Introducing Yokogawa
Since its foundation in 1915, Yokogawa has been recognized as a technology leader. Annually, Yokogawa reinvests nearly a quarter billion dollars in research and development, much of it aimed at core technologies like test and measurement. As a result, Yokogawa’s annual corporate revenues have grown to over $4 Billion while amassing more than 6,000 patents and registrations. All of us within the Test and Measurement Division recognize it as our mission to continuously develop and supply the best possible solutions with optimum quality and value to customers and society, thereby contributing to our customer’s growth.
To learn more about corporate Yokogawa, please visit: https://www.yokogawa.com/about/
Can you provide a brief overview of your organization’s involvement in the fiber industry and its contributions to advancing connectivity in the APAC region?
Yokogawa Test & Measurement has been contributing to the development of optical fiber networks through providing optical measuring instruments for over 40 years. As Yokogawa Group’s core company in the measurement business, we have been developing ‘the mother tools of industries’, such as:
- Optical measuring instruments including OTDRs and optical spectrum analyzers for the optical communication market
- Power analyzers and oscilloscopes for the green electricity/energy market
- Field measuring instruments including calibrators for the IA (industrial automation) market
For the fiber industry, Yokogawa provides cutting-edge solutions for precision optical measurements to ensure the performance and reliability of optical networks and devices across a range of industries.
As an industry innovator, could you share a recent example of a Fiber technology advancement or solution your company has developed that has had a significant impact on the market?
Our AQ6380 Optical Spectrum Analyzer is a benchtop-type device capable of measuring optical spectra with high wavelength resolution and a wide dynamic range. It operates in the optical communication wavelength band from 1200 to 1650 nm, making it suitable for researchers and developers.
- Wavelength resolution of 5 pm using dispersive spectroscopy
- Can separate closely allocated DWDM channels and modulation side peaks
- 65 dB wide close-in dynamic range for accurate measurements of signals in close proximity
From your perspective, where do you see the current state of the fiber industry in the APAC region? What trends or developments are shaping its growth and evolution?
The fiber industry in the APAC region is poised to remain robust, driven by rapid advancement and adoption of cloud computing, AI, and 5G technologies. Over the past five years, the data center sector in Southeast Asia has experienced a significant boom, particularly in Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. Notably, Malaysia has swiftly emerged as a formidable hub for data centers within the region.
China remains a pivotal market for fiber optics, supporting the expansion of its 5G network. In India, initiatives such as ‘Make in India’ and rural connectivity projects are driving rapid deployment. Concurrently, research into quantum technology, 6G, and RoF is making significant progress. These advancements are expected to further accelerate industry growth.
Looking into the future, what exciting opportunities or challenges do you foresee for the fiber industry in the APAC region over the next 5–10 years?
As data centers evolve, high-speed edge nodes are shaping the strategic direction of network architecture, driving the need for:
- 400G-compatible spine switching
- Future 800G fabric bandwidth
The demand for high-performance optical interconnects will continue rising, fueled by data traffic expansion and increasing network speeds. Yokogawa supports world-leading manufacturers with advanced testing solutions to ensure the quality and efficiency of next-generation optical transceivers.
In terms of infrastructure development and deployment, what unique insights does your organization bring to the table that contribute to the success of fiber networks in the diverse APAC landscape?
Yokogawa’s optical measuring instruments are renowned for accuracy and reliability across telecommunications, manufacturing, and research sectors. We support the industry’s sustainability goals by enabling more streamlined development and evaluation processes, helping reduce the carbon footprint of next-generation networks.
How does your organization approach collaboration and partnerships within the fiber ecosystem to drive innovation and ensure seamless connectivity experiences for consumers and businesses?
We maintain strong partnerships with:
- Telecommunications operators
- Transceiver and optical component manufacturers
These collaborations ensure improved testing quality, production capacity, and supply chain security for customers. Our OTDRs and optical spectrum analyzers provide fast, precise capability for field technicians and high-performance component evaluations.
Given your experience, what advice would you offer to businesses and governments aiming to accelerate the adoption of fiber-optic technology in underserved or rural areas of the APAC region?
Acceleration efforts should include:
- Public-private partnerships for infrastructure investment
- Supportive and streamlined regulations
- Utilizing existing infrastructure where possible
- Prioritizing resilient and sustainable fiber deployment
As an industry leader, what role do you believe the Fiber Network Council APAC plays in fostering knowledge-sharing, networking, and collaboration among stakeholders in the fiber industry?
The FNC APAC plays a crucial role in facilitating collaboration among industry leaders, influencing growth and innovation of optical networks throughout the region.
Looking ahead to the next decade, where do you envision the fiber industry in the APAC region? How will emerging technologies and evolving market dynamics shape the landscape?
Over the next decade, advancements in cloud computing, AI, and 5G will continue to drive significant expansion of fiber networks. Growing demand for 400G–800G bandwidth and expansion of data centers across key APAC nations will require cutting-edge optical measurement precision—delivered by instruments such as Yokogawa’s AQ6380 and OTDR solutions. These technologies will ensure high-performance networks and support environmental sustainability goals.
For more information, please visit Yokogawa’s official website: https://tmi.yokogawa.com/
