Partnering with Johor Special Water (JSW), AirTrunk is building a recycled water supply system for its JHB1 and JHB2 data centre campuses in Johor. The project involves re-purposing unused wastewater and is the largest of its kind in Malaysia to date. It aims to reduce reliance on potable water by providing an alternative source for operational needs.

The initiative includes investments in treatment and supply infrastructure for locally-produced recycled water. Once operational, the system will support cooling and other non-potable uses at AirTrunk’s facilities, helping to contribute to more sustainable water management in the region. The company responds to calls by both the federal and state governments to look into alternative water sources in the face of growing demand.

The recycled water initiative complements broader environmental features at AirTrunk’s Johor facilities, including the liquid cooling system installed at JHB1 in 2024. The design supports energy-efficient operations and is in line with efforts to optimise the use of natural resources.

AirTrunk’s second Johor data centre, JHB2, is currently under development in Iskandar Puteri. The facility will be scalable to over 270MW, increasing the company’s total investment in Malaysia to RM9.7 billion (approximately US$2.2 billion). JHB2 is located in a major availability zone and will be built with a target power usage effectiveness (PUE) of 1.25. Customers will also have access to multiple renewable energy options.

The company’s existing JHB1 also includes onsite solar installations and a virtual power purchase agreement (vPPA) for 30MW of renewable energy under Malaysia’s Corporate Green Power Programme.

To support future energy needs at JHB2, AirTrunk is working with national utility Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) through the Green Lane Pathway for Data Centres initiative. The collaboration is expected to fast-track high-voltage electricity supply and includes a plan for AirTrunk to allocate land for TNB to build a new substation.

Chief Minister of Johor YAB Dato’ Onn Hafiz Ghazi welcomed the partnership with JSW, noting both its environmental and economic contributions. “The initiative addresses environmental concerns and also brings significant economic benefits to the state. It is a testament to the positive impact that public-private partnerships can have on our community,” he said.

JSW is a wholly owned entity under Permodalan Darul Ta’zim (PDT). A spokesperson said, “Collaborating with AirTrunk on this recycled water initiative is a significant milestone for JSW. It reflects our shared vision for sustainable water solutions and demonstrates how innovative thinking can lead to tangible benefits for both industry and the community. At the same time, we highly appreciate IWK’s role in providing treated effluent sources, which has been instrumental in completing this collaboration.”

AirTrunk currently operates 12 data centres in the Asia Pacific region, in Australia, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, and Malaysia. Its hyperscale platform now offers nearly 1.8GW of total capacity. In 2023, Blackstone and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board acquired the company in what became the largest-ever deal to date in the sector, valued at US$16.1 billion.

(Image source: “Data Center” by Bob Mical is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.)

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Microsoft is scaling back or delaying data centre developments in several countries, including Indonesia, the UK, Australia, and in certain US states, as it reassesses strategy.

According to individuals familiar with the matter, ongoing talks and planned builds have been paused in North Dakota, Illinois, Wisconsin, the UK midlands and Jakarta, Indonesia. The pullback comes amid questions about whether expected demand for AI services can support the pace and cost of Microsoft’s global data centre expansion.

Microsoft has acknowledged changing its strategy but declined to provide details about specific projects. “We plan our data centre capacity needs years in advance to ensure we have sufficient infrastructure in the right places,” a Microsoft spokesperson said. “As AI demand continues to grow, and our data centre presence continues to expand, the changes we have made demonstrates the flexibility of our strategy.”

Some of the shelved plans include a site near Chicago, and a proposed lease near Cambridge in the UK for a facility to host Nvidia hardware. Microsoft has also paused work at a site in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin, where development has already cost US$262 million, according to documents reviewed by Bloomberg.

In Jakarta, parts of a data centre campus have been placed on hold. Elsewhere, Microsoft has walked away from a proposal to acquire more capacity from cloud infrastructure company CoreWeave. CoreWeave’s CEO Michael Intrator confirmed the decision, but did not specify which locations were affected.

