STT GDC Breaks Ground for High-Performance Computing Data Centre Campus in Johor

The centre also signed an MOU for talent development

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STT GDC and the Johor Talent Development Council (JTDC) also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to spearhead a comprehensive industry talent development initiative; Pictured are General Manager for Johor Human Capital Strategic Unit Tuan Herman Bin Raban, and Country Head for STT GDC Malaysia Darryll Sinnappa

ST Telemedia  Global  Data  Centres  (STT GDC),  one of  the world’s fastest-growing data  centre providers, announced the groundbreaking of the first data  centre facility  in the STT Johor data centre campus – STT Johor 1. The ceremony was  officiated by Dato’ Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Chief Minister of Johor, underscoring the state’s  commitment to advancing digital infrastructure and sustainable economic growth.

STT GDC’s data centre campus is located within the Nusa Cemerlang Industrial Park in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, just 15 kilometres from Singapore. Spanning  over 22 acres of land, the campus has a development potential of 120MW  of IT load. Its prime location ensures seamless connectivity, including  integration with STT Singapore 5, STT GDC’s regional interconnection hub. STT Johor 1 is the first facility to be built on campus, designed with an IT load capacity of 16MW, and is expected to be fully operational by end of 2026.

“The ground-breaking of STT Johor 1 is a powerful testament of the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030 in action. More than just a hyperscale data  centre, it is a launchpad for innovation, talent development, and sustainable  economic  growth. MIDA remains  steadfast in facilitating  high-impact investments  that  drive technological advancements while ensuring inclusive progress. We extend our heartfelt congratulation to STT GDC on this momentous occasion and look forward to supporting its continued expansion as we build a thriving digital ecosystem in Malaysia together,” said Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).

The prime location ensures seamless connectivity, including  integration with STT Singapore 5, STT GDC’s regional interconnection hub. From its launch, STT Johor 1 will be ready to support the growing demand for cloud   and  high-performance  computing.  The  facility   is  equipped  to  handle advanced  computational workloads for enterprises, government agencies, and  cloud  service providers, capable of rapidly  deploying resource-intensive applications across various industries. This will support cutting-edge research, complex simulations and data-driven decision-making processes.

In addition to STT Singapore 5, STT Johor 1 will also  be connected to STT Kuala Lumpur 1 and STT GDC’s other data  centre interconnection hubs in Thailand, Vietnam and Philippines via a Data Centre Interconnect (DCI)  service,  providing customers  in STT Johor 1 with  highly  reliable  and  seamless  access to  business opportunities in other major economies in the region.

In alignment with Malaysia’s green ambitions, the STT Johor campus will be powered by renewable and low- carbon energy sources. STT GDC is in discussions with several renewable energy providers, such as Ditrolic Energy, to become the renewable electricity supplier for STT Johor 1’s operations. This potential partnership underscores STT GDC’s commitment to sustainable data centre practices and aligns with Malaysia’s green energy goals.  Clean energy solutions will play a crucial role in STT Johor 1’s aim to achieve industry-leading energy efficiency  and  minimise  its  environmental   footprint.  STT GDC will also   leverage   advanced technologies to further optimise energy use, establishing the campus as a smart and sustainable data centre benchmark.

STT GDC and the Johor Talent Development Council (JTDC) also  signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to spearhead a comprehensive industry talent development initiative for the burgeoning data centre sector, aligning with the goals  of the recently established Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). This partnership aims to create a robust pipeline of skilled professionals in sustainable data centre operations, positioning Johor as a hub for data centre expertise in Southeast Asia.

This alliance underscores STT GDC’s commitment to nurturing a skilled local workforce and supports the JS- SEZ’s goal of creating skilled job opportunities and strengthening the digital economy. By supporting the growth of Malaysia’s data centre industry and ensuring a steady supply of qualified experts, this initiative contributes to broader Singapore-Johor economic cooperation. It also positions Johor as a Southeast Asian hub for data centre expertise, enhancing the region’s ability to attract global investments.

“The STT Johor data centre campus marks a significant milestone for  STT GDC in our  efforts to  deliver advanced digital infrastructure that can play a role in contributing to Malaysia’s ambitions to grow their digital economy leadership in the region. Equally important is our commitment to developing local talent through our  partnership  with  JTDC,  which  will create a skilled workforce  to  support this  growth. Guided by  our principles of sustainability, innovation, connectivity and community development, we look forward to STT Johor 1  playing  a  pivotal  role  in delivering  tangible  economic  growth to  the region, sustainably,  while nurturing the next generation of data centre professionals,” said Darryll Sinnappa, Country Head – Malaysia, ST Telemedia Global Data Centres.

Malaysia’s data centre market continues to experience remarkable growth, with a development pipeline of 1.4GW planned over the next five years, representing 264% growth1. This expansion is expected to drive the industry’s revenue to RM3.6 billion by 20252, solidifying Malaysia’s position as a key player in the region’s digital infrastructure landscape.