Malaysia has emerged as the top data centre hub in Southeast Asia for the second consecutive year, securing USD 23.3 billion (RM141.72 billion) in digital investments during the first ten months of 2024. This achievement marks a threefold increase compared to 2023, driven by strategic initiatives and investments from global tech giants like Microsoft, AWS, Google, and Oracle.
Regional Leadership and Economic Resilience
Knight Frank Malaysia’s Data Centre Research Report 2024 highlighted Malaysia’s top rank in the SEA-5 Data Centre Opportunity Index, with an impressive annual take-up of 429 MW—outperforming its regional peers.
Keith Ooi, Group Managing Director of Knight Frank Malaysia, emphasized, "Malaysia's digital infrastructure leadership offers global players an unparalleled investment opportunity, setting the standard for economic resilience and technological innovation."
Key Drivers Behind Malaysia's Success
- Proactive Government Policies:Initiatives like the Green Lane Pathway and the Corporate Renewable Energy Supply Scheme (CRESS)have streamlined electricity supply timelines and promoted renewable energy adoption, enhancing infrastructure readiness.
- Strategic Partnerships:Collaboration between real estate developers, data centre operators, and supply chain companies has fostered a dynamic ecosystem, driving both industry innovation and growth.
- Focus on Sustainability:Malaysia’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainable data centres positions it as a leader in responsible technological development.
Growth Hotspots: Johor and Klang Valley
- Johor: Surpassing Klang Valley in IT capacity, areas like Kulai and Iskandar Puteri have attracted significant international operators and large-scale land acquisitions.
- Klang Valley: With projects by Google and AWS, the region continues to develop large-scale data centres, maintaining its position as a critical digital hub.
Looking Ahead
With a GDP growth forecast of 5.5% for 2025, Malaysia is set to sustain long-term growth in the digital economy. The collaboration between government, industry players, and educational institutions will be vital in shaping a thriving, sustainable data centre ecosystem.
This industry boom is expected to drive economic growth, create high-value jobs, and position Malaysia as the leading destination for data centre investments in Southeast Asia.
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