In other cases, negotiations have slowed rather than stopped. At a server farm in North Dakota originally earmarked for Microsoft, discussions stalled until an exclusivity clause lapsed. Applied Digital, the data centre operator, has since found other tenants and secured funding to proceed with development.

At Ada Infrastructure’s Docklands site in London, Microsoft was in talks for about leasing 210-megawatt of capacity, but has is holding off on committing. The site is now being shown to other potential tenants, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Microsoft says it remains committed to key projects, which include a US$3.3 billion facility in Wisconsin and the launch of the Indonesia Central cloud region in mid-2025. It has maintained that it will spend roughly US$80 billion on data centre buildouts in its current fiscal year but signalled a shift in its next fiscal year toward equipping existing sites rather than construction of new data centres.

While Microsoft is re-evaluating, other firms are pressing on with large-scale infrastructure. OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank have announced joint venture Stargate, which aims to invest up to US$500 billion in AI infrastructure in the US. Stargate’s first phase includes a US$100 billion deployment in Texas, intended to support large-scale AI development.

The contrast in strategy between competing hyperscalers has drawn attention from investors and analysts. TD Cowen reported that Microsoft has abandoned projects amounting to two gigawatts of electricity capacity across the US and Europe. The firm suggested this may indicate a mismatch between expected demand and Microsoft’s existing capacity. Analysts also speculated that OpenAI may be shifting workloads from Microsoft to Oracle.

The change in infrastructure strategy is also being influenced by developments in the technology. Chinese AI firm DeepSeek claims it can deliver competitive AI performance using fewer resources, raising the possibility that future AI systems may require less computing power than originally anticipated.

At the same time, Microsoft’s adjustments may reflect external constraints. In cities like Dublin and Amsterdam, data centre growth has been met with tighter regulation due to concerns over electricity consumption and environmental sustainability. Dublin has limited new grid connections for data centres, while Amsterdam previously paused all new development to address strain on local resources.

Industry observers say hyperscalers are increasingly shifting focus to projects that can deliver results more quickly and cost-effectively. “You may have initially thought one data centre project would be the fastest speed to market, but then you realise that the labour, supply chain and power delivery wasn’t as quick as you thought,” said Ed Socia, director at datacentreHawk. “Then you would have to shift in the short term to focus on other markets.”

CoreWeave’s Michael Intrator said that Microsoft’s retreat appears to be specific to its situation. “It’s pretty localised, and their relationship with OpenAI has just changed,” he said.

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The hardware comprises Lenovo’s ThinkSystem V4 servers, which the company says offer better performance.

Lenovo says the ThinkSystem servers can manage tasks from astrophysics to static site web serving. The servers can reportedly achieve up to 6.1 times more than those with the previous generation of processors. Onboard MRDIMM technology doubles memory bandwidth for accelerated data processing in AI applications.

Scott Tease, Vice President of Lenovo Infrastructure Solutions Group and General Manager of the Product Line, said, “The new Lenovo ThinkSystem V4 servers represent the next generation of performance and innovation, achieving higher compute with less energy consumption and delivering AI-powered management that empowers businesses with fast and protected AI deployment across any environment.”

Tease said that the new systems were designed to address challenges related to limited power availability and provide higher performance when handling compute-intensive AI tasks.

The three servers, SR630 V4, SR650 V4, and SR650a V4, are designed for different uses, from generic cloud services, AI workloads, and GPU-intensive tasks.

The SR630 V4 is space-efficient at only 1U high, so can provide high-density computing for the cloud and fintech. The SR650 V4 server offers up to a quarter more software GPU capacity and doubles computation performance compared to previous models at this price point. Lenovo states that it’s suitable for simulation, modelling, engineering, and AI workloads.

The SR650a V4 is designed to deliver maximum AI power, capable of handling GPU-intensive workloads like machine learning and media analytics. The 2U2s platform can support up to four double-width GPUs, and front panel GPU access makes it easy to upgrade cards.

Lenovo’s Neptune liquid-cooling is also capable of freeing up internal space and reduce power use by improving overall thermal efficiency. In turn, this creates room for more resources in existing racks.

Lenovo’s ThinkSystem servers include an optional locking bezel to secure servers and their internal hardware, a bonus in remote settings where physical access may be more vulnerable.

