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.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
TM Strengthens National Talent Pipeline with RM25 Million through Yayasan TM Future Leaders Scholarships 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, 11 August 2025 – Telekom Malaysia Berhad (“TM” or “the Group”), through its foundation arm Yayasan TM (YTM), has awarded RM25 million in scholarships under the Yayasan TM Future Leaders Scholarship 2025, reaffirming the Group’s steadfast commitment to nurturing talent, supporting education and nation building. The scholarships will support students pursuing strategic fields including Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Science and Analytical Economics at TM’s wholly owned Multimedia University (MMU), local public universities (IPTA), as well as leading institutions in the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, and Singapore. Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, Group Chief Executive Officer of TM and Deputy Chairman of Yayasan TM said, “At TM, we are committed to exemplifying how success and greater purpose can go hand in hand, as demonstrated by the positive impact we create for our communities and the nation. Through this scholarship, we are enabling the next generation of leaders who will drive innovation, create meaningful change, and empower Malaysia’s digital future. We are proud to support their journey as we move together towards our aspiration of becoming a Digital Powerhouse by 2030.” The 2025 scholarship cycle for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) leavers attracted more than 10,300 applications nationwide, a reflection of the programme’s growing reach and reputation. Applicants went through a rigorous, transparent selection process which included stringent academic screening, online aptitude and competency tests, and final interviews conducted by Behavioural Event Interview (BEI)-certified panels. The recipients were celebrated at a presentation ceremony held recently at Dewan Tun Canselor, Multimedia University (MMU), Cyberjaya, attended by esteemed parents, TM and MMU leaders, and a representative from the Ministry of Higher Education. Ainol Shaharina Sahar, Director of Yayasan TM remarked, “We are proud to welcome these bright young minds into the YTM family. Beyond financial sponsorship, the Future Leaders recipients will also embark on a comprehensive, end-to-end development programme designed to shape holistic and well-rounded individuals, while equipping them with future-ready skills, both in digital proficiency and employability. We believe these young talents will go on to lead, inspire, and make a meaningful difference for Malaysia’s future.” Since its inception in 1994, Yayasan TM has supported more than 18,000 students through various education initiatives, with total investments of more than RM650 million to date. Through these efforts, TM continues to contribute towards building a stronger digital talent ecosystem while supporting equitable access to education. Applications for the next undergraduate intake (September 2025) will open soon for students with a minimum CGPA of 3.5 who demonstrate academic brilliance, leadership traits and active co-curricular involvement. Details will be available via Yayasan TM’s official social media channels and website at https://ytm.tm.com.my.
TM ONE REINFORCES COMMITMENT TO ENABLING MELAKA'S DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION ASPIRATIONS
KUALA LUMPUR & MELAKA, 30 DECEMBER 2024 – TM One, TM’s enterprise and government sector solutions arm, has reinforced its commitment to enabling Melaka’s digital and sustainable development through various collaborations with local agencies. Working with Majlis Perbandaran Alor Gajah (MPAG) and Syarikat Air Melaka Berhad (SAMB), TM One is deploying digital solutions to support the state’s economic growth, public services, and aspirations to become a model smart city. TM One also recently welcomed Datuk Seri Utama Ab Rauf Yusoh, Melaka’s Chief Minister, to the TM Response Centre Melaka, one of three facilities that supports emergency responses across Malaysia. The Centre is staffed by over 150 personnel who manage emergency response calls 24/7, ensuring quality control, technical support, and data management. Handling over a million calls every month, the Centre serves as a critical national infrastructure that connects citizens with emergency responders, reinforcing public safety and security. Shazurawati Abd Karim, TM One’s Executive Vice President, said “The Chief Minister’s visit to TM’s Response Centre and our strategic partnerships with MPAG and SAMB underscore TM One’s expanded role in Melaka’s digitalisation journey. These essential services contribute to the state’s aspirations to enhance public safety, operational resilience, and sustainable urban growth, and are significant steps toward realising Melaka’s vision of becoming a premier smart city. This is part of TM’s aspirations to become a Digital Powerhouse, leveraging our offerings to help government agencies improve the quality of life for Melaka’s citizens.” Enhancing Urban Management In partnership with MPAG, TM One has introduced the Local Urban Observatory (LUO) Smart Solution, a data-driven platform designed to elevate urban monitoring and decision-making in Alor Gajah. This five-year collaboration integrates real-time data analytics, predictive insights, and public service tracking capabilities, enabling MPAG to monitor critical urban metrics, and gain insights on infrastructure management, public services, and environmental sustainability. Shazurawati commented, “Our LUO Smart Solution with MPAG exemplifies how AI and data analytics can drive sustainable urban planning and operational efficiencies. This collaboration empowers Alor Gajah to enhance its public service responsiveness and create a more liveable environment, aligning with Melaka’s smart city development.” Transforming Water Management To modernise Melaka’s water management services, TM One was appointed by SAMB to provide Smart Workforce Solutions. Leveraging the Open Innovation Platform (OIP) and a range of digital tools including Workflow and Job Assignment Software, the solution enables efficient task allocation and tracking for improved metering, restoration, and contractor management. Customised workforce monitoring devices further provide real-time data capture and reporting from on-site locations, improving operational visibility and safety. Additionally, high-speed mobile connectivity supports communication and coordination, ensuring swift task completion and better service quality. Shazurawati concluded, “Our partnership with SAMB highlights the transformative power of technology in essential services, improving efficiency through swift, coordinated responses to critical tasks. By digitalising workforce operations, we are enabling SAMB to improve operational resilience and elevate service standards for the people of Melaka.”
TM R&D inks MoU with ZTE to collaborate on optical network research, bringing the first 50gbps bandwidth experience to Malaysia
Telekom Research & Development Sdn Bhd (TM R&D), the innovation arm of Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM), recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ZTE (Malaysia) Corporation Sdn Bhd (ZTE), a global leading provider of information and communication technology solutions, to collaborate on optical network research, bringing the first 50Gbps bandwidth experience to Malaysia. The MoU was signed by Dr Sharlene Thiagarajah, Chief Executive Officer, TM R&D and Steven Ge, Chief Executive Officer, ZTE Malaysia. Under this agreement, TM R&D and ZTE will jointly explore the capabilities of next-generation Passive Optical Network (PON) access technology, 50GPON, to support various application scenarios. In addition, both entities will look into use cases that can deliver ultra-broadband access to the government, enterprise and consumers, as well as support the requirements of innovative services such as 5G, Cloud Virtual Reality (VR), industrial intelligent manufacturing for high bandwidth, low latency & jitter, and clock synchronisation, all of which will enhance the user experience in Malaysia. Commenting on the MoU, Dr. Sharlene Thiagarajah, Chief Executive Officer, TM R&D said, “TM R&D is committed to conducting research on future technologies and innovating new value-added smarter eco-systems that will improve the quality of user experience, and ultimately bring a positive impact on their lives. This fits well into the TM Group’s transformation towards becoming a human-centred TechCo. We are very excited to partner with a renowned global player such as ZTE to innovate on future generation PON technology in line with the global trend and technology roadmap.” Meanwhile, Steven Ge, Chief Executive Officer, ZTE Malaysia shared, “With Gigabit home broadband services widely used in Malaysia at present, and the basic fixed network is in the time window of evolution from GPON to 10G PON, this partnership could not have come at a better time.” “ZTE is pleased with the opportunity to collaborate with TM R&D on future research in next-generation PON technology supporting Digital Malaysia,” he added.
NEWSLETTER
Just drop your details and stay updated with the world of Telekom Malaysia. We promise – no spam!