TM announced that starting with a sustainable, hyper-connected AI-ready data centre campus in Johor, this strategic partnership aims to serve the needs of hyperscalers, next-generation AI application providers and enterprises pursuing accelerated digitalisation and cloud in the region.
TM says the joint venture is a unique proposition, bolstered by its extensive subsea cable networks and Singtel’s Digital InfraCo which provide global connectivity and enhanced
network performance with lower latency and improved reliability.
Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, TM’s Group Chief Executive Officer, said, "Establishing a hyper-connected AI-ready data centre marks the next phase in our long-standing partnership with leveraging our strengths and commitment to elevate ASEAN as the preferred digital hub destination.
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“TM brings the largest domestic network infrastructure, extensive international subsea cable systems and the largest interconnected DC in Malaysia, a solid backbone for this project. This will serve as a catalyst for high performance computing and lay a solid foundation for the future advancement of cloud and AI applications.
“This collaboration of two main telcos in the region is unique and has positive impact to the development of digital ecosystem that not only benefit the businesses but also nurturing future talent. Through this partnership, TM continues to demonstrate its dedication to delivering innovative and sustainable solutions, marking a pivotal step in our aspiration to becoming a Digital Powerhouse by 2030.”
Bill Chang, CEO of Nxera and Singtel's Digital InfraCo unit, said, "We are excited to enter the Malaysian market with TM as our strategic partner. This collaboration advances our vision to be the region’s leading sustainable, hyperconnected AI-ready data centre platform, supporting businesses with the digital infrastructure needed for the growing demand for cloud, digitalisation and AI.
“The development of this first data centre campus in Johor, which can be expanded in phases, demonstrates our ability to scale quickly in markets that are important to our customers. With our joint industry expertise and strong track record, we will build and operate one of the most efficient, sustainable and connectivity-rich data centres in Malaysia.
“In addition to data centres, we will be expanding the submarine cable connectivity between Singapore and Johor to enhance digital connectivity. Our joint venture will also partner institutes of higher learning in Malaysia to nurture talent for our projects and the industry. Our strategy of developing data centre sites with close proximity to our operations in Singapore allow us to capture spill-over demand from our customers and help them scale their business
with confidence.”
Located in Iskandar Puteri, just 16 km from Singapore, TM and Nxera say the data centre campus will be the largest to date for both companies, and it will be built to the latest standards for reliability, security and sustainability while offering the best local and international connectivity.
“With its close proximity to subsea cable links between Singapore and Malaysia, the data centre will be well-placed to support the increasing demand from both countries’ digitalisation and development initiatives.
“The initial phase of the data centre is planned for 64MW and can be scaled up to 200MW in response to market demand. This high-power density campus will be able to host large computing and AI capabilities such as requirements by cloud hyperscalers, GPU-as-a-Service providers and features advanced technologies such as liquid cooling to support high-power density workloads and operations efficiently.
“The data centre will be a LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building, emphasising its commitment to greater energy efficiency and sustainable practices.
“As Malaysia’s integrated telco and technology leader, TM will contribute its expertise in the region’s network infrastructure deployment to deliver customised range of wholesale data, connectivity, data centre and platform solutions catering to both local and international needs.
“Additionally, TM also provides Cloud services via its sovereign Cloud Alpha Edge solution. TM currently operates seven data centres across Malaysia with 2 core data centres located in Klang Valley and Johor. Its entry into the Asia Link Cable Systems (ALC) partnership facilitates the laying of a submarine cable system spanning approximately 7,200km, with an initial design capacity of 24 Terabits/sec. Coupled with the establishment of an international Cable Landing Station at TM Exchange Kuala Sedili, Johor, these serve as vital infrastructure enhancements to accelerate the growth of the data centre industry in the state.”
The statement of the partnership observes that Nxera is a rapidly growing regional platform backed by Singtel and leading global investment firm KKR, leveraging its data centre operations in Singapore to expand overseas.
“Customers can also tap into a host of services such as Singtel’s Paragon cloud orchestration platform and upcoming GPU-as-a-Service. They will be able to orchestrate their AI workloads in a multi-network and multi-cloud environment, serving as a catalyst for greater innovation, entrepreneurship and business excellence.”
Nxera said it is developing three new AI-ready data centres in the region in addition to 62MW of existing capacity in Singapore, and this includes a new 58MW data centre in Tuas, Singapore and data centres with partners in Indonesia and Thailand.
“Nxera’s total pipeline capacity is set to increase from its current operational capacity of 62MW in Singapore to more than 200MW in the region in the next three years. The data centres will be served by Digital InfraCo's comprehensive network of subsea fibre-optic cables which provide customers with the best country-to-country connectivity in the Asia Pacific region,” the two companies concluded.
About TM
TM is Malaysia’s leading integrated telco and digital technology Group, offering network infrastructure and a comprehensive suite of communication services. These services encompass solutions in enterprise digitalisation, fixed (telephony and broadband), mobility, content, WiFi, ICT, Cloud, and smart services. With a strategic focus on becoming a Digital Powerhouse by 2030, TM is committed to growth driven by stakeholder value creation. The Group emphasises delivering an enhanced customer experience through continuous improvements in customer service quality and innovation, while ensuring increased
operational efficiency and productivity. Committed to a sustainable future and to improving the social, economic, and environmental wellbeing of the community, TM has set ambitious sustainability targets to monitor its performance from the near to the long term. Underpinned by strong corporate governance, TM adheres to the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and transparency.
For more information, visit www.tm.com.my
About Singtel
Singtel is a leading Asian communications technology group, operating next-generation connectivity, digital infrastructure and digital businesses including regional data centre arm Nxera and regional IT services arm NCS. The Group has presence in Asia, Australia and Africa and reaches over 780 million mobile customers in 21 countries. For consumers, Singtel delivers a complete and integrated suite of services, including mobile, broadband and TV. For enterprises, Singtel offers a complementary array of workforce mobility solutions, data hosting, cloud, network infrastructure, analytics and cyber security capabilities. Singtel is dedicated to continuous innovation, harnessing technology to create new and exciting customer experiences, support enterprises in their digital transformation and shape a more sustainable, digital future.
For more information, visit www.singtel.com.