AirTrunk Invests $3 Billion to Expand Malaysia Data Center Footprint to 700 MW
May 4, 2026
AirTrunk Invests $3 Billion to Expand Malaysia Data Center Footprint to 700 MW
AirTrunk has announced a significant expansion of its data center operations in Malaysia, committing MYR 12 billion (USD 3 billion) to develop two new hyperscale campuses in Johor Bahru. The move underscores the company’s deepening bet on Southeast Asia’s rapidly growing digital economy and Malaysia’s ambition to become a regional AI hub.
The new facilities, designated JHB3 and JHB4, will be located in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, adjacent to AirTrunk’s existing JHB1 and JHB2 campuses. Each campus will deliver a combined IT load capacity exceeding 280 megawatts (MW), bringing AirTrunk’s total capacity in Malaysia to over 700 MW. With this investment, the company’s total committed spending in the country now stands at approximately MYR 27 billion (USD 6.8 billion).
Designed to support high-density cloud and AI workloads, the campuses feature flexible, scalable infrastructure with advanced cooling systems that rely on 100% recycled water. AirTrunk said the facilities will operate at lower power usage compared to conventional data centers, reinforcing its focus on energy efficiency and responsible resource management.
The expansion builds on strong momentum from earlier projects. AirTrunk’s JHB1 and JHB2 campuses, with a combined IT load exceeding 420 MW, are nearly fully contracted and progressing ahead of schedule. The company has already awarded MYR 423 million (USD 107 million) in contracts to local suppliers, a figure expected to reach MYR 5 billion (USD 1.3 billion) once all four campuses are completed.
Robin Khuda, Founder and CEO of AirTrunk, said the new campuses represent the next phase of the company’s growth in Malaysia. “Malaysia has set a clear ambition to lead in AI, and we’re investing in that vision for the long term,” he said. “Our confidence comes from the strong partnership we have with the Malaysian government and local stakeholders.”
Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, YAB Datuk Amar Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof, welcomed the investment, stating that it aligns with the country’s goal of becoming a leading digital and AI hub. “Investments like AirTrunk’s Johor expansion reflect growing confidence in Malaysia and play an important role in advancing innovation, talent development, and long-term economic benefit,” he said.
Australia’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, Her Excellency Danielle Heinecke, noted that the project exemplifies deepening bilateral cooperation on digital infrastructure. “It supports Malaysia’s growth in the digital economy while also strengthening the connection between our two countries,” she said.
Beyond infrastructure, the development is expected to generate substantial economic benefits for Johor and Malaysia. AirTrunk said the construction of JHB3 and JHB4 will create over 3,000 jobs, with ongoing employment opportunities for local talent once the campuses become operational. The company is also partnering with local suppliers and contractors to support regional industry.
Community initiatives include multi-year STEM scholarships with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), support for Johor Digital Literacy Day 2025 in partnership with ICDL, and sustainable rainwater-harvesting projects with Gravity Water and Water Watch Penang to provide potable water in schools. AirTrunk is also working with MERCY Malaysia on flood resilience and disaster response efforts in Johor.
The expansion follows AirTrunk’s recent entry into the Indian market, supported by a planned investment exceeding USD 5 billion. Upon completion of JHB3 and JHB4, AirTrunk will operate or have plans for over 3.3 GW of capacity across 22 campuses in six regions: Australia, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and India.
Source: telecomreviewasia