XClarity One, Lenovo’s centralised systems management platform helps deploy, monitor and manage IT infrastructures. It simplifies Lenovo ThinkSystem V4 servers’ operations, and uses AI analytics to monitor the server components’ health.

XClarity One now includes a ‘Federated Directory’ which allows the management of complete systems from a centralised point, rather than separate access controls for each application. The directory uses a unified registry and a single account.

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AirTrunk, a leading name in hyperscale data centres across Asia Pacific & Japan (APJ), is strengthening its foothold in Malaysia with plans for JHB2—its second cloud and AI-ready data centre in Johor’s Iskandar Puteri region. Once fully operational, JHB2 will offer over 270 megawatts (MW) of capacity, meeting the growing needs of global cloud and tech giants setting up shop in the area.

The announcement comes only months after AirTrunk launched JHB1, its first data centre in Johor, which went live in July 2024 with over 150MW. The two projects represent a massive RM9.7 billion (A$3.5 billion) investment, pushing AirTrunk’s total capacity in Malaysia to more than 420MW.

Powering Malaysia’s digital future

JHB2 is set to sit within a key availability zone and will offer seamless cross-border connectivity for customers operating across Malaysia and Singapore. The project supports Malaysia’s digital transformation goals while aligning with the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ)—a joint initiative aimed at driving regional growth.

Malaysia is positioning itself as the next big data centre hub in Asia, drawing global companies with land incentives and resources, especially as firms look beyond land-scarce Singapore. The approach is working—Johor was recently named Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing data centre market in 2024, driven partly by Singapore’s temporary pause on new data centres.

However, this rapid growth has brought challenges. Johor rejected nearly 30% of data centre applications in 2024, as authorities moved to protect local resources like water and electricity.

AirTrunk’s success in securing JHB2 despite this increasingly selective approval process highlights the company’s reputation and commitment to responsible, sustainable development.

Built for AI, built for the future

Like JHB1, JHB2 is built with AI in mind. It will feature advanced liquid cooling technology, allowing it to handle high-density AI workloads efficiently, all while keeping energy consumption in check.

JHB2’s design emphasises efficiency and sustainability. The facility will operate with a low Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.25 and will provide customers with renewable energy options. However, since the proliferation of data centres in Malaysia raises concerns about water scarcity, JHB2 is addressing the resource challenge directly.

Addressing water scarcity with alternative solutions

Malaysia’s data centre expansion is putting pressure on public water supplies, particularly in Johor. The National Water Services Commission (SPAN) has warned that demand from data centres in key states far exceeds availability, forcing the regulator to write new guidelines requiring operators to use alternative water sources such as reclaimed, rainwater, or treated wastewater.

These rules are expected to be enforced by mid-2025, with a target to eliminate data centres’ reliance on potable water within three years.

AirTrunk is already ahead of the curve. The company is exploring the use of treated greywater for cooling at both JHB1 and JHB2, aligning with the government’s push for alternative water sources.

Insiders confirm that AirTrunk’s sustainability plans will ensure both facilities are well-prepared to meet SPAN’s upcoming requirements.

Driving the clean energy transition

AirTrunk’s Net Zero 2030 target is more than just talk—the company is taking real steps to reduce its carbon footprint:

• One of Southeast Asia’s largest onsite solar installations is already up and running at JHB1.
• Malaysia’s first Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA) has secured 30MW of renewable energy through the Corporate Green Power Programme.

At JHB2, AirTrunk is working with Malaysia’s utility provider, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), to fast-track high-voltage power supply within 12 months under TNB’s Green Lane Pathway for Data Centres.

The company is also providing land for a new substation, which will assist to improve the region’s power infrastructure.

Investing in local talent

AirTrunk’s involvement is more than just infrastructure; it’s also about people. Malaysia’s workforce is 90% local, with employees earning above-market salaries and having access to career development programs.

The company is supporting digital literacy initiatives and funding STEM scholarships at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) to build up Malaysia’s future tech talent pipeline.

