SALUTATION
1. Yang Berbahagia Tuan Fabian Bigar
Secretary General, Ministry of Digital
2. Yang Berusaha Dr. Ani Ahmad
Yang Dipertua Majlis Perbandaran Sepang
3. Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Praba Thiagarajah
Executive Chairman, Basis Bay
4. Mr Bruno Lopez
President & Group Chief Executive Officer, ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC)
5. Mr Thyaga Rajan Serniwassan
Group Chief Executive Officer, Basis Bay
6. Mr Lionel Yeo
Chief Executive Officer (Southeast Asia), ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC)
7. Mr Bas Van Der Wal
Chief Executive Officer (Data Centre), Basis Bay
Distinguished Guests and Industry Partners
Members of the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Salam Perpaduan, Salam Malaysia MADANI and a very good Afternoon.
1. I am pleased to be here today. Thank you, Basis Bay for your contribution to Malaysia’s digital economy since launching your first data centre in Subang in 1996.
2. Today marks another key milestone for your company. This ambitious project underlines your company’s commitment to accelerating our country’s digital transformation journey.
3. Malaysia has emerged as one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic data centre markets. This is thanks to the continued support by our domestic players, and the faith placed by global tech giants.
4. The total number of data center investment projects approved during the period 2021 until June 30, 2025, is 143 projects. Out of this total, 25 projects with Malaysia Digital (MD) status have been approved for the Digital Ecosystem Acceleration Scheme (DESAC) incentive, with a total investment of RM144.4 billion. This investment is expected to create 1,429 new jobs.
5. Such investments will naturally contribute to Malaysia’s GDP, while promising economic opportunities to Malaysians. The spillover effect of data centres will also be felt by the locals.
GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS TO BOOST DATA CENTRES
Ladies and Gentlemen,
6. The data centre industry will continue to thrive thanks to the MADANI Government’s commitment in turning Malaysia into an AI Nation by 2030.
7. The National AI Office (NAIO) will drive the completion of Malaysia’s AI Technology Action Plan 2026–2030, as a continuation of the National AI Roadmap 2021–2025. This underscores our efforts in fostering a robust AI ecosystem.
8. More initiatives will be drawn up by NAIO, with the ultimate goal of helping data centre players in the country grow.
9. This is because data centers are a strategic imperative in this AI era. As you well aware, data centres provide the immense computational power required to train, test, and deploy AI solutions at massive scale.
10. As such, efforts have been made to spur the data centre industry, as reflected in Budget 2026.
11. RM2 billion has been allocated for the MADANI submarine cable (SALAM) connecting 3,190km across Malaysia, alongside continued 5G network expansion. The nationwide 5G network expansion will enable smart building technologies and IoT integration.
12. These initiatives will drive continued growth in data centre real estate in areas like the Klang Valley, Johor, Sarawak and Penang. They will also potentially create new investment hotspots in other 4 locations.
13. A significant RM7.9 billion has been allocated for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). This is a substantial increase from previous budgets. This year’s budget prioritises specialised training, including AI applications.
14. The government will also support training programmes that develop local IC Design talents. Nurturing a highly-skilled workforce will support our position in high-tech manufacturing, and the data centre industry.
15. The Ministry of Digital has spearheaded policies and introduced new legislations to strengthen our cyber resilience. Efforts to stop bad actors from compromising our digital assets will continue as we need to create a trusted ecosystem for our digital innovations and economy to truly flourish.
16. Ultimately, building data centers is not just about technology — it’s about creating a digital ecosystem that is inclusive, secure, and sustainable for everyone.
CALL FOR MORE LOCAL PLAYERS TO INVEST IN DATA CENTRES
Ladies and Gentlemen,
17. Malaysia will continue to welcome investors from abroad to set up and expand their footprint in our country.
18. Our economic zones, such as the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), are strategically positioned to maintain 5 Malaysia’s investment momentum while focusing on high-growth sectors.
19. I am proud to see a Malaysian-grown company like Basis Bay taking bold strides on the global stage. The Cyberjaya Data Centre 2 proves that our nation has the talent and determination to build and operate a world-class infrastructure, ensuring that our critical data remains secure within our own borders. In short, this is a classic example of Made by Malaysians, Made in Malaysia.
20. I must highlight that the partnership between Basis Bay and ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC) exemplifies how regional collaboration can strengthen Malaysia’s standing as a digital hub for Southeast Asia.
21. On behalf of the Ministry of Digital Malaysia, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to Basis Bay and STT GDC on this landmark achievement.
22. May Cyberjaya DC2 continue to inspire confidence, sustainability and national pride as we work together to build an AI Nation.
Thank You.
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