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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Telekom Malaysia Unveils AIDENTITI™ KITA: A Generative AI Music Video to Celebrate Malaysia’s Diversity for Hari Kemerdekaan and Hari Malaysia 2023
KUALA LUMPUR, 18 August 2023 – TM introduces AIDENTITI™ KITA, an innovative campaign that blends music and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to celebrate Malaysia’s rich diversity this Bulan Kebangsaan. Aligning with TM’s mission to bring new technologies to everyday Malaysians, the campaign showcases the country’s people and traditions through a unique digital perspective and inclusive on-ground engagements where communities from all walks of life can experience AI up close. The campaign debuts with Malaysia's first Bulan Kebangsaan music video made with Generative AI that translates the nation’s rich culture and heritage into captivating digital art and scenes using text prompts. The music video features the talents of MK (K-Clique), Suki Low and Balan Kash. Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, TM’s Group Chief Executive Officer said, “As the pioneer of a Digital Malaysia, TM envisions AIDENTITI™ KITA as a catalytic engine for evolving perspectives, catalysing efforts to bridge the digital gap, and aligning Malaysia with advanced nations in the digital realm. This commitment also aligns with The National Artificial Intelligence Roadmap, with AI as one of the foundation technologies of the 4th Industrial Revolution.” “The campaign also embodies the core of our brand promise, ‘Your Next is Now’, as well as our unwavering commitment to introducing cutting-edge technologies and ensuring their accessibility to all Malaysians. By doing so, we contribute to propelling Malaysia towards its high-tech nation aspirations by 2030, while ushering in a future defined by purpose and boundless possibilities,” Amar added. Inclusivity takes centre stage as TM invites the public to co-create their AIDENTITI™ using the company’s AI platform, with a chance to be showcased on digital billboards nationwide. Detailed participation information can be found at tm.com.my/aidentitikita. TM Joins Forces with APOM for #Empatbelas Series, Celebrating Malaysia’s Unique Identities As part of the Bulan Kebangsaan celebrations, TM is also collaborating with A Piece of Malaysia (APOM) for the 2023 #empatbelas series. This collaboration celebrates each of Malaysia’s 14 states through creative expressions and specially designed APOM merchandise. Through APOM #empatbelas2023, TM underscores its support for local creative talents across the nation, aligning seamlessly with the AIDENTITI™ KITA campaign’s goal of celebrating diverse backgrounds and ideas. #Empatbelas2023 merchandise will be available from 31st August 2023 at https://apom.my. Unifi customers will be able to enjoy 10% off all APOM merchandise, terms and conditions will apply.
TM R&D inks MoU with ZTE to collaborate on optical network research, bringing the first 50gbps bandwidth experience to Malaysia
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