Pei Jet Lim, AirTrunk’s Country Head for Malaysia, summed it up this way:

“Combining long-term investment with high value local employment, training and social impact initiatives is central to our approach. As with JHB1, we have also continued to pioneer sustainable practices with JHB2, in line with our commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2030.”

Support from local leaders

The Menteri Besar of Johor, Dato’ Onn Hafiz Ghazi, praised AirTrunk’s continued commitment, emphasising its positive impact on jobs, skill development, and digital infrastructure:

“Ensuring high value employment and training opportunities, like those offered by AirTrunk, alongside the economic contribution of digital infrastructure also ensures a positive legacy for Johor. This will surely help in achieving the vision of Maju Johor by 2030.”

Expanding across Asia Pacific

With JHB2, AirTrunk’s regional footprint grows to 12 data centres across Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore—bringing total capacity to nearly 1.8 gigawatts (GW).

For Malaysia, this expansion is about more than building data hubs. It’s fueling cloud and AI innovation while delivering long-term value to the economy, workforce, and environment.

Want to learn more about cybersecurity and the cloud from industry leaders? Check out Cyber Security & Cloud Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London.

Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here.

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Alibaba Cloud is expanding its footprint in Thailand, launching its second data centre to meet the country’s growing demand for cloud services and support the region’s push toward digital transformation.

The new facility will strengthen Alibaba Cloud’s local capacity, enhancing disaster recovery capabilities and improving performance for businesses adopting cloud and AI technologies – especially those exploring generative AI applications.

“Our latest data centre strengthens our commitment to providing reliable, secure, and high-performance cloud services tailored to the needs of local businesses,” said Sean Yuan, Vice President of International Business at Alibaba Cloud Intelligence.

“With enhanced local infrastructure, we aim to empower enterprises to use the full potential of cloud technology, especially in generative AI applications.”

Expanding presence in Southeast Asia

The opening of the second Thai data centre brings Alibaba Cloud’s global infrastructure to 86 availability zones across 28 regions, further cementing its position as one of the leading cloud provider in Southeast Asia.

The first Thai data centre opened in 2022, and this latest expansion reflects growing demand from businesses in sectors like fintech, retail, and public services.

Alibaba Cloud isn’t alone in ramping up its investment in Thailand. Tencent operates two availability zones in Bangkok, while Amazon Web Services (AWS) launched its first Thailand region in January 2024. Meanwhile, Microsoft and Google are also building data centres, with Microsoft unveiling plans in May 2024 and Google following in September.

Tailored solutions for Thai businesses

With two local data centres, Alibaba Cloud is expanding its range of services to support businesses navigating digital transformation.

The company offers elastic computing, storage, databases, security, networks, AI-powered tools, and data analytics platforms, designed to help businesses tackle industry-specific challenges.

One such option is AnalyticDB’s cloud-native vector engine, which enables Thai fintech and retail businesses to build retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) applications.

The AI solutions assist businesses creating dedicated knowledge bases, managing structured and unstructured data, and developing chatbots and personalised customer experiences.

Alibaba Cloud has also introduced the Container Compute Service (ACS), which uses Kubernetes for workload management.

Building local partnerships and nurturing talent

Alibaba Cloud is actively collaborating with Thai companies and partners to advance digital transformation. The company has partnered with 70 local firms, including Cloud HM, Kaopanwa, Softdebut, Thai Data Cloud, and True IDC, to deliver cloud services and drive cloud adoption across industries.

Thai businesses like True Digital Group – part of True Corporation – are already using Alibaba Cloud’s database and container technologies to enhance the scalability of its energy platform.

Meanwhile, software company Codium has teamed with Alibaba Cloud to offer digital workplace solutions, strengthening the country’s cloud ecosystem. Alibaba Cloud collaborates with universities, including Chulalongkorn University, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Prince of Songkla University, and Bangkok University, offering cloud computing and AI training.

In late 2023, Alibaba Cloud launched its first global skills centre at Chulalongkorn University, providing free courses, boot camps, and AI competitions to help students and professionals build their careers.

