JLG, the real estate and infrastructure arm and wholly owned subsidiary of Johor Corporation (JCorp), described as the principal development institution that drives the growth of the Johor state economy, has signed a data centre-related memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Mitsui & Co through its subsidiary Mitsui & Co (Malaysia).
Under the MoU, the two companies are to conduct a joint feasibility study on the development of a hyperscale data centre and a solar farm to power the data centres in Sedenak Tech Park (STeP). The companies will form a joint venture partnership to invest in, develop and operate these projects.
STeP is a 745-acre area in Johor, a state in southern Malaysia linked to Singapore by causeways, with a focus on encouraging the development of data centres. The area is said to have abundant energy and water resources, all critical for the operation of international standard data centres. In addition, its proximity and dark fibre connection to Singapore positions it as a major alternative data hub for the Southeast Asia region.
According to the Data Centre Dynamics website, the stated aim of the MoU is to “jointly explore prospective business opportunities and strategic project developments” in Ibrahim Technopolis (IBTEC) including Sedenak Tech Park (STeP), over the next two to three years.
YBhg Datuk Syed Mohamed Syed Ibrahim, President and Chief Executive of JCorp and chairman of JLG, is quoted as saying: “In an increasingly data-dependent digital economy, we are proactively identifying and implementing renewable energy sources for the future of decarbonizing data centres.”
