DayOne Drives Digital Supply Chain Investments In Johor, Positions Malaysia As Regional Hub

By Hasnah Jusid

ISKANDAR PUTERI, July 15 (Bernama) -- Global data centre operator DayOne is deepening its long-term commitment to Malaysia by positioning the country as a key hub in the regional digital supply chain, with major infrastructure and ecosystem investments centred in Johor.

DayOne Data Centers Malaysia Sdn Bhd general manager Jimmy Yan said the company is currently developing two hyperscale campuses in Nusajaya Tech Park and Kempas Tech Park, each covering hundreds of acres and targeting a combined capacity of up to 500 megawatts.

“Our goal is not just to build data centres, but to embed ourselves in Malaysia’s digital economy by localising our supply chain, developing skilled local talent, and building long-term partnerships with both federal and state governments,” he told Bernama in an exclusive interview.

According to Jimmy, the project is already generating significant economic spillover, with an estimated RM400 million ringgit in supply chain investments already recorded, driven by the localisation of vendors and partners.

He added that DayOne aims to transition from “investing in Malaysia to ‘Made in Malaysia’”, making the country not just a base for operations but a core manufacturing and supply chain hub for the company’s global infrastructure needs.

“We are bringing in our ecosystem, not only our hyperscale clients and technology (tech) giants, but also artificial intelligence (AI) startups and application developers to set up regional operations here,” he said.

Jimmy also said the company’s presence in Johor is closely aligned with the state’s push under the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) framework, further reinforcing Johor’s status as an emerging digital powerhouse.

In terms of employment, DayOne is projected to create around 1,000 direct jobs and up to 5,000 indirect jobs over the next few years through its contractors, suppliers, and ecosystem partners.

The company is also working with the Johor Talent Development Council, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and adtech (advanced technology training centre) institutions to build a local talent pipeline, including attracting Johoreans working in Singapore to return and grow careers at home.

“We do not just offer jobs; we provide upskilling and technical training, so local talent can grow into high-value roles, especially in engineering, operations, and infrastructure,” he said.

He noted that Johor’s strategic location next to Singapore, coupled with government support and advanced infrastructure, has positioned the state as an ideal launchpad for digital and AI-related investments in Southeast Asia.

“Malaysia has some of the best talent, resources, and infrastructure in the region. That is why we are not only investing here, we are making Malaysia a central node in our global operations,” he added.

-- BERNAMA