NTT Data Group’s Ambitious Data Centre Campus in Johor Bahru
NTT Data Group, a global leader in business and technology services, has announced its latest venture: the acquisition of a 27.72-hectare parcel of land in Gelang Patah, Johor Bahru. This site will house one of the largest data centre campuses in the Asia-Pacific region, underscoring NTT Data’s commitment to expanding its footprint in fast-growing IT markets.
A Game-Changer for Malaysia’s Digital Infrastructure
The upcoming facility in Johor Bahru will comprise six dedicated buildings, boasting a substantial information technology (IT) load capacity of approximately 290 megawatts (MW).
“The data centre project will enhance Malaysia’s digital infrastructure, foster economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region, and leverage NTT Data’s robust partnerships,” the company said in a statement.
Key Features of the Data Centre Campus:
- Cutting-Edge Cooling Technologies: Direct liquid cooling to support artificial intelligence (AI) applications.
- Sustainable Design: Energy-efficient solutions that align with global sustainability goals.
- Scalable Capacity: An initial IT load of 48MW, with the first building scheduled to launch in April 2027.
Why Johor Bahru?
The choice of Gelang Patah, Johor Bahru, as the site for this landmark project highlights its strategic location:
- Proximity to Singapore: An important cross-border economic hub.
- Growing IT Demand: Positioned to serve the burgeoning needs of Malaysia’s and the Asia-Pacific’s digital economy.
- Regional Significance: Johor Bahru is increasingly recognized as a vital zone for technological and economic development.
Doug Adams, CEO and President of NTT Data, emphasized the significance of this expansion, stating:
“Johor Bahru is an increasingly important cross-border economic zone due to its proximity to Singapore.”
Strengthening Regional Infrastructure
Yasuo Suzuki, Executive Vice-President and Managing Director for Japan and Asia-Pacific, noted that the project would bolster the region’s economy while driving innovation.
Benefits to Malaysia and Asia-Pacific:
- Economic Growth: The facility will act as a catalyst for local and regional economic development.
- Job Creation: Opportunities in construction, operations, and technological innovation.
- Enhanced Regional Ties: The project reinforces Malaysia’s position as a regional tech hub.
A Commitment to Sustainability
NTT Data is dedicated to achieving net-zero emissions by 2030 in its operations and across its entire value chain by 2040. The Johor Bahru data centre will reflect this ethos by running on 100% renewable or low-carbon energy by 2030.
Key Sustainability Features:
- Green Energy Integration: Powering operations with renewable energy sources.
- Advanced Cooling Systems: Reducing energy consumption and supporting environmentally conscious AI applications.
Expanding a Global Data Centre Network
NTT Data currently operates one of the world’s largest data centre platforms, with:
- Over 150 facilities across more than 20 countries.
- Six facilities in Cyberjaya, Malaysia, with a total IT load of 20MW.
This new venture in Johor Bahru will complement its existing presence in Malaysia while significantly expanding its regional capabilities.
What This Means for Malaysia
The establishment of this 290MW data centre campus signals a pivotal moment for Malaysia’s digital economy. It enhances the country’s infrastructure, aligns with global green standards, and strengthens its position as a tech hub within the Asia-Pacific region.
This ambitious project not only caters to the growing demand for high-performance data centres but also demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to sustainable urban development.
