KUALA LUMPUR: Princeton Digital Group (PDG), Asia's data centre provider, will invest RM2 billion in Malaysia to develop a modern data centre campus with a 150 megawatts (MW) capacity.
PDG today signed a definitive agreement with JLand Group (JLG), Johor Corporation's real estate and infrastructure arm, for the acquisition of 12.5 hectares of land in Sedenak Tech Park (STeP), Johor, to build the hyper-scale campus.
The first phase of 60 MW is planned to be ready for the commencement of operations by the second quarter (Q2) of 2024.
The project marks PDG's entry into Malaysia, its sixth country after Singapore, China, Indonesia, India, and Japan.
Named JH1, the data centre will be one of the largest DC campuses in Southeast Asia to serve customers' infrastructure needs across the region, it said.
JLG chairman Datuk Syed Mohamed said the company focuses on expanding data centre opportunities as investors and operators are prioritising the sector's fast-growing prospects.
Through its integrated offerings at STeP, Syed Mohamed said the company remains committed to strengthening Johor's position as a regional data centre hub, given its capability to meet the accelerating demand.
"PDG's entry into Johor and STeP is a strong validation of JLG's strategy and offerings," he said.
Syed Mohamed said with more companies and communities targeting to introduce next-gen digital tools and strategies, the demand for reliable, smart, and resilient data storage will grow exponentially.
Therefore, he said the drive is on for JLG to improve the sustainability performance of data centres through the industrial internet of things (IIoT) platforms, energy and power monitoring, and innovative cooling technologies.
PDG Singapore chief technology officer and managing director Asher Ling said the company deeply understands hyper-scaler needs as it expands its presence in Southeast Asia while requiring access to digital infrastructure.
Ling said Sedenak Tech Park, with its strong power and connectivity infrastructure and other enabling factors, is ideal for its hyper-scale development.
"Our data centre will utilise next-generation, cutting-edge sustainable technology solutions.
"We are also actively collaborating with local partners and regulators to integrate renewable energy initiatives for powering our facility," he said.
JLG also announced the expansion of its 258.9 hectares data centre park, STeP 2, which is projected to be ready in September 2024.
As part of the larger Ibrahim Technopolis (IBTEC) development, STeP 2 will be powered by a solar photovoltaic farm, in line with the Low Carbon Cities Framework (LCCF).
Further, STeP 2 will benefit from IBTECs' preparations to achieve Malaysia Digital (MD) Cybercentre status.