Equinix opens two new IBX data centres in Malaysia

Equinix, a global player in digital infrastructure, has significantly advanced Malaysia's digital economy with the inauguration of two new International Business Exchange (IBX) data centres in Johor and Kuala Lumpur. These carrier-neutral facilities mark a substantial enhancement in the country's digital landscape, enabling local and global enterprises to leverage robust digital infrastructure.

The Johor (JH1) and Kuala Lumpur (KL1) data centres will provide access to a global ecosystem encompassing over 10,000 companies. This development aligns with Malaysia's ambition to establish itself as a regional digital hub, supporting businesses in their digital transformation journeys and facilitating economic growth.

Jeremy Deutsch, President of Equinix Asia-Pacific, highlighted Malaysia as a strategic market with immense potential for digital transformation. He emphasised the company's commitment to delivering exceptional digital infrastructure solutions that drive innovation and economic advancement. "Our unwavering dedication to the Southeast Asia region underscores our belief in its immense potential to drive digital transformation and accommodate a growing digital-savvy population," he stated.

Equinix's new data centres are expected to play a crucial role in line with the Malaysian Government's MyDIGITAL initiative, which aims to accelerate digital product and service development. YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Malaysia's Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), praised Equinix's expansion, noting its alignment with the New Industrial Masterplan (NIMP) 2030. "Equinix's decision to expand its presence here reflects its continued confidence in Malaysia's industrial landscape," he said.

The JH1 facility's strategic location in Nusajaya Tech Park, Iskandar Puteri, places it just 15 kilometres from Singapore, catering to the growing demand from both local enterprises and neighbouring regions. With an initial investment of USD $40 million, JH1 offers 500 cabinets and 1,800 square metres of colocation space. Meanwhile, the KL1 facility in Cyberjaya, a key segment of Malaysia's Multimedia Super Corridor, is set to provide 900 cabinets and 2,630 square metres of colocation space upon full build-out.

Notably, Equinix data centres in Malaysia will be entirely powered by renewable energy, contributing to the company's objective of achieving climate neutrality by 2030. This commitment to sustainability extends across Equinix's global operations, which reached 96% renewable energy coverage in 2023. Both JH1 and KL1 are set to operate within the globally accepted boundaries of the ASHRAE A1A standards, targeting efficient power usage and helping businesses reduce their carbon footprint.

The new facilities will offer an array of digital services, including Equinix Internet Access, Equinix Fabric, Equinix Fabric Cloud Router, and Equinix Internet Exchange. These services are designed to provide seamless connectivity, enhanced scalability, optimised performance, and increased flexibility, empowering businesses to thrive in the dynamic digital landscape.

YB Tuan Lee Ting Han, Johor State Executive Council Member and Chairman of Investment, Trade, and Consumer Affairs, welcomed Equinix's investment, recognising its potential to enhance the state's technological capabilities and drive economic growth. Ts. Mahadhir Aziz, Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), expressed pride in facilitating Equinix's market entry, noting the positive impact on Malaysia's digital infrastructure and the creation of high-value job opportunities.

Mr Cheam Tat Inn, Managing Director of Equinix Malaysia, remarked on the significance of the new data centres. "These IBX data centres serve as the cornerstone for driving business agility, fostering collaboration and fuelling economic prosperity," he said, underscoring the transformative impact on Malaysia's digital economy.