JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 28 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) strengthened its dedication to Malaysia’s data center and supply chain sectors by signing a new Letter of Intent (LoI) with GDS International (GDSI). During a ceremonial signing, Jamie Khoo, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GDSI, and Dr. Syed Muhammad Rafy Syed Jaafar, Designated Deputy Dean (Research, Innovation, and Development) of UTM’s Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying (FABU), represented the Dean of FABU, represented both entities. The relationship, established during the recent GDSI Data Center Supply Chain Ecosystem Summit in Johor, attracted over 400 industry executives and worldwide suppliers, highlighting Malaysia’s expanding significance as a center for data centers and advanced manufacturing.
This effort, with RM1 billion in investments from GDSI’s worldwide partners, is expected to yield over RM5 billion in yearly production and produce more than 5,000 employment, hence strengthening UTM’s contribution to industry-aligned talent development. Professor Datuk Dr. Ahmad Fauzi, Vice-Chancellor of UTM, underscored the significance of collaboration, “Collaborating with Industrial partner enables us to synchronize our academic programs with industry requirements, ensuring our students acquire the skills vital for advancing Malaysia’s science and technological development.”
The summit received endorsement from officials, including the Menteri Besar of Johor, YAB Dato’ Onn Hafiz Ghazi, and Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, YB Liew Chin Tong, and Minister of Digital YB Gobind Singh Deo, have acknowledging the partnership’s capacity for generating high-value employment and fostering sustainable growth in Malaysia’s digital economy.
UTM and GDSI intend to progress this relationship by executing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), thereby formalizing their mutual dedication to innovation, talent development, and improving Malaysia’s data center and supply chain ecosystem. UTM will enhance Malaysia’s digital economy by cultivating industry-ready talent and advancing the nation’s economic objectives through this relationship.
Prepared by : Ts.Dr.Leng Pau Chung, Ts. Dr. Gabriel Ling Hoh Teck, Dr. Syed Muhammad Rafy Syed Jaafar