A secure and resilient cloud platform

The company holds over 140 security and compliance certifications globally to enhance cyber protection and resilience. With two data centres now in place, businesses in Thailand can use Alibaba Cloud’s scalable platform for workloads that comply with local regulations.

Alibaba Cloud’s expansion in Thailand is part of a broader growth strategy. The company has announced plans to expand in Mexico, the Philippines, and South Korea.

Thailand is emerging as a hub for cloud infrastructure in Southeast Asia. Alibaba’s investment reflects its confidence in the region, and by expanding its presence, the company is offering businesses some of the tools they need to innovate and scale.

Want to learn more about cybersecurity and the cloud from industry leaders? Check out Cyber Security & Cloud Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London.

Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here.

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AI is significantly reshaping how we approach energy management. Businesses traditionally depend on static models and manual processes to monitor energy use, which are not only inefficient but also leave a lot of potential savings on the sideline. AI turns this on its head by enabling us to use real-time data and predictive analytics to dynamically optimise energy consumption.

Tech Wire Asia spoke with Dr. Zohar Bronfman, CEO of Pecan AI, who discussed how the shift from reactive to proactive energy management is game-changing. “With AI, businesses can forecast energy demand based on a wide range of variables—weather patterns, occupancy levels, and even market trends,” Bronfman said. “This means minimising waste, improving efficiency, and slashing costs, all while enhancing sustainability.”

Integrating AI with IoT devices elevates energy management. Real-time monitoring and automatic adjustments can ensure businesses only use what they need, when they need it, without manual intervention.

Real-world success: How AI optimises energy consumption

One standout example of predictive AI’s impact comes from Google’s DeepMind. Google’s DeepMind applied machine learning to optimise cooling systems in its data centres. This resulted in a 40% reduction in cooling energy consumption. The outcome translated into cost savings and operational efficiencies.

Similarly, Verdigris Technologies uses predictive AI to analyse commercial building systems, optimising energy use and delivering savings of up to 30%.

For mid-sized businesses, Pecan AI envisions similar transformative results. Bronfman added that AI solutions can forecast energy consumption based on seasonal demand or adjust operations in real time to maximise energy efficiency, helping companies balance cost efficiency and sustainability.

Overcoming challenges: Data, costs, and adoption

Despite its benefits, integrating AI-driven energy management systems comes with challenges. According to Bronfman, one of the biggest barriers is data quality. “AI thrives on accurate, clean data, yet many businesses struggle with fragmented systems and legacy infrastructure that hinder effective integration,” he explained. Overcoming this entails upfront investment in robust data infrastructure, ensuring that systems—whether HVAC, lighting, or others—are networked and produce reliable data.

Businesses are also put off by the perceived high cost and complexity of adopting AI. While initial investments may appear daunting, many companies recognise that long-term savings and operational benefits far outweigh the upfront costs. For smaller organisations, a phased implementation can minimise risk while delivering incremental value.

Employee readiness is another critical factor. “AI isn’t just a plug-and-play solution; it requires teams to work alongside the technology effectively,” Bronfman added. Training, education, and change management are important for businesses to fully capitalise on AI’s capabilities.

The next decade: AI innovations for a sustainable future

Looking ahead, AI can drive substantial breakthroughs in energy management over the next decade. Bronfman expects that AI will be critical in optimising renewable energy integration. As solar and wind power gain popularity, AI can estimate energy generation based on weather patterns, allowing businesses to store excess energy during peak production and use it efficiently during low-producing periods.

Smart grids will also emerge, capable of balancing energy supply and demand in real time to improve grid resilience and efficiency. More sophisticated demand-response systems will enable businesses to dynamically change their energy use in response to market signals or grid stress.

These innovations will not only improve operational efficiency, but will also affect sustainability. Bronfman claimed that AI will help firms reduce waste, maximise renewable energy adoption, and meet increasingly stringent environmental targets.

Navigating regulations: Turning compliance into opportunity

Another benefit of AI is its ability to assist businesses in navigating stringent environmental and regulatory standards. By automating the tracking and reporting of energy usage, emissions, and other vital metrics, AI can help assur compliance with changing regulations. “AI can pinpoint inefficiencies and recommend actionable steps to reduce emissions without sacrificing operational efficiency,” Bronfman said.

