18 Jun 2024
TM AND SINGTEL’S NXERA FORM JOINT VENTURE TO DEVELOP NEXT-GENERATION DATA CENTRES
KUALA LUMPUR, SINGAPORE, 18 JUNE 2024 – TM is partnering Nxera, the regional data centre arm of Singtel’s Digital InfraCo unit, in a joint venture to develop data centres in Malaysia 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. The joint venture is a unique proposition, bolstered by the extensive subsea cable networks of TM 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 Singtel, leveraging our strengths and commitment to elevate ASEAN as the preferred digital hub destination. 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, the data centre campus will be the largest to date for both TM and Nxera. 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.
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 is developing three new AI-ready data centres in the region in addition to 62MW of existing capacity in Singapore. 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.
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TM Launches First AI Music Platform, Celebrating Malaysian Languages and Local Dialects
KUALA LUMPUR, 29 August 2024 – TM announces the launch of “Sejuta Suara, Satu Ritma, Jiwa Merdeka,” campaign in celebration of Hari Kebangsaan and Hari Malaysia 2024. It is the first AI-powered platform that enables Malaysians to perform the iconic patriotic anthem “Gemuruh Jiwa” in a wide array of local languages and dialects, bringing cultural diversity to the forefront. The platform is a first of its kind in Malaysia, combining advanced AI technology with a deep appreciation for the country’s multilingual tapestry. By utilising AI for automated lip-syncing and voice cloning, TM has created an experience that allows users to sing in their preferred language or dialect with realism and ease. The technology driving this platform is a collaboration of seven state-of-the-art AI and API platforms, seamlessly integrated to deliver a smooth and intuitive user experience. Powered by Credence, TM’s cloud and digital solutions arm, the platform is a testament to TM’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible with digital technology. Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, TM’s Group Chief Executive Officer said, “This initiative highlights how AI can be harnessed to celebrate and preserve Malaysia’s rich linguistic diversity. It gives Malaysians a new way to connect with each other and transform the iconic patriotic anthem into a unifying force for the nation. By leveraging advanced AI technology to promote our unique linguistic heritage, we contribute to national integration, digital inclusion, cultural preservation while fostering stronger unity and a digitally savvy society.” “Furthermore, this campaign not only showcases the possibilities of AI but also reinforces our brand promise of ensuring that technology opens doors to a promising tomorrow for all. It is our dedication to making advanced technologies accessible to every Malaysian as we drive towards our aspiration of becoming a Digital Powerhouse by 2030,” Amar continued. TM invites all Malaysians to be part of this groundbreaking campaign by visiting https://sejutasuara.tm.com.my/. Experience “Sejuta Suara, Satu Ritma, Jiwa Merdeka” and contribute to a musical journey that celebrates Malaysia’s linguistic richness and cultural unity.
Tune Protect enters partnership with Huawei Malaysia and TM
FIRST TO HOST THE INSURANCE CORE SYSTEM ON TM’S PUBLIC CLOUD IN MALAYSIA Tune Protect Malaysia (Tune Protect), Huawei Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (Huawei Malaysia) and Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) announced a collaboration today for Tune Protect to re-platform its existing GIS (General Insurance System), an insurance core system on Cloud. The hosting of Tune Protect’s core insurance system on Cloud is the first for insurers in Malaysia as it progresses in its digital transformation. The core system comes with a set of SAP HANA and SAP applications that will be completely hosted in TM Cloud αEdge (pronounced as Cloud Alpha Edge) which provides multi-cloud deployment management platform, scalability reliance and trust . This pivotal move is part of Tune Protect’s Cloud First strategy , and in line with current market demand. Works are currently underway for the core insurance system to be deployed in multiple phases commencing July 2022. Rohit Nambiar, Group Chief Executive Officer of Tune Protect said, “As the first insurer to have received the approval to host the core system on Cloud, we are further enhancing our group credentials. Cloud is the centrepiece of our digital transformation that will enable us to achieve speed-to-market and introduce more innovative products and services for our customers.” TM Cloud αEdge plays an important role as digital platform enabler through the offerings of comprehensive set of cloud services in Malaysia and will transform Tune Protect’s existing business capabilities and services into a highly scalable, and agile cloud native open standard and platform to unlock its existing capabilities into unlimited digital value. This transformation is crucial to support today’s fast-paced and demanding business operations and ensure the company consistently stays competitive in the market. Partnering with Huawei Malaysia and TM has brought Tune Protect to a whole new level of engagement experience. Aside to providing cloud and digital services, Huawei and TM have also demonstrated teamwork and commitment