Energy & Technology

DayOne Data Centers Singapore Pte Ltd has secured a landmark US$3.5 billion (approximately RM15 billion) in multicurrency financing to support the development and expansion of its green data centre operations in Johor, Malaysia.   The financing package, arranged with the support of Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Ltd (OCBC) and its Malaysian subsidiary OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Bhd, comprises RM7.5 billion in Islamic financing and a US$1.7 billion offshore term-loan facility. Both entities acted as joint coordinators for the syndicated deal, which represents the largest-ever loan secured by the company to date. Proceeds from the financing will be utilised for refinancing and capital expenditure associated with DayOne’s data centre infrastructure in the region. The facilities are on track to obtain certification for green digital infrastructure, in alignment with global sustainability standards. Malaysia, particularly Johor state, is rapidly emerging as a strategic hub for data centre development in Asia, driven by accelerating demand linked to artificial intelligence and digital transformation. Located directly across the causeway from Singapore, Johor currently hosts around 30 operational or in-progress data centre projects, with an additional 20 awaiting regulatory approval. Major international technology firms, including Microsoft Corp and ByteDance Ltd, have also committed to investments in Johor’s data infrastructure. DayOne, previously known as GDS International, serves as the international arm of China-based data centre operator GDS Holdings Ltd. According to Bloomberg, this financing arrangement is among the largest syndicated loans ever secured by a data centre operator in Asia. -Bloomberg

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s telecommunications sector is being urged to adopt bold, digital-first strategies that align with the evolving expectations of modern consumers, as traditional approaches become increasingly ineffective in a saturated and highly competitive market. A recent study by GrowthOps Asia highlighted that the country’s telco industry is undergoing a significant transformation, shaped by ongoing market convergence, the nationwide rollout of 5G, changing regulatory frameworks, and large-scale infrastructure investments. The report, titled Winning in Malaysia’s Mature Telco Market, revealed that mobile connections in Malaysia now exceed 129 percent of the population, underlining a state of full market penetration. This level of saturation calls for a decisive shift from legacy tactics to forward-thinking innovations that offer consumers more than mere connectivity. “We are at a pivotal moment in the telco market, where consumers are no longer just looking for connectivity – they want a single, inclusive provider that delivers a suite of services and meaningful value-adds,” said Chris Greenough, General Manager of GrowthOps Malaysia. “The players who pair innovative products with sharp, relevant go-to-market strategies will be the ones that win.” According to the report, CelcomDigi Bhd has emerged as the market leader with an estimated 40 percent share, following its merger in 2022. Maxis Bhd is positioned as a premium brand, focusing on network reliability and customer loyalty incentives. Meanwhile, challengers such as U Mobile Sdn Bhd and Uni by Telekom Malaysia Bhd are aggressively competing on affordability and plan innovation. The findings also reveal that while network quality and pricing continue to influence consumer choices, there is untapped potential in loyalty rewards programmes. No current provider stands out as a leader in rewards, despite many offering comparable features such as unlimited data and 5G access. The report noted that providers who combine strong network performance, competitive pricing, distinctive product features, and compelling loyalty benefits are well positioned to capture additional market share. Strategic growth opportunities have been identified in underserved urban and rural markets, the younger digital-native demographic, and through the adoption of new subscription models and multi-channel engagement strategies. The study also highlighted a strong correlation between brand awareness, share of voice, and market dominance. A robust digital presence and meaningful customer engagement are key to sustaining competitive advantage. “Telco brands that understand shifting preferences, act on regional and generational nuances, and focus on clarity, convenience, and credible communication will lead the next wave of mobile loyalty and growth in Malaysia,” the report concluded. -Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: ZTE Corporation (0763.HK / 000063.SZ), a global leading provider of