AirTrunk, a prominent player in hyperscale data centers in the Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ) region, is increasing its investment in Malaysia with the introduction of JHB2, its second cloud and AI-ready data center in Johor’s Iskandar Puteri region.
JHB2, once fully constructed, will provide over 270 megawatts (MW) of capacity to meet the escalating needs of global cloud providers and technology firms in the area. This development follows closely after the launch of JHB1, AirTrunk’s initial data center in Johor, which became operational in July 2024 with a capacity of over 150MW. Combined, the two projects represent a substantial RM9.7 billion (A$3.5 billion) investment, elevating AirTrunk’s total capacity in Malaysia to over 420MW.
The establishment of JHB2 within a key availability zone, offering cross-border connectivity for seamless scaling across Malaysia and Singapore, aligns perfectly with Malaysia’s flourishing digital economy and the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), aimed at enhancing regional cooperation and business expansion.
Robin Khuda, AirTrunk’s founder and CEO, expressed his excitement about contributing to Malaysia’s digital growth and economic prosperity in the long run. By providing essential infrastructure, AirTrunk’s data centers will enhance productivity, facilitate the introduction of new products and services, and drive economic advancement.
JHB2, like its predecessor JHB1, will be equipped to handle AI workloads with innovative liquid cooling technology for efficient management of high-density computing while minimizing energy consumption. The data center is designed for sustainability, boasting a low Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) rating of 1.25 and offering renewable energy options to clients. AirTrunk is also exploring the use of treated greywater to support Johor’s efforts in diversifying its water sources.
In its commitment to reducing carbon footprint, AirTrunk is working towards achieving its Net Zero 2030 target. Notable initiatives include Southeast Asia’s largest onsite solar installations at JHB1 and Malaysia’s first Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA) for 30MW of renewable energy under the Corporate Green Power Programme. The company is partnering with Malaysia’s national utility company, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), to expedite high-voltage power supply to the new site within 12 months.
Apart from infrastructure development, AirTrunk is investing in Malaysia’s talent pool, with around 90% of its employees being locals who receive competitive salaries and career growth opportunities. The company supports digital literacy programs and provides STEM education scholarships at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) to nurture future tech talent.
The expansion has garnered positive responses from local leaders, including the Menteri Besar of Johor, Dato’ Onn Hafiz Ghazi, who recognizes the employment opportunities and economic benefits brought by digital infrastructure development. This expansion across Asia Pacific, including Malaysia, signifies a commitment to fostering cloud and AI innovation while creating sustainable benefits for the economy, workforce, and environment.
(Image by Pixabay)
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