through the rendering of advisory and consultation in terms of compliance and technical requirements that align to the guidance provided by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM). This will be the first core insurance system in Malaysia that has been officially approved by BNM and will be hosted on TM Cloud αEdge -- the only Malaysian-owned Hyperscaler Public Cloud, that primarily promotes data sovereignty. This marks a significant milestone for the company as TM’s Cloud αEdge meets the data protection standard and compliant to BNM’s Risk Management in Technology (RMiT) full guidance requirements checklist, making it the ONLY Public Cloud choice for financial service industry (FSI) customers’ cloud adoption in Malaysia. Meanwhile, Imri Mokhtar, Group Chief Executive Officer of TM said, “We fully understand the importance for FSI customers, including insurers such as Tune Protect to have highly secured digital infrastructure while they continue accelerating their digital adoption. Given the rising volume of digital transactions and our commitment to excellent customer experience, we must ensure that the infrastructure supporting our partner is resilient, scalable and protected on all fronts. With TM Cloud α Edge being fully compliant to BNM’s RMiT, FSI players can reap the benefit of scalability and agility to future-proof their business, while simultaneously protecting customer data, at a superior price advantage. Through our enterprise and public sector business solutions arm, TM ONE, we are ready to serve the industry with end-to-end robust and secured digital infrastructure, befitting our role as the sole Malaysian Cloud Service Provider (CSP) under the MyDIGITAL initiative.” In conveying his appreciation and support for this collaboration, Huawei Malaysia’s Vice President of the Cloud and AI Business Group, Mr Lim Chee Siong said, “It is always our goal at Huawei Cloud to dive into digitalisation and to provide everything as a service. Huawei will continue to innovate and team up with TM and our partners to dive into digital and build the cloud foundation for an intelligent world. Cloud is just the beginning. We view it as a runway to transport businesses to even greater heights.” TM is the only local player with its own core Data Centre and Cloud infrastructure with full data residency, locality and sovereignty. Through the collaboration with Huawei Malaysia, this infrastructure is reinforced through Cloud, AI and the most advanced cybersecurity practices and technologies, putting it right on track to become the only Malaysian-owned end-to-end Cloud AI infrastructure service provider. This means the data in the Cloud is stored right here in Malaysia instead of abroad, providing a solution to the challenge of data sovereignty.
TM Committed For Success Of TVET Madani
Following the official launch of ‘Portal TVET Madani’ and the exchange of Memorandum of Collaboration with the Government today, TM has reaffirmed its commitment to the success of TVET Madani through its tailored vocational education modules along with RM3.5 million contribution for training facilities and scholarship. TM is presently in the final stage of discussions with several TVET institutions to form partnerships that will help transform these institutions into industry-ready technical development centres, towards enhancing the employability of their graduates. This will be achieved through the introduction of industry-relevant modules on fibre networks and digital skillsets, the certification of trainers aligning to industry standards, as well as examinations for student certification. The company plans to develop highly qualified and experienced instructors among its partner institutions to provide expert guidance, especially for B40 students, throughout their vocational journey, and to offer mentorship and support to help them succeed. TM also plans to equip its partner institutions with access to requisite facilities, relevant modern equipment and technology that will provide students with hands-on learning experience that prepares them for real-world fibre network and digital work. TM shall invest RM2.5 million to upgrade the facilities and equipment to selected TVET institutions and a further RM1 million in scholarships for students from the B40 group. As a start, this will facilitate employment opportunities for close to 400 graduates per year to work within its business eco-system. “TM is pleased to announce its commitment to the Government’s TVET Madani initiative through a comprehensive programme that will address the entire value chain. With our strong focus on skills development and industry-relevant training, TM is determined to transform lives and bridge the gap between education and employment for a digitally skilled future workforce,” said Datuk Imri Mokhtar, Group Chief Executive Officer of TM. “Across TM’s eco-system, we have over 430 fibre contractor partners, 880 vendors and over 90 TM 5G Sphere technology partners that will provide graduates close to 400 skilled job openings in the near future. “Vocational education will continue to play a crucial role in nurturing a skilled workforce and driving Malaysia’s digital economic growth. By equipping young Malaysians with the practical knowledge and skills needed in our telco and technology sector, we aim to empower the next generation of skilled talents to pursue meaningful careers and contribute to the development of communities and the nation,” he concluded.
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