China’s leading developer and operator of high-performance data centres, GDS Holdings Ltd has unveiled the development of its hyperscale data centre campus in Nusajaya, Johor.
In line with the DIO's role of easing investors' journey in Malaysia by combining MIDA's global presence and MDEC's subject matter expertise in the digital economy ecosystem, the project is supported by the Digital Investments Office (DIO), a collaborative platform between Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), that has been working closely with GDS Holdings to facilitate its Request for Information (RFI) during the planning phase of the project.
According to MDEC CEO Mahadhir Aziz, GDS Holdings' presence in Malaysia will have a significant positive impact on the development of Malaysia's digital economy. “The new centre signifies Malaysia’s competitive advantage in attracting data centre investments, in line with our aspirations under the Malaysia Digital initiative.”
“It also brings with it the world-class infrastructure capabilities that will further strengthen Malaysia as the digital hub of ASEAN. MDEC will continue driving more collaborations to further develop the country’s burgeoning data centre industry.”
Addig to that, MIDA’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Investment Development, Ms. Lim Bee Vian, spoke on the honour of having Malaysia host GDS data centres in the country. “Data centres are a key infrastructure enabler to transform Malaysia towards an advanced digital nation, paving the way for modern businesses.”
“MIDA, through the Digital Investment Office will continue our efforts in transforming new and existing economic clusters and facilitating strategic investment partners like GDS Holdings, as digital enablers to create high income jobs and encourage digital upskilling of the local workforce and businesses.”
The groundbreaking ceremony for Phase 1 of GDS Holdings' hyperscale data centre project, which is expected to be completed by 2024, took place on April 24, 2022 in Nusajaya, Johor.
GDS Chairman and CEO William Huang said that Malaysia is the ideal nation for the major step of the company’s regionalisation plan, thanks to its strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and access to high-skilled, multi-cultural and multi-lingual talent.
“These factors, including Nusajaya’s proximity to Johor Bahru and Singapore, will be great for existing GDS customers looking to expand in the region. We are thankful for Malaysia’s robust ecosystem in supporting our presence here,” Huang added.
This also marks the start of the Shanghai-based company's long-term investment plan in Malaysia and Southeast Asia, which includes the prospective creation of a Phase 2 of the Nusajaya data centre project.