Malaysia aims to boost local data centre development and talent as part of its AI Nation 2030 vision, with RM144.4 billion in approved investments.
CYBERJAYA: Malaysia will continue strengthening its data centre ecosystem through clear policies and local talent development as part of its goal to become an artificial intelligence nation by 2030.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the Data Centre Task Force will focus on policy direction and facilitation for sustainable industry growth.
The task force, co-chaired by Gobind and Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, has already held meetings to review progress and formulate future policies.
“Although we have already attracted significant investments from major global companies, we must also focus on nurturing local talents at the same time,” Gobind told reporters after launching the Basis Bay Cyberjaya Data Centre 2.
He expressed confidence in Malaysian firms’ capabilities and wants to see more local companies establish and operate data centres domestically.
“Moving forward, I want to see more local companies setting up data centres in Malaysia,” he said.
“Basis Bay’s success demonstrates that local companies are capable of establishing and managing world-class digital infrastructure.”
The government’s approach under the MADANI administration aims to create structural reforms that attract foreign investments while nurturing local champions.
National frameworks including the New Industrial Master Plan and National Energy Transition Roadmap demonstrate the government’s commitment to transforming Malaysia’s digital landscape.
“Ultimately, all these will culminate in the whole push towards an AI Nation 2030,” Gobind said.
Between 2021 and June 30, 2025, Malaysia approved 143 data centre investment projects worth RM144.4 billion, creating 1,429 new jobs.
Twenty-five projects received Malaysia Digital status under the Digital Ecosystem Acceleration Scheme incentive.
Basis Bay executive chairman Datuk Praba Thiagarajah welcomed the government’s focus on supporting local companies.
“Cyber warfare has become a real threat, now more than ever before,” Praba said.
“You can’t have foreign members managing your whole infrastructure or your pocket.”
He emphasised that cybersecurity and data sovereignty must remain at the core of Malaysia’s digital strategy.
The Basis Bay collaboration with ST Telemedia Global Data Centres represents a model of how regional partnerships can strengthen Malaysia’s position as a digital hub. – Bernama