Bronfman said that the outdated perception of sustainability and efficiency as mutually exclusive is no longer valid. “AI demonstrates that businesses can meet and exceed environmental standards while driving profitability and innovation,” he said.

The human factor: Bridging technology and behaviour

With a background in computational psychology and data science, Bronfman brings a different perspective to the conversation. Energy management, he explained, isn’t just about algorithms—it’s also about people. “Behavioural psychology is crucial in designing AI systems that encourage sustainable practices among employees,” he said.

AI solutions that account for human behaviour can motivate individuals to adopt better energy-use habits. For example, personalised notifications or gamified feedback systems can nudge teams toward energy-efficient behaviours.

By combining computational insights with an understanding of human motivation, businesses can develop AI solutions that are not only technically effective but also better accepted and more easy to implement. “It’s this synergy between technology and human behaviour that will drive the future of energy management,” Bronfman concludes.

Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo.

Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here.

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The world of data centres is transforming rapidly, but one thing remains constant: certifications are still a smart move for anyone looking to advance their IT career. While data centres shift from traditional facilities to AI-driven powerhouses, certifications are evolving to match the demands of today’s cutting-edge technology, from AI and cybersecurity to sustainability.

What’s the appeal? Higher salaries and job security. According to an InformaTech survey, 77% of data centre professionals reported pay raises last year, with a median salary now at US$130,000. However, not everything is going smoothly. Managers are taking on more responsibilities, overseeing larger teams, and taking on responsibilities in non-technical areas such as finance and sustainability.

The infrastructure landscape is evolving, too, especially with AI driving change. As organisations focus on integrating AI solutions, the need for robust, AI-ready data centres becomes important. “AI is a transformative technology that requires a lot of power, dense computing, and fast networks,” says Robert Beveridge, professor and technical manager at Carnegie Mellon University’s AI Engineering Center. “And they’re very resource-intensive — AI is poised to grow power demand.”

Why certifications matter

Certifications aren’t just resume boosters — they can be career game-changers. For individuals, they validate skills, boost confidence, and open doors to advancement. “Individuals want to seek out certifications for their own knowledge, skills, and competencies,” says Matt Hawkins, director of Uptime Education. “And for their current job or career aspiration and career advancements.”

For employers, certifications offer benefits beyond skills verification. They’re tools for managing risks, retaining staff, and investing in personnel’s professional development. “How do we make sure we’re retaining the individuals we already have? One way to do that is investing in the individual, helping them grow in their roles and careers, and the certification is a way of doing that,” says Hawkins.

There’s financial proof to back it up, too. A Skillsoft survey found that 96% of IT leaders believe certifications hold measurable value, with nearly half estimating certified employees bring an extra $20,000 or more in value to the table.

What about salary growth?

Certifications have historically been tied to salary bumps. According to a Foote Partners’ report, the average market value for IT certifications saw its biggest positive swing in over a decade in 2024. But for data centre-specific certifications, it’s a mixed bag.

“Significant changes in the data centre landscape are impacting pay for related tech talent,” says David Foote, chief analyst at the company. “Right now, cash premiums for these certifications have stagnated. But it probably will rebound within six to 12 months as businesses solidify their AI strategies.”

In other words, now is the perfect time to gear up with certifications, especially as the industry braces for its next wave of transformation.

Which certifications should you consider?

Whether you’re just starting out or been in the field for years, there’s a certification out there to fit most career goals. Entry-level certifications are perfect for those new to the industry, offering foundational knowledge to help would-be professionals understand how data centres operate. For instance, the Uptime Institute’s Data Center Fundamentals program gives a broad overview of the industry, including topics like energy management and market trends. Similarly, CompTIA Server+ focuses on essential server skills, while Schneider Electric’s certification covers physical infrastructure, such as cooling and power systems.

For those with more experience, advanced certifications validate in-depth skills and often open doors to senior roles. Programmes like the Uptime Institute’s Certified Data Center Technician Professional (CDCTP) focus on optimising data centre operations, while Cisco’s CCNP Data Center certification tests candidates’ ability to manage complex networks. VMware’s Data Center Virtualization certification is another great option, focussing on virtualisation technologies, a critical area of modern data centres.

