Johor bahru: Global data centre operator DayOne is deepening its long-term commitment to Malaysia by positioning the country as a key hub in the regional digital supply chain, with major infrastructure and ecosystem investments centred in Johor.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, DayOne Data Centers Malaysia Sdn Bhd general manager Jimmy Yan stated that the company is currently developing two hyperscale campuses in Nusajaya Tech Park and Kempas Tech Park, each covering hundreds of acres and targeting a combined capacity of up to 500 megawatts. Yan emphasized the company’s objective to not only build data centres but also to integrate into Malaysia’s digital economy by localizing the supply chain, developing skilled local talent, and forging long-term partnerships with both federal and state governments.
Jimmy revealed that the project is already generating significant economic spillover, with an estimated RM400 million in supply chain investments already recorded, driven by the localization of vendors and partners. DayOne aims to transition from merely investing in Malaysia to creating products ‘Made in Malaysia,’ making the country a core manufacturing and supply chain hub for the company’s global infrastructure needs.
DayOne is bringing in its ecosystem, including hyperscale clients, tech giants, AI startups, and application developers to set up regional operations in Malaysia. This aligns with Johor’s push under the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) framework, further reinforcing the state’s status as an emerging digital powerhouse.
In terms of employment, DayOne is projected to create around 1,000 direct jobs and up to 5,000 indirect jobs over the next few years through its contractors, suppliers, and ecosystem partners. The company is also collaborating with the Johor Talent Development Council, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, and advanced technology training centres to build a local talent pipeline, encouraging Johoreans working in Singapore to return and grow their careers locally.
Jimmy emphasized their commitment to not only offering jobs but also providing upskilling and technical training, enabling local talent to grow into high-value roles, especially in engineering, operations, and infrastructure. He noted Johor’s strategic location next to Singapore, coupled with government support and advanced infrastructure, positions the state as an ideal launchpad for digital and AI-related investments in Southeast Asia.
Malaysia’s robust talent, resources, and infrastructure in the region have made it a central node in DayOne’s global operations, as highlighted by Jimmy Yan.