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The development will begin with a sustainable, hyper-connected AI-ready data centre campus located in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, 16km away from Singapore.
Malaysian telco provider TM is partnering with Nxera, the regional data centre arm of Singaporean telco Singtel’s Digital InfraCo unit, to develop data centres in Malaysia, starting with a sustainable, hyper-connected AI-ready data centre campus in Johor.
The data centre campus will be the largest one for both TM and Nxera to date, built to the latest standards for reliability, security and sustainability while aiming to offer the best local and international connectivity. Located in Iskandar Puteri, the centre's close proximity to subsea cable links between Singapore and Malaysia means the data centre will be well-placed to support the increasing demand from both countries’ digitalisation and development initiatives.
While initially designed for 64megawatts (MW), the campus can expand up to 200MW based on market demand. This high-power density campus will be able to host large computing and AI capabilities such as requirements by cloud hyperscalers and GPU-as-a-service providers, and features advanced technologies such as liquid cooling to support high-power density workloads and operations efficiently.
Further, the data centre will be a LEED-certified (Leadership in energy and environmental design) green building, emphasising its commitment to greater energy efficiency and sustainable practices.
TM will contribute its experience in the region’s network infrastructure deployment to deliver a customised range of wholesale data, connectivity, data centre and platform solutions catering to both local and international needs.
TM currently has seven data centres in operation across Malaysia, with two core data centres located in Klang Valley and Johor. Complimenting this is the establishment of an international Cable Landing Station at TM Exchange Kuala Sedili, Johor. Together, these serve as vital infrastructure enhancements to accelerate the growth of the data centre industry in the state.
Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, TM’s Group Chief Executive Officer, expressed how the establishment of a hyper-connected AI-ready data centre marks the next phase in TM's long-standing partnership with Singtel, leveraging its strengths and commitment to elevate ASEAN as the preferred digital hub destination.
"This will serve as a catalyst for high performance computing and lay a solid foundation for the future advancement of cloud and AI applications. This collaboration of two main telcos in the region is unique and has positive impact to the development of digital ecosystem that not only benefit the businesses but also nurturing future talent."
This joint venture hopes to demonstrate TM's continued dedication to delivering innovative and sustainable solutions, marking a pivotal step in its aspiration to becoming a Digital Powerhouse by 2030.
Meanwhile, Nxera is hopes to leverage its data centre operations in Singapore to expand overseas.
Beyond this joint venture with TM, Nxera is developing three new AI-ready data centres in the region in addition to 62MW of existing capacity in Singapore. This includes a new 58MW data centre in Tuas, Singapore and data centres with partners in Indonesia and Thailand. Nxera’s total pipeline capacity is set to increase from its current operational capacity of 62MW in Singapore to more than 200MW in the region in the next three years.
This strategic partnership, however, aims to serve the needs of hyperscalers, next-generation AI application providers and enterprises pursuing accelerated digitalisation and cloud in the region.
Bill Chang, CEO of Nxera and Singtel's Digital InfraCo unit, said: "We are excited to enter the Malaysian market with TM as our strategic partner. This collaboration advances our vision to be the region’s leading sustainable, hyperconnected AI-ready data centre platform, supporting businesses with the digital infrastructure needed for the growing demand for cloud, digitalisation and AI.
"The development of this first data centre campus in Johor, which can be expanded in phases, demonstrates our ability to scale quickly in markets that are important to our customers. With our joint industry expertise and strong track record, we will build and operate one of the most efficient, sustainable and connectivity-rich data centres in Malaysia."
In addition to data centres, Nxera will be expanding the submarine cable connectivity between Singapore and Johor to enhance digital connectivity. The joint venture will also partner institutes of higher learning in Malaysia to nurture talent for its projects and the industry.
"Our strategy of developing data centre sites with close proximity to our operations in Singapore allow us to capture spill-over demand from our customers and help them scale their business with confidence."
Lead image / 123rf.com
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