ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC), one of the world’s fastest-growing data centre providers, has officially started construction on its first facility at the STT Johor data centre campus. The groundbreaking ceremony for STT Johor 1 was led by Johor’s Chief Minister, Y.A.B. Dato’ Onn Hafiz Ghazi, highlighting the state’s commitment to strengthening digital infrastructure and boosting economic growth.
Located in the Nusa Cemerlang Industrial Park in Iskandar Puteri, just 15 kilometres from Singapore, the campus covers 22 acres and has the potential to support an IT load of up to 120MW. STT Johor 1, the first facility to be built, will have a capacity of 16MW and is set to be fully operational by the end of 2026.
A major step for digital infrastructure and connectivity
The new facility will support the rising demand for cloud and high-performance computing, catering to enterprises, government agencies, and cloud service providers. Designed to handle advanced computational workloads, STT Johor 1 will facilitate complex simulations, data-driven decision-making, and cutting-edge research.
Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, CEO of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), emphasised the project’s significance, stating, “The ground-breaking of STT Johor 1 is a powerful testament of the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030 in action. More than just a hyperscale data centre, it is a launchpad for innovation, talent development, and sustainable economic growth. MIDA remains steadfast in facilitating high-impact investments that drive technological advancements while ensuring inclusive progress.”
The facility will be integrated with STT GDC’s regional data centre network, including STT Singapore 5, STT Kuala Lumpur 1, and interconnection hubs in Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines. A Data Centre Interconnect (DCI) service will link STT Johor 1 to these locations, providing businesses with seamless and reliable access to major economies across the region.
Commitment to sustainability and talent development
Aligned with Malaysia’s green energy goals, the STT Johor campus will be powered by renewable and low-carbon energy sources. STT GDC is in discussions with renewable energy provider Ditrolic Energy to supply clean electricity for STT Johor 1’s operations. The company is also exploring advanced technologies to enhance energy efficiency, positioning the facility as a model for smart and sustainable data centres.
Beyond infrastructure, STT GDC is also investing in talent development. The company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Johor Talent Development Council (JTDC) to launch a training initiative for data centre professionals. This partnership aligns with the goals of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) and aims to create a skilled workforce specialising in sustainable data centre operations.
Darryll Sinnappa, Country Head – Malaysia, ST Telemedia Global Data Centres, highlighted the broader impact of the initiative, saying, “The STT Johor data centre campus marks a significant milestone for STT GDC in our efforts to deliver advanced digital infrastructure that can play a role in contributing to Malaysia’s ambitions to grow their digital economy leadership in the region. Equally important is our commitment to developing local talent through our partnership with JTDC, which will create a skilled workforce to support this growth.”
Malaysia’s data centre market is set for significant growth, with a development pipeline of 1.4GW planned over the next five years, representing a 264% increase. This expansion is expected to drive the industry’s revenue to RM3.6 billion by 2025, solidifying Malaysia’s position as a key digital infrastructure hub in Southeast Asia.
