IPOH: The Perak State Development Corporation (PKNPk) is exploring the development of an artificial intelligence (AI) data centre in Perak with a planned power capacity exceeding 100 megawatts.
The proposed facility is aimed at meeting the growing demand for AI computing, high performance computing and graphics processing unit based applications in Malaysia and the wider region.
PKNPk chief executive Datuk Redza Rafiq Abdul Razak said the initiative was in line with the state’s efforts to diversify its economic base through high-value technology activities.
He said the proposed development could support the aspirations of Perak Sejahtera 2030 while positioning the state as a destination for high-technology digital infrastructure.
As an initial step, PKNPk and Global Vision Lab Sdn Bhd (GVL) have signed a non-disclosure agreement and a letter of consent to facilitate information sharing and preliminary assessments of the project’s technical, infrastructure and commercial feasibility, he added.
"We see broader potential benefits, including high skilled employment opportunities, strengthening local technology supply chains and the adoption of AI across sectors such as manufacturing and logistics.
"At this stage, PKNPk will focus on assessing the potential economic value for the state, as well as opportunities for local talent and businesses to participate," he said in a statement on Tuesday (Nov 3).
He said the preliminary assessment will cover site suitability, power supply availability, cooling systems, network connectivity and other supporting infrastructure requirements.
Under the proposed collaboration, PKNPk will coordinate the involvement of state-level stakeholders, while GVL will lead development planning and oversee the technical and commercial assessments.
Redza Rafiq said if found feasible, the project could attract technology investments and create business opportunities for local companies involved in supplying goods and services to the data centre industry.
He said it could also generate employment and support skills development in areas such as data centre operations, engineering and digital technology.
"The project’s scope, investment commitments, construction arrangements, power supply and implementation timeline will depend on the outcome of the assessments, definitive agreements and approvals from the relevant authorities," he said.
GVL executive director YL Lee said the growing demand for generative AI and high-performance computing had increased the need for robust and flexible digital infrastructure.
He said the collaboration would enable the parties to assess the requirements needed to ensure the proposed facility could serve the regional market.
"Our current focus is on examining the operational requirements and commercial aspects to identify a viable development model," he said.
