GDS, a data center provider, is set to invest over RM 1 billion in the construction of a new data center in Johor Baru, Malaysia, which is expected to create more than 5,000 jobs in the region. This new facility will be the second data center built by GDS in the area, following the completion of Phase 1 of the Nusajaya Tech Park (NTP) campus in August 2023. The NTP campus spans 225,000 sqm and boasts 69.5 MW of power capacity, positioning the region as a key player in the growing data center industry.
The Johor Baru area is rapidly emerging as a hub for data center development, driven by the expanding demand for Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies. Over the past few years, the region has seen the establishment of more than 50 data centers, with a remarkable 100-fold increase in installed processing capacity. This surge in infrastructure has resulted in the creation of over 40,000 jobs, significantly contributing to Malaysia’s digital economy, which now accounts for a quarter of the country’s GDP and employs over 1.2 million people.
A key partner in this development is Sarens, one of the global leaders in heavy lifting and engineered transport services. Sarens has been entrusted with the installation of the data center’s cooling tower, a critical component for maintaining optimal operations once the facility is fully operational. The company, working on behalf of Spruce Mover, is using its advanced machinery, including a Sany SCC2000 crane, to lift and install the steel structure for the cooling tower’s base and cooling units. These units weigh 9.5 tons, stand 36 meters high, and have a diameter of 40 meters. The heavy lifting operation, scheduled to run from December 2024 to March 2025, follows strict safety protocols to ensure the safety of all involved.
The expansion of AI and the associated data processing needs have positioned Malaysia, and particularly Johor Baru, as a leading center for global computing. As the demand for data storage and processing grows, the development of this new data center represents a critical step in strengthening the country’s role in the global digital economy.
Sarens has a strong track record in Malaysia, having recently contributed to several high-profile projects, including the RTS Link between Malaysia and Singapore and major energy projects in the region, such as the methanol plant in Sarawak and the Kasawari gas extraction platform.
