Malaysia: Malaysia must ensure that the rapid growth of its data centre industry delivers real and quantifiable spillovers to the wider economy, including stronger local businesses, deeper local capabilities, and real opportunities for the people.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) chairman Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz emphasized that attracting investments was just the initial step. The subsequent responsibility involves developing a sustainable industry that benefits all Malaysians. He highlighted that beyond the headline numbers, MIDA is continually questioning how to turn these investments into lasting, tangible value for the broader Malaysian economy.
Tengku Zafrul pointed out that data centres are a major driver of Malaysia's digital economy, but the true value extends beyond the data halls themselves. The presence of global hyperscalers is positioning Malaysia as ASEAN's digital hub, which should translate into high-value job creation in construction, engineering, and technology operations. Additionally, this growth should foster opportunities for local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in areas such as facilities management, systems integration, and the cloud supply chain.
He emphasized that achieving these goals requires substantial investment in energy security, connectivity, industrial infrastructure, and circular resource use. Drawing on global examples, Tengku Zafrul cited Google's conversion of a decommissioned paper mill in Hamina, Finland, into a data centre using seawater for cooling, with waste heat recovery to warm nearby homes. Similarly, Meta's data centre in Odense, Denmark, supplies surplus heat to the city's district heating network.
Tengku Zafrul urged Malaysia to aspire to these heights and to move swiftly and systematically, as outlined in the National Industrial Master Plan 2030 and the National Semiconductor Strategy. He noted that data centres serve as the digital backbone catalyzing other industries, including advanced manufacturing, enabling artificial intelligence training, cloud services, and chip design, thereby bolstering Malaysia's position in the global compute economy.
He stressed the importance of practical and responsive policies to industry and business growth, encouraging stakeholders to share their experiences to facilitate these aims. He highlighted the DCN 2026's role in transforming discussions into commercial opportunities and fostering long-term partnerships. Additionally, he underscored the necessity of creating a robust local talent pipeline, referencing Amazon Web Services' re/Start programme as a model to consider.
Tengku Zafrul concluded by stating that success will ultimately be measured by the value built around investments, resulting in stronger Malaysian businesses, enhanced local capabilities, and genuine opportunities for the people. He called on capital owners and facilitators, like banks, to also contribute to this endeavor.