Sustainability-focused certifications are also gaining momentum, reflecting the growing importance of energy efficiency in data centre operations. Uptime Institute’s Certified Data Center Energy Professional (CDCEP) program is designed to help professionals manage energy use effectively, while Schneider Electric’s Professional Energy Manager certification targets comprehensive energy management practices. As sustainability becomes a business imperative, these credentials are increasingly valuable.

Planning your next move

With so many certifications to choose from, the best path depends on your goals. Are you transitioning to a new role? Looking to solidify your expertise? Certifications can guide the way. “Hiring managers look for not just the certification but the motivation behind it,” says Beveridge from Carnegie Mellon. “From a hiring manager perspective, I find that extremely valuable. It tells me that the employee takes initiative, that they want to learn.”

In a time of rapid change, staying ahead of industry trends is key. Whether you’re an entry-level technician or an experienced manager, certifications remain a solid investment in your career. With data centres at the forefront of technological transformation, now’s the time to prepare for the opportunities ahead in the space.

Want to learn more about cybersecurity and the cloud from industry leaders? Check out Cyber Security & Cloud Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here.

The post Data centre certifications are still worth it. Here’s why. appeared first on TechWire Asia.

GITEX Global 2024, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from October 14 to 18, highlighted the latest technology developments, particularly focusing on how Dubai is directing its AI-driven transformation. The UAE is actively implementing strategies to maximise the potential of AI in a variety of industries.

For several years now, artificial intelligence has been a key component of the UAE’s strategy. In 2017, the UAE appointed the world’s first Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, announcing its intention to lead in this space. Today, AI is deeply integrated in sectors like healthcare, education, and transportation, with the country setting ambitious goals for the future.

The UAE’s Minister of Economy, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, has claimed that the country is spending extensively on AI education, with a focus on youth development. The government hopes to prepare the next generation with the skills needed to advance the UAE’s AI ambitions by increasing funding for STEM programmes and student-focused educational ‘bootcamps.’

According to Al Marri, the UAE is second only to the US in attracting top AI talent, with many experts now calling the UAE home. He also emphasised the recent introduction of an international AI policy that focuses on ethical, social, and environmental concerns. “Yes, we want to use AI, but we want to use it ethically,” he said, emphasising the goal to improve people’s lives while aligning AI’s application with societal values. He went on to say that the UAE wants to drive the global AI conversations by advocating for responsible use while fostering innovation.

Becoming a global hub for R&D

Research and development are also high on the UAE’s agenda. Al Marri emphasised the country’s desire to attract top international talent and create innovation centres. “We want the world to look at the UAE as an R&D hub, not just for our 10 million people, but for the 300 million across the region,” he said, highlighting the UAE’s role as a gateway for the region.
The UAE’s flexible regulatory approach might aid the country’s target of 7% annual growth, in line with its goal of doubling the size of the domestic economy.

The launch of a regulatory website, uaelab.ae, allows tech companies to collaborate with the government to test new regulations. “The idea is to bring policymakers and tech experts together to foster an environment where innovation thrives,” Al Marri noted. This regulatory agility, he said, sets the UAE apart, creating fertile ground for innovation, from AI to autonomous transport systems.

Data centres and energy: Powering the future

The UAE is quickly becoming a magnet for data centre investment, with major tech companies like Microsoft and Cisco with presence in the country. These projects are critical to handling the immense computational demands of AI and other advanced technologies.
“Our partnership with Microsoft isn’t new. We’ve been working together for years, and much of our progress in AI and data centres comes from this collaboration,” Al Marri said.

He also pointed out that energy availability is key to this growth. “We have a nuclear power plant fully operational and are adding more solar energy to the grid. Clean energy now accounts for about 30% of our energy mix, making the UAE an attractive destination for data centre investments,” he said.

Al Marri emphasised the economic ripple effect from data centres, claiming that every dollar invested could generate up to ten in economic value.

