AirTrunk, a hyperscale data centre specialist for Asia Pacific & Japan (APJ), has officially launched its flagship 150 megawatt (MW) hyperscale data centre in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, named AirTrunk JHB1 (JHB1).
JHB1’s initial phases will deliver over 50 MW of capacity to major technology customers. Covering 10.3 hectares, the facility supports a major cloud availability zone. It provides robust domestic and international connectivity to regional tech hubs, including Singapore, through an end-to-end cross-border connection strategy.
The data centre boasts an industry-low Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.15. It features an AI-ready design with AirTrunk’s first deployment of direct-to-chip liquid cooling technology, in addition to traditional indirect evaporative cooling (IEC) and high-density racks. This innovative approach cuts energy consumption by up to 23%. AirTrunk introduced its liquid cooling technology in July 2024 after five years of R&D.
To accelerate the energy transition and support energy reliability, AirTrunk worked with Malaysian utility company Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) to connect JHB1. This follows an MOU with TNB signed in 2023 that will see the two companies advance the energy transition in the region.
Earlier this year, AirTrunk also secured Malaysia’s first renewable energy Virtual Power Purchase Agreement for 30 MW of renewable energy with developer ib vogt, under Malaysia’s Corporate Green Power Programme. Additionally, JHB1 features a solar-ready roof capable of generating over 1 MW of power in this phase, making it one of the largest onsite solar deployments for a data centre in Southeast Asia.
AirTrunk Founder & Chief Executive Officer Robin Khuda said, “With a commitment to innovation and sustainable growth, combined with a programme of investment in energy availability and renewable electricity, Malaysia is fast becoming a key tech hub in the Asia Pacific & Japan region. Through our long-term investment in Malaysia, we are able to support our customers as they grow at speed and implement groundbreaking solutions like liquid cooling, at scale, in order to catalyse sustainable cloud and AI development.
AirTrunk’s Head of Malaysia Pei Jet Lim said, “AirTrunk is making a positive contribution to the local economy through supporting and developing local talents and delivering critical digital infrastructure. The new data centre supports the rapid growth of cloud and AI in Malaysia and aligns with the MADANI Government’s initiative to establish AI hubs in the country. The long-term and predictable demand from JHB1 also provides the stability to underpin investment in the energy grid and initiate multiple green energy developments.”
The official opening of the data centre was attended by Malaysian and Australian officials, including Malaysia’s Deputy Minister for the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, YB Tuan Liew Chin Tong; Chairman of Johor State Investment, Trade and Consumer Affairs Committee, YB Tuan Lee Ting Han; and Australia’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, Her Excellency Ms Danielle Heinecke. The event also featured representatives from the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, Malaysian Investment Development Authority, Invest Johor, Iskandar Regional Development Authority, Iskandar Puteri City Council, Malaysia Communications and Multimedia Commission, and Tenaga Nasional Berhad.
