Nusajaya: MBSB Bhd (MBSB) and DayOne Data Centers have formed a strategic collaboration to accelerate Johor’s digital infrastructure and economic transformation in line with the Maju Johor 2030 agenda. The partnership is supported by a RM1.2 billion Islamic financing facility from MBSB Bank, which acts as the mandated lead arranger in a syndicated club deal for DayOne-owned projects under WG Data Hub Sdn Bhd.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, MBSB Group chief executive officer Rafe Haneef stated that the RM1.2 billion financing for DayOne is part of a total syndication valued at RM15 billion, comprising RM7.5 billion in US dollar financing and another RM7.5 billion through local Islamic financing. He explained that the financing was implemented through a syndication with several local banks, based on the concept of sustainable financing. DayOne has obtained the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification from the United States, recognizing it as a world-class sustainable data centre. DayOne is also part of China’s GDS Holdings group, which has been operating for over 20 years and now owns more than 90 data centres in the region, including in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia.
Rafe added that the initiative marks the first step in positioning Johor as a regional data centre hub, before expanding into the artificial intelligence (AI) sector. Also present at the signing ceremony was Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
Meanwhile, Johor State Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee chairman Lee Ting Han commented that the strategic collaboration between MBSB and DayOne demonstrates how industry partnerships can directly contribute to digital transformation, sustainable growth, and high-value job creation for Johoreans. He highlighted that the financing provided reflects domestic banks’ confidence in the rapidly growing data centre industry in the state.
Lee noted that Johor barely had any data centres three years ago, but now there are 13 in operation and 15 under construction. This sector has positively impacted the state’s economy, including the creation of job opportunities for contractors, engineers, surveyors, accountants, lawyers, and other professionals. More importantly, the active participation of banks and local companies confirms that this sector is sustainable and competitive. He also pointed out that Johor recorded approved investments of RM56 billion in the first half of this year.