerging leaders bring new questions and perspectives. Creating space for both is part of ensuring the industry’s continuity—and its ability to keep adapting.

A particularly proud milestone was the election of Sir. Fouad (Frank) Jaffer, SENKO’s Regional Managing Director, as the new President of the Fiber Network Council APAC. His election marks an important achievement for Frank and a proud moment for SENKO, reflecting the leadership and industry engagement that our people bring to the wider community.

The role also creates an opportunity to support the Council’s collective mission: bringing members together, encouraging knowledge exchange and advancing fibre infrastructure across a diverse region.

That collaborative outlook extends beyond Asia-Pacific. Through Frank’s efforts, the Fiber Network Council APAC is expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the MENA Fiber Council soon. The forthcoming agreement represents a promising step towards closer engagement between the two regional communities.

While the agreement is still ahead, the opportunity is clear. Stronger connections between regions can create more space to exchange experience, understand shared challenges and explore cooperation as digital infrastructure develops across markets.

SENKO leaves FiberConnect APAC 2026 with renewed momentum: technical contribution through Bernard’s participation, stronger relationships through the Gala Dinner, a leadership milestone through Frank’s election, and the prospect of deeper regional cooperation.

We thank the Fiber Network Council APAC, our co-sponsor CommScope, and the speakers, members and delegates who contributed to the event.

The infrastructure behind AI will be shaped by thousands of engineering decisions—and by the willingness of the industry to learn and build together. SENKO is proud to contribute to both.

Every Connection Matters.