Microsoft will open a regional cloud data center in Johor Bahru, named Southeast Asia 3. It will offer Microsoft’s most comprehensive and strategic cloud services, supporting customers’ growing needs and AI workloads. This is the second regional cloud data center in Malaysia after the Malaysia West region opened in Kuala Lumpur in May.
The purpose of Southeast Asia 3 is to accelerate the adoption of AI at scale in the region. According to Laurence Si, Managing Director of Microsoft Malaysia, the investment demonstrates Microsoft’s commitment to digital innovation, security, and the development of the AI workforce in Malaysia.
Southeast Asia 3 will use several technologies that will allow it to operate sustainably through the use of a water-efficient cooling system. The water used will not evaporate as it is continuously recycled in a closed loop, thus reducing water consumption. In addition, it is equipped with a backup power generator using biofuel to reduce carbon emissions.
Microsoft also revealed that Affin Group, Petronas and RHB Bank have begun integrating AI agents into their operations, with several other organizations still in the early stages of their use.