integrated information and communication technology solutions, unveiled its latest AI-powered innovations at the “Catalyzing Intelligent Innovation” showcase in Kuala Lumpur, bringing highlights from Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 to Malaysia. The event reinforced ZTE’s commitment to helping Malaysia lead in next-generation digital infrastructure and intelligent transformation. At the heart of the showcase was ZTE’s vision for building ultra-efficient mobile networks, led by its cutting-edge Ultra Band Radio (UBR) technology. Designed for simplified deployment and green energy usage, UBR enables highly compact, power-efficient sites that reduce environmental impact while improving network performance. Key innovations included 5G-A solutions like 4K AR live broadcasting with ultra-low latency and high reliability, as well as real-world applications for drone logistics and smart waterways. To bridge the digital divide, ZTE introduced solar-powered and modular rural connectivity solutions like the Eco Radio and Rural Pilot, designed for sustainable and scalable deployment in remote areas. The event also highlighted ZTE’s advancement in All-Optical Networks, where high-speed fiber connectivity meets AI-driven intelligence. ZTE introduced its latest smart home ecosystem, including a next-generation AI Home Media Center, 4K AI Soundbar, the industry’s first AI screen-equipped FTTR (Fiber-To-The-Room), and its high-performance LinkPro Wi-Fi 7 series. These solutions offer seamless, intelligent connectivity for households and SMEs, supporting Malaysia’s broadband and digital lifestyle goals. Taking AI integration even further, ZTE presented the AIR DNA Future Network, a pioneering solution that re-engineers the foundational “genetics” of mobile networks. This AI-native infrastructure empowers operators to automate network operations, improve efficiency, and build more dynamic service models in a hyper-connected era. Complementing this was the debut of AiCube, ZTE’s full-stack intelligent computing solution that supports full-version DeepSeek deployment. Engineered to flexibly serve large data centers, edge computing facilities, and enterprise-grade systems, AiCube delivers high-performance AI processing across diverse scenarios—powering everything from smart cities to intelligent factories. ZTE is expanding its consumer-focused ‘nubia’ brand in Malaysia, introducing a strong focus on gaming through the nubia Neo 3 series. It is named Official Co-Branded Gaming Smartphone for Free Fire, bringing together its “Born to Win” and Free Fire’s “BOOYAH” spirit to provide an accessible esports-grade gaming experience for everyone. The new lineup features gaming oriented enhancement such as shoulder triggers and an expansive 4083mm² VC liquid cooling system. The nubia Neo 3 series also integrates cutting-edge AI features, including Demi, an AI gaming companion, and AI-powered tools for photography and voice interaction. The co-branding partnership between nubia Neo 3 series and Garena’s hit mobile game Free Fire. ZTE also highlighted its role in global policy leadership through GSMA forums, with potential to collaborate more closely with local regulators in shaping Malaysia’s digital future. Steven Ge, Managing Director of ZTE Malaysia, said during his keynote speech, “ZTE Malaysia has proudly spearheaded several landmark achievements, including setting a Malaysia Book of Records title for the fastest 5G-Advanced speed reaching 30.8 Gbps during a live test in Sarawak. Furthermore, ZTE is deeply committed to bridging Malaysia’s digital divide. Through active support of national initiatives like JENDELA, we have modernized and expanded coverage especially in rural and underserved areas.” The event drew participation from key Malaysian stakeholders including Axiata, CelcomDigi, Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), EdotCo, Maxis, Telekom Malaysia, U Mobile, YTL Corporation, and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). Through this showcase, ZTE extended a call for deeper collaboration with ecosystem players to co-build a smarter, more inclusive digital future. ZTE has filed over 93,000 global patent applications, and has approximately 48,000 patents in total, as well as a proven track record of supporting national infrastructure—having modernized over 10,000 sites and delivered more than half of the nationwide JENDELA rollout—ZTE continues to support Malaysia’s long-term digital agenda. The “Catalyzing Intelligent Innovation” event demonstrates ZTE’s position as a global driver of digital progress. By empowering operators, developers, and policymakers with the tools to build intelligent infrastructure, ZTE is enabling Malaysia to accelerate its position as a regional digital leader and future-ready economy.

Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) is intensifying its efforts to establish itself as a dependable long-term liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplier to China. The Malaysian state-owned energy company is expanding both its domestic gas development initiatives and international production capabilities, as part of its strategy to ensure reliable and sustainable energy supply to one of the world’s largest LNG importers. Speaking at the World Gas Conference 2025 in Beijing, Shamsairi Ibrahim, Vice President of Petronas LNG Marketing & Trading, Gas & Maritime Business, emphasised the company’s commitment to building a robust global production network to meet China’s rising energy demands. “This includes the development of key domestic gas fields such as Timi, Kasawari, and Jerun, alongside continued progress at Rosmari and Marjoram. These assets are vital to ensuring long-term supply stability from our LNG complex,” said Shamsairi. China’s LNG Imports Surge China’s LNG imports reached approximately 77 million tonnes in 2024, representing an 8.1% increase year-on-year, driven by ongoing economic recovery and infrastructure growth. Projections indicate that imports will rise further to exceed 83 million tonnes in 2025, surpassing the record 79 million tonnes set in 2021. Petronas currently supplies around 10% of China’s total LNG imports, exporting approximately 8 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to the country in 2024. The company aims to strengthen this position by enhancing supply reliability in alignment with China’s dual objectives of energy security and decarbonisation. Global Flexibility and Strategic Expansion To enhance flexibility and resilience amid market and geopolitical volatility, Petronas is leveraging liquefaction capabilities at its Bintulu LNG Complex while expanding international operations. One of the key developments is the upcoming commencement of deliveries from LNG Canada, with the first cargo expected in mid-June 2025. “The LNG Canada project gives us greater optionality in supplying the Asia-Pacific region, especially China, while optimising Pacific trade routes and diversifying supply sources,” noted Shamsairi. Complementing these efforts, Petronas is investing in its LNG shipping and delivery infrastructure to support diverse market needs including marine, inland, and off-grid demand. The company has added three new LNG carriers to serve Shenergy’s Wuhaogou terminal in Shanghai and is actively rolling out its LNG Virtual Pipeline System (VPS) across the Yangtze River and inland China. The VPS, which utilises ISO tank containers, also supports domestic clean energy access by delivering LNG to remote, off-grid areas across Peninsular Malaysia. Decarbonisation and Fleet Modernisation Petronas is concurrently upgrading infrastructure at the Bintulu complex, including a phased shift to green electricity from mid-2026 to replace older, less efficient gas turbines. Offshore, the company’s Floating LNG (FLNG) assets—PFLNG Satu and PFLNG Dua—continue to demonstrate the feasibility of sustainable offshore LNG production. A third FLNG facility, currently under construction in South Korea, is scheduled for commissioning in 2027 with a capacity of 2.1 million tonnes per annum. To future-proof its LNG logistics operations, Petronas is also investing in dual-fuel vessels and exploring next-generation shipping innovations, including liquefied CO₂ and ammonia carriers. “Our diversified global portfolio and tailored supply strategies place us in a strong position to meet short-, medium- and long-term energy needs,” said Shamsairi. He added that while renewable energy adoption is accelerating, hydrocarbons remain integral to the global energy mix—accounting for 80% of energy supply today, with projections indicating a continued 30% share by 2050. “Rising energy demand, particularly in the Asia-Pacific, means that hydrocarbons will remain essential in meeting baseload requirements for the foreseeable future,” he concluded. -Bernama

TOKYO: Malaysia has presented its strategic approach to 5G deployment and emphasised its commitment to online security at the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity Ministerial Meeting (APT-MM) 2025, held in Tokyo from 30 to 31 May. Leading the Malaysian delegation for the first time, Communications Minister YB Fahmi Fadzil shared the country’s evolving experience in 5G implementation—from an initial single network model to the current dual network framework. He also highlighted Malaysia’s broader digital transformation initiatives, including the National Digital Network (JENDELA) infrastructure programme. “This platform enables us to showcase the achievements of our digital initiatives and exchange valuable insights with regional counterparts,” said Fahmi. “Our journey in rolling out 5G and executing large-scale infrastructure projects such as JENDELA and Points of Presence (PoP) offers lessons that may benefit other nations.” In addition to infrastructure discussions, Malaysia underscored the urgent need to strengthen online security measures across the region. Fahmi called on APT member countries to increase focus on cyber regulation and monitoring, specifically in addressing online gambling and cyber fraud. “One of the proposals I raised was the need for senior officials to convene annually, potentially through dedicated workshops, to collectively address digital security challenges and explore shared solutions,” he added. During the two-day summit, Fahmi held bilateral discussions with representatives from Japan, Indonesia, Fiji, China, Iran, Australia, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the GSM Association (GSMA). These engagements facilitated knowledge sharing and reinforced regional partnerships. Fahmi also pointed to Australia’s regulatory framework as a reference point, expressing Malaysia’s interest in conducting further studies—either through visits or virtual exchanges—to explore the applicability of similar legal approaches in Malaysia. He noted that agencies such as the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) would play a key role in evaluating these frameworks. Malaysia reaffirmed its aspiration to remain on the ITU Council for the 2027–2030 term, with Fahmi leveraging bilateral meetings to seek support from partner countries. The APT-MM 2025 concluded with the launch of the ‘Tokyo Statement 2025’, which outlines six regional priorities: digital connectivity, digital innovation and entrepreneurship, trust and security, digital inclusion and capacity building, environmental sustainability, and international cooperation. Held under the theme “Harnessing Emerging Technologies for Sustainable, Inclusive and Equitable Digital Transformation in the Asia-Pacific”, the conference brought together 31 member nations and 19 affiliate entities, encompassing governments, regulators, and private sector stakeholders. -Bernama