KUALA LUMPUR: Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Perak (PKNPk) and Global Vision Lab Sdn Bhd (GVL) are exploring the development of an artificial intelligence (AI) data centre in Perak with a proposed power capacity exceeding 100 megawatts (MW).
In a joint statement, the parties said they had signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) and a letter of consent to facilitate preliminary technical, infrastructure and commercial assessments of the proposed project.
The development is aimed at meeting growing demand for AI computing, high-performance computing (HPC) and graphics processing unit (GPU)-based applications in Malaysia and the region.
The assessments will cover site suitability, power supply availability, cooling systems, network connectivity and other infrastructure requirements.
PKNPk chief executive Datuk Redza Rafiq said the proposed development was aligned with the state's efforts to diversify its economy into higher-value technology activities under the Perak Sejahtera 2030 initiative.
He said the project could create skilled employment opportunities, strengthen local technology supply chains and support AI adoption in sectors such as manufacturing and logistics.
"At this stage, PKNPk will focus on assessing the potential economic value that can be generated for the state, as well as opportunities for local talent and enterprises to participate," he said.
Under the proposed collaboration, PKNPk will coordinate state-level stakeholders, while GVL will lead development planning and oversee technical and commercial assessments.
ITMAN Service Center (M) Sdn Bhd and Future Quantum Co Ltd have also been identified as project partners, although their specific roles have yet to be finalised.
GVL executive director Y.L. Lee said the assessment would focus on the project's operational requirements and commercial viability amid growing demand for generative AI and high-performance computing infrastructure.
"Our current focus is on examining the operational requirements and commercial aspects to identify a viable development model," he said.
The parties stressed that the proposed capacity of more than 100 MW remained a planning target and had not been finalised.
The project's scope, investment commitments, construction arrangements, power supply and implementation timeline will depend on the feasibility assessments, definitive agreements and regulatory approvals.
