PDG conferred with Malaysia Digital (MD) Status by Malaysia Digital Economy Cooperation (MDEC)
PDG signed an Electricity Supply Agreement with Tenaga Nasional Berhad to power Phase One of its JH1 campus from H1 2024
Malaysia & Singapore | 16 October, 2023 –Princeton Digital Group (PDG), Asia’s leading data center provider, announced the commencement of superstructure construction for phase one of its JH1 campus in Sedenak Tech Park (STeP), Johor. Substructure works have been completed earlier this month. With a capacity of 60 MW, this phase is planned to be ready for service by Q2 2024.
From left to right: Asher Ling, Chief Technology Officer, and Managing Director of Princeton Digital Group, Singapore; Datuk Syed Mohamed, President and Chief Executive of Johor Corporation and Chairman of JLG; Yang Berhormat Dato’ Haji Mohd Jafni Md Shukor, Chairman of State Housing and Local Government Committee of Johor; Yang Berhormat Puan Teo Nie Ching, Deputy Minister of Communications & Digital, Malaysia; Rizwal bin Zakaria, Head of Data Hub & Connectivity, Malaysia Digital Economy Cooperation (MDEC) and Rangu Salgame, Chairman and CEO of Princeton Digital Group.
Held on-site at its campus ground, PDG’s commencement ceremony was officiated by Yang Berhormat Puan Teo Nie Ching, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Communications & Digital, Malaysia and Yang Berhormat Dato’ Haji Mohd Jafni Md Shukor, Chairman, Housing & Local Government Committee of Johor.
“Today marks a significant milestone for PDG as we commence superstructure construction of our flagship greenfield data center in Johor, Malaysia. Southeast Asia’s digital economy is rapidly expanding underpinned by cloud adoption, internet penetration, e-commerce and accelerated by AI,” said Asher Ling, Chief Technology Officer, and Managing Director of PDG, Singapore. “JH1 is one of the largest data center campuses in the region and is designed for energy efficiency and scalability to serve the colocation requirements of hyperscalers and enterprises. The AI-ready data center will incorporate cutting-edge technologies and next-generation designs.”
Investment in Malaysia
In June, PDG together with JLand Group (JLG), Johor Corporation’s real estate and infrastructure arm, completed the acquisition of 31.5 acres of land in STeP, Johor.
“JLand Group upholds PDG’s decision to invest in STeP with high regard, viewing it as their commendation of our end-to-end data hub service offerings. We extend our heartiest congratulations to PDG and look forward to our continued partnership as they reinforce their growing footprint in the region’s data centre landscape. Indeed, the deployment of PDG’s hyperscale data centre in Johor will further enhance ASEAN’s robust digital transformation,” said Datuk Syed Mohamed, President and Chief Executive of Johor Corporation and Chairman of JLG.
The investment of RM 2 billion (~USD 450 million) into Phase One of its 150 MW campus, marked PDG’s entry into Malaysia, its sixth country after Singapore, China, Indonesia, India, and Japan.
Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), expressed, “In a digital era marked by innovation and transformation, Malaysia has positioned itself strongly in the digital landscape, showcasing a consistent drive to evolve into an innovation-driven economy align with the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDIGITAL). The establishment of more than 30 data centres stands as a testament to our commitment to this transformation. These data centres, including industry leaders like PDG, symbolise our dedication to fostering an environment conducive to the growth of critical data centre infrastructure. As a strategic partner to investors, MIDA is committed to facilitating digital investments into Malaysia including PDG’s data centre project by ensuring the timely implementation of this investment.”
PDG is awarded Malaysia Digital Status
During the ceremony, PDG was awarded Malaysia Digital (MD) Status, which is Malaysia’s highest recognition of excellence for digital companies. It supports such companies in rapid growth and expansion. It demonstrates PDG’s commitment to the country and supports the development and growth of local talent.
Mahadhir Aziz, Chief Executive Officer of MDEC said, “We are thrilled to join forces with Princeton Digital Group, solidifying Malaysia’s position as the preferred Digital Hub of ASEAN. By catalyzing growth in the digital economy through our Malaysia Digital (MD) national strategic initiative and PEMANGKIN programs, we are fostering an ecosystem that propels Malaysia to the forefront of high-value investments. This cutting-edge facility reflects our joint commitment to drive digital transformation and foster innovation. Princeton Digital Group’s decision to establish its presence here reaffirms Malaysia’s potential to lead in the ever-evolving digital economy, creating jobs, driving growth, and transforming industries.”
Powering JH1 though the Green Lane Pathway initiative
PDG has also signed the Electricity Supply Agreement (ESA) with Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) to power its JH1 campus from the first half of 2024. The strategic partnership is forged under TNB’s Green Lane Pathway initiative, a one-stop center that features fast-track supply offerings for electricity, where data centers will be connected three times faster than the normal delivery time, reducing the implementation period from 36-48 months to just 12 months.
“The Green Lane Pathway is a strategic initiative by TNB to accelerate the data center sector’s growth. We are dedicated to ensuring a dependable electricity supply to PDG while actively exploring opportunities to expand our collaboration into smart energy solutions. This aligns with our long-term vision to support global hyperscalers and data center operators. As leaders in energy transition, we aim to drive increased demand for renewable energy within the data centre sector, reinforcing our commitment to the nation’s net-zero emissions goal by 2050, as outlined in the National Energy Transition Roadmap,” emphasized Dato’ Indera Ir. Baharin Din, President and Chief Executive Officer, TNB.
“Our journey in Malaysia has just begun and the success that we have achieved today, would not have been possible without the full dedication and support of all our strategic partners and Malaysian authorities,” said Ling. “We will continue our work together as we strive towards the launch of phase one early next year.”
PDG is rapidly expanding its footprint as the Pan Asia data center leader with the recent launch of its 22 MW JC2 campus in Greater Jakarta in September. Earlier this year, the company also announced its plans to develop a 96 MW campus in Batam as part of its comprehensive regional expansion strategy.
About Princeton Digital Group
Princeton Digital Group (PDG) is a leading developer and operator of Internet infrastructure. Headquartered in Singapore with presence and operations in China, Singapore, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Japan, its portfolio of data centers powers the expansion of hyperscalers and enterprises in the fastest-growing digital economies across Asia. For more information, visit www.princetondg.com or follow us on LinkedIn.
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Princeton Digital Group
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