Singapore’s Universal Success Eyes Philippine Data Center and Logistics Expansion

Singapore-based Universal Success Enterprises Limited (USEL) is exploring new investment opportunities in the Philippines, with a focus on logistics parks and data center infrastructure, according to the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The move signals growing regional interest in the country’s rapidly expanding digital and supply chain sectors.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the DTI said USEL is actively seeking strategic partnerships with local industry players, including the PLDT Group, to capitalize on the Philippines’ rising demand for data center capacity and logistics services. The potential investment was discussed during a meeting between Trade Secretary Maria Cristina A. Roque and USEL Founder and Chairman Prasoon Mukherjee, held on the sidelines of the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) ASEAN Conference in Singapore.

USEL, which managed the Philippine master franchise for Outback Steakhouse from 2010 to 2022, is now pivoting toward large-scale infrastructure projects. The company aims to leverage the country’s robust digital consumption and growing need for modern supply chain facilities, areas that have drawn increased attention from foreign investors in recent years.

Secretary Roque welcomed the company’s shift, noting that it opens new avenues for collaboration. “The DTI and PTIC-Singapore stand ready to facilitate these connections and ensure a smooth, end-to-end investment journey,” she said. The DTI also highlighted that the country’s economic zones provide fully serviced land and streamlined regulatory processes, making them attractive sites for logistics park development.

Roque further emphasized the Philippines’ readiness to support global developers like USEL, citing enhanced incentives under the CREATE MORE Act and the nation’s fast-growing digital economy. “The reforms are in place, the incentives are on the table, and we have diverse ecozones readily available for manufacturers looking to set up or expand their operations,” she added.

The Philippine data center market is projected to reach $2.48 billion by 2031, supported by competitive construction costs and strong digital adoption. Industry observers note that USEL’s potential entry reflects a broader trend of Southeast Asian firms expanding into the Philippines, drawn by favorable policies and infrastructure demand. If realized, the investment could strengthen the country’s position as a regional hub for data services and logistics, creating new opportunities for local partners and suppliers.