Data centre investments generate high-skill jobs, says Ramanan amid RM95.8 billion inflow
Ramanan told Parliament that data-centre projects, while capital-intensive, are creating high-skill, technically specialised jobs as RM95.8 billion was invested in the sector during the first half of the year.
In a written parliamentary response, Ramanan highlighted that data-centre projects demand heavy capital outlays for high-quality equipment, power infrastructure and cooling systems, yet they also generate a majority of high-value, technically demanding jobs. TalentCorp has pinpointed twelve critical roles, including electrical and mechanical engineers, IT project managers, network security engineers and data-centre technicians, with most needing a degree and some requiring diplomas or TVET qualifications.
Investment in the sector reached RM95.8 billion in the first half of the year and totals RM385.7 billion from 2021 to mid-2026, attracting companies like Microsoft, Google and Amazon. Malaysia now hosts 125 data centres with 925.6 MW of active capacity, another 2 GW under construction and 3.1 GW planned, according to BMI research. Despite rising competition from Vietnam and Thailand, BMI expects Malaysia to remain Southeast Asia’s leading data-centre market, though rapid growth raises concerns about pressure on water and electricity supplies.
Why it matters
The story shows how massive data-centre spending is reshaping Malaysia’s skilled-labour market and testing its utility infrastructure.
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