The MoU was signed by Mr. William Huang, Chairman of GDS, and Dato' Indera Ir. Dr. Ahmad Sabirin Arshad, President and Group Chief Executive Officer of SIRIM Berhad.
The primary objective of this collaboration is to establish comprehensive standards for the development and operation of data centers in Malaysia, focusing on sustainability and efficiency. This partnership also aims to enhance water and energy efficiency by reducing water usage and waste in data center operations, implementing energy-saving technologies, and promoting environmentally friendly practices.
Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, highlighted the importance of this partnership, stating, “Data centers are key enablers of our economy, serving as the backbone of the digital ecosystem that drives innovation, business continuity, and economic growth. The collaboration between GDS International and SIRIM represents a critical step forward in establishing robust industry standards for data centers in Malaysia. This initiative not only re\lects our unwavering commitment to sustainable development but also positions Malaysia as a leader in green technology innovation and operational excellence within the data center sector.”
He further added, “In line with this, we are actively developing Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) and Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE) Guidelines, speci\ically designed for energy and water-intensive industries like data centers. These guidelines will ensure that data centers operate with resource ef\iciency and sustainability at their core, aligning with our broader goals for environmental stewardship, SME digital empowerment and sustainable economic growth, in line with the NIMP2030.
William Huang emphasized, “We are particularly focused on improving water and energy efficiency, implementing best practices, and promoting a greener, more sustainable approach to data center operations.”
Additionally, the collaboration will leverage SIRIM’s expertise to develop calibration protocols for data center equipment, ensuring that all equipment meets international standards. This will involve regular calibration and maintenance to enhance the reliability and performance of data center operations.
Dato' Indera Ir. Dr. Ahmad Sabirin Arshad said SIRIM welcomes this collaboration and looks forward to working closely with GDS and assist with testing, inspections, and certifications to ensure compliance with industry regulations. SIRIM focus will be on upholding high operational standards in safety, efficiency, and performance.
“This MoU will set new benchmarks for the industry, driving innovation, and supporting Malaysia's goal of becoming a leader in sustainable data center operations. This collaboration underscores SIRIM commitment to promoting efficiency and sustainability through precise standards and best practices” he added.
The partnership aims to promote green practices and support the future growth of Malaysia’s data center industry by combining SIRIM's standards development expertise with GDS’s extensive operational experience. William Huang added, “By leveraging SIRIM's knowledge and our own experience, we hope to advance sustainable practices and ensure the industry’s growth in Malaysia.”
GDS’s efforts are aligned with Malaysia’s New Industrial Master Plan 2030. William Huang concluded, “We are committed to supporting the Malaysian Government in realizing the full potential of digital transformation and creating a digitally vibrant nation.”
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ABOUT GDS
GDS (NASDAQ: GDS; HKEX: 9698) is a leading developer and operator of high performance data centers in Asia Pacific. Our facilities are strategically located in primary economic hubs where demand for high-performance data center services is concentrated. With a track record spanning 23 years, GDS has successfully delivered services to some of the largest and most demanding customers in need of outsourced data center solutions. We proudly serve over 860 customers, establishing ourselves as the largest carrier-neutral data center service provider in Asia. With over 100 data centers, GDS offers data center services to hyperscale cloud service providers, large internet companies, financial institutions, telecommunications carriers, IT service providers, as well as large private sector and multinational corporations. Recognizing the potential for growth in APAC, GDS established its international headquarters in Singapore in 2021. This move has allowed GDS to develop a strategic Asia Pacific strategy to better serve our clients and contribute to the region's digital economy ecosystem.
ABOUT SIRIM
A wholly-owned company of the Malaysian Government under the Ministry of Investment, Trade & Industry (MITI). SIRIM Berhad is a leading organisation for technology and quality solutions specialising in Industrial Research, Technology Development and Commercialisation; Certification, Testing and Inspection; Measurement and Calibration; Training; Standards Research and Development; Technology-based Entrepreneurship; and Design Advisory.SIRIM Corporate Website
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