GDS Partners Global Suppliers To Bring In RM1 Bln Investment -- MIDA

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- Leading developer and operator of high-performance data centres GDS International exchanged memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with global suppliers in a series of partnerships that will bring an estimated RM1 billion investments for integrated factories and service centres.

A joint statement between the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and GDS yesterday, a key player in Malaysia’s data centre industry, said these partnerships are estimated to create up to 5,000 jobs and contribute more than RM5 billion annually to the economy, and forge stronger connections in Malaysia’s data centre supply chain.

Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong said the partnerships exemplified the government’s commitment to cultivate an ecosystem that nurtures technological advancement and innovation, strengthening the foundation and development of Malaysia’s digital infrastructure.

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“The five key considerations for the data centre industry should be the creation of meaningful job opportunities, localisation of its supply chain, prevention of speculative build, water and power consumption,” he said in the statement.

The exchange of MoUs took place at the GDS-hosted Data Centre Supply Chain Ecosystem Summit in Johor yesterday.

At the same event, GDS also exchanged an MoU with Sirim to improve quality and standards in the data centre industry.

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MIDA chief executive officer Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid said Malaysia's expanding data centres network and cloud infrastructure are crucial for facilitating cross-border data flow.

“Beyond data storage and processing, these data centres provide a veritable goldmine of opportunities for our small and medium-sized enterprises to plug into the global value chain.

“This fosters the development of our local talent, drives technological innovation, and fuels economic growth within the ecosystem,” he said.

Meanwhile, GDS chairman William Huang said the company is dedicated to fostering collaboration across the industry and with key stakeholders.

“Together, we can drive significant growth, enhance our capabilities, and position Malaysia as a leading hub for data centre services in the region,” he said.

The summit gathered over 400 attendees across the data centre supply chain, as well as industry leaders and key government agencies, showcasing the latest technology trends and reaffirming Malaysia’s position as a key player in the global digital economy.

Malaysia is making remarkable strides in its digital economy, with an approved RM185.3 billion in digital investments from 2021 to June 2024.

Data centre and cloud investments accounted for the lion's share of these total approved investments, at RM131 billion.

-- BERNAMA