Data centre growth must bring local jobs, says deputy minister at DCN 2026

Malaysia has drawn RM385.7 billion in data centre-related investment between 2021 and the first half of 2026, and the government now wants that capacity to produce local businesses, skilled jobs and technology capability. Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Sim Tze Tzin and MIDA officials said this at Data Centre Nexus 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, where 14 data centre companies met 51 Malaysian vendors. Data centre electricity demand is projected to pass 5,000MW by 2035.