PKNPk, GVL Explore Development Of Over-100 MW AI Data Centre In Perak
IPOH, Nov 3 (Bernama) -- Perak State Development Corporation (PKNPk) and Global Vision Lab Sdn Bhd (GVL) are exploring the development of a large-scale artificial intelligence (AI) data centre in Perak, with a planned power capacity of more than 100 megawatts (MW).
PKNPk chief executive Datuk Redza Rafiq Abdul Razak said the proposed facility aims to meet growing demand for AI computing, high-performance computing (HPC) and graphics processing unit (GPU)-based applications in Malaysia and the region.
“As an initial step, both parties have signed a non-disclosure agreement and a letter of consent to facilitate information exchange and preliminary assessments of the project's technical, infrastructure and commercial potential.
“The proposal could strengthen Perak's role in the digital ecosystem by laying the groundwork for infrastructure to support AI applications and high-performance computing,” he said in a statement today.
He said the initiative was also aligned with the state government's efforts to broaden its economic growth base through high-value technology activities.
The project could also open up wider opportunities, including high-skilled employment, stronger local technology supply chains and greater adoption of AI in sectors such as manufacturing and logistics.
On the respective roles of the two entities, Redza said PKNPk would coordinate engagement with state-level stakeholders, while GVL would lead development planning and coordinate technical and commercial assessments.
“The joint assessment will help determine an appropriate investment structure and implementation approach, subject to the findings and agreement of the relevant parties,” he said.
Meanwhile, GVL executive director YL Lee said rising demand for generative AI and HPC had made robust and flexible digital infrastructure increasingly important.
“Working with PKNPk and project partners allows us to assess the requirements to ensure the proposed data centre is suited to the needs of the regional market,” he said.
He said if the assessments confirmed the project's feasibility, the development could attract technology investments and create opportunities for local companies to supply goods and services to the data centre's supply chain.
Beyond job creation, the project could also contribute to skills development in data centre operations, engineering and digital technology.
“The scale of these benefits will depend on the project's final scope and workforce requirements,” he added.
-- BERNAMA