MELAKA: ZData Group founder Dr Zhou Kang has been conferred the Darjah Cemerlang Seri Melaka (DCSM), which carries the title Datuk Wira, in conjunction with the 77th birthday of Melaka's Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Mohd Ali Rustam on Wednesday (Aug 26).
The recognition comes as ZData, a leading digital infrastructure provider, expands its presence in Malaysia.
For Zhou, the honour reinforces his commitment to contribute to Malaysia’s digital transformation.
“Malaysia is not merely an investment destination for us. It is an important strategic pillar in ZData Group’s expansion,” Zhou told The Star.
ZData has invested RM8bil in its Johor data centre campus, making it the centrepiece of the company’s expansion in Malaysia. Designed to deliver at least 300MW of capacity, the project has also secured provisional GreenRE Platinum certification, becoming the first hyperscale data centre development in Malaysia to receive this recognition at this stage.
“This campus marks the beginning of an important chapter for us,” Zhou said. “We hope it will support Malaysia’s Malaysia Digital 2030 Action Plan while strengthening the country’s position as a regional hub for artificial intelligence, cloud computing and digital infrastructure.”
ZData’s investment, however, extends beyond physical infrastructure. The company is in discussions with Malaysian universities and institutions to develop training and industry-focused programmes in data centre operations.
“Our aim is not simply to construct data centres. We want to help Malaysia build a wider digital ecosystem, develop local talent and create quality employment opportunities for young Malaysians.”
As hyperscale development intensifies scrutiny over energy and water consumption, Zhou said sustainability has to be engineered into projects from the outset rather than added later.
ZData is designed to use 100% reclaimed water for cooling, avoiding reliance on potable water. The campus will also incorporate heat-recovery evaporative cooling, energy-efficient electrical equipment, advanced power management and new power systems, alongside intelligent operations supported by digital-twin technology.
“High computing capacity, energy efficiency, security and sustainability must progress together,” Zhou said.
With more than a decade of experience, ZData provides cloud-network convergence and digital infrastructure services across the full data centre lifecycle, from planning and investment to design, construction and operations, with a focus on hyperscale and AI infrastructure.
Its strategy centres on green transformation and reducing carbon emissions. This approach establishes the data centre as both a key infrastructure investment and a foundation for resource-efficient digital expansion in Malaysia.
Zhou, who holds an Executive MBA (EMBA) from Tsinghua University and a doctorate in management from Renmin University of China, said the award would encourage both him and ZData to deepen engagement with Malaysian stakeholders.
“This recognition carries a responsibility,” he said. “We hope to build for the long term, grow together with Malaysia and make a meaningful contribution to the country’s digital economy and its next generation of talent.”
