Supporting the growth of AI
09 Sep 2024
The growth of Malaysia’s data centre sector has been driven by the rising demand for high-performance computing, particularly for artificial intelligence (AI) applications and solutions.
AirTrunk’s AI-ready data centre, which features a direct-to-chip liquid cooling solution, can help meet this demand. Developed over five years, the facility aims to support the expansion of advanced AI processes and address the challenges in AI innovation.
Over 20mw of liquid cooling has been deployed during the first phase of AirTrunk’s data centre in Johor Bahru (JHB1). As AirTrunk expands to more countries with tropical climates, this implementation has resulted in significant energy savings.
This technology is designed to be an effective sustainable solution, and AirTrunk plans to deploy more in the future.
“JHB1 is the home of one of the largest deployments of direct-to-chip liquid cooling technologies in the world, reducing energy consumption by up to 23%,” shares Pei Jet Lim, vice-president and country head of Malaysia at AirTrunk.
Lim says AirTrunk’s long-term investment in Malaysia would enable customer growth by implementing such solutions at scale to assist in catalysing sustainable cloud and AI development. “Data centres also lay the foundation for additional investment, acting as the backbone to the digital economy.”
Johor Bahru’s strategic geographic location provided AirTrunk with proximity to other Southeast Asian and key markets, robust infrastructure, streamlined government policies and opportunities for renewable energy through reliable electricity transmission and distribution networks.
“The region’s skilled workforce and competitive operating costs were also significant factors in the decision-making process,” says Lim.
During the launch of JHB1, Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, CEO of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority, said it plans to collaborate with AirTrunk and other stakeholders to maximise the benefits of its investment and position Malaysia as a leading destination for digital investments.
“This AI-ready data centre project, which prioritises sustainability through the energy-efficient technologies and green practices, is poised to create significant spill over effects,” he said.
“It will not only enhance our digital infrastructure, but also foster innovation across sectors, creating high-quality jobs and strengthening the building blocks of the digital economy.”
AirTrunk announced its expansion to Malaysia in January of 2023 and commenced operations of JHB1 earlier in July with a capacity of 50mw.
Less than a month after its launch, an expansion was rolled out to deliver the remaining phases of the campus over the next 18 months to deliver another 100mw capacity.
“This expansion will create thousands of jobs during construction and a significant number of new highly skilled technical and operational jobs for Malaysians,” says Lim.
AirTrunk is compliant with the requirements of critical infrastructure legislation in its operating markets, and Malaysia is no exception. “We are monitoring the finalisation of the Cybersecurity Act and accompanying regulations to implement the laws.”
AirTrunk has also signed a memorandum of understanding with Tenaga Nasional Bhd (KL:TENAGA) in 2023 for JHB1 to advance the energy transition in the region, and Lim shares that the strength of Tenaga’s power grid was also a key factor in its decision to enter Johor.
“Tenaga has been crucial with its work in streamlining grid connection and the delivery process across all Tenaga functions,” she says.
Additionally, AirTrunk and ib vogt, a renewable energy company from Germany, have signed a virtual power purchase agreement for 30mw of renewable energy under Malaysia’s Corporate Green Power Programme.
Lim says the company will focus on the sustainable growth of Malaysia, and will continue to invest in cutting-edge technologies, energy efficiency and talent development.
“Our goal is to be a leader in the industry, helping to not only enable the digital transformation in Malaysia but also deliver real social value in the communities where we operate.”
Source: The Edge Malaysia
