Premier: Sarawak’s abundant renewable energy, water pave way for data centre growth

Abang Johari (second left) in a photo-call with Teo (second right) and Chan (right) during his visit in Singapore. Also seen is Sarawak Minister for Utility and Telecommunication (MUT), Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi. Photo credit: Office of The Premier of Sarawak

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Oct 22: Sarawak has the advantage of having abundant renewable energy and water for the data centre industry to thrive in the State, according to Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

In a news report posted on the Premier’s official Facebook page, ‘Sarawakku’, Abang Johari spoke at a luncheon yesterday (Oct 21) hosted by digital technology solutions provider Accenture and Google Singapore, held on the sidelines of his week-long attendance at the Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) Summit.

The Premier highlighted that data centres require a sufficient and reliable supply of energy and water, which acts as a cooling agent, to enable smooth operation.

He also pointed out that the most important consideration for the possible setting up of a Google data centre in Sarawak would be the bottom line, given the advantages Sarawak has compared to other areas like Johor.

“You asked me if Google can go to Sarawak—it depends on you (Google). It’s not up to us to decide because basically what you want is the bottom line. If you can have the bottom line more in Sarawak, why not come to Sarawak?” he said.

The news report further highlighted that Sarawak has a Tier IV data centre in Santubong, launched in 2022 and operated by PP Telecommunication Sdn Bhd.

Additionally, at the recent International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) 2024, Aizo Group Bhd signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with NetRunner Sdn Bhd to jointly establish a Tier IV data centre hub in Sarawak, aimed at meeting the growing demand for secure and reliable data storage and processing facilities.

Abang Johari acknowledged that locations like Singapore offered an advantage for the growth of data centres but emphasised that connectivity with the rest of the world would mitigate any location-related challenges.

“Your operation can be in Sarawak but you may work from other parts of the world if there’s good connectivity,” he stressed.

During his visit to Singapore, the Premier also held discussions with key officials, including Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, Education Minister Chan Chun Sing.

Earlier, he met with Richard Lochhead, Minister for Business of the Scottish government followed by another meeting with Yang Mulia Dato Seri Paduka Awang Mohamad Azmi Mohd Hanifah, Deputy Minister (Energy) at the Prime Minister’s Office of the Brunei government.

Earlier that morning, upon arriving at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, the Premier was interviewed by CNBC. Later, after delivering his keynote address, he launched the Sarawak Energy booth at the same venue.

In the evening, the Premier and key members of his entourage were guests at a dinner hosted by Second Minister Tan See Leng. — DayakDaily