Cybersecurity takes centre stage

With cybercrime expected to cause damage of up to $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, cybersecurity was a major focus at GITEX Global 2024. Leading experts, including CISOs, CIOs, and GRC leaders, gathered with a unified mission: to establish the world’s foremost line of defence against cyber threats.

This year, the financial industry saw a 40% increase in AI-driven fraud. According to Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, the UAE’s Head of Cybersecurity, millions of cyber threats were intercepted in the country in 2024. Importantly, AI was seen as a game-changer in the world of cybersecurity. “Cyber awareness is crucial – and AI is changing the game,” he told the GITEX Tech Waves Podcast. “The UAE faced 71 million attacks in Q1 2024. Thanks to AI, we’ve been resilient, using early threat detection to counter these threats.”

Todd Conklin, Chief AI Officer at the United States Department of the Treasury, shared the same concerns. He emphasised AI’s involvement in the US Treasury’s payments ecosystem, where it has helped reduce fraud by roughly $600 million in just six months. “AI is increasingly critical in counter-fraud efforts,” Conklin said.

Huawei also presented details on its infrastructure and cloud security solutions. Dr. Aloysius Cheang, Huawei’s Chief Security Officer for the Middle East and Central Asia, claimed that the company faces 12 billion cyberattacks daily. He emphasised the importance of putting security first and building a strong cybersecurity culture across organisations.

The post GITEX 2024: AI and data centres take centre stage appeared first on TechWire Asia.

This is why it is so essential to get the most reliable memory products behind you from the very start.

Enter Kioxia – formerly Toshiba Memory – the inventors of revolutionary NAND flash memory 36 years ago. This technology allowed for more ‘memory cells’ – the units set at either ‘0’ or ‘1’ to represent data – to be lined up on a storage platform than before, lowering the cost per bit and the speed of data transfers. It also reduced erasing and writing times, and offered enhanced vibration resistance due to not being reliant on moving parts like its predecessor; the spinning hard disk drive.

Since then, the Japanese company has stayed ahead of the curve when it comes to memory solutions, which have been implemented in everything from microSD cards for smartphones to data center-class SSDs.

Its over 694,000-square meter Yokkaichi Plant is one of the world’s largest flash memory production factories, and has been implementing artificial intelligence (AI) into its processes to maximize efficiency. This includes machine learning technology that can spot defects and failures, and robots that automate workflows.

In February, the company was named one of the Clarivate Top 100 Global Innovators, recognizing its ever-growing intellectual property (IP) collection.

At the cutting edge of flash memory

Key among Kioxia’s innovations is 3D flash memory technology, created in collaboration with Western Digital. In these storage products, the memory cells are arranged vertically, stacked one on top of the other, rather than in a two-dimensional plane. In March, the two tech giants unveiled the eighth-generation BiCS FLASH, which has 218 layers and offers greater cell capacity on a smaller die.

Each semiconductor wafer and cell array wafer are also manufactured separately before being bonded, allowing for “the industry’s highest bit density”, according to Kioxia CTO Masaki Momodomi. As a result, BiCS FLASH offers fast reading/writing speeds of over 3.2 Gb/s, a 60 percent improvement from the previous generation. It can also work in both quad-level and triple-level cell modes, meaning it can be implemented in premium SSDs as well as PCs and data centers.

Keeping your data in the right hands

Kioxia has been focusing on the robustness of its memory products, an example of this being the new EXCERIA PLUS Portable SSD. This comes with an SSD Utility software tool that allows the user to check storage health, install updates, and change settings, helping to ensure their data’s safety. The card can also be password protected at a firmware level.

Storage solutions for all

But Kioxia’s innovations don’t just have applications for the business world. A high-definition photo stored in a smartphone can recall a vivid, human memory, and all the emotions that come with it. This ability is priceless for many everyday users of Kioxia products. These include high-performance memory cards for portable devices, ensuring there are no tangible limits to how many holiday snaps you can take. But if you do run out of space, Kioxia also offers SSDs (with SATA and NVMe options) for personal computers, as well as USB thumb drives with up to 256GB of storage to allow customers to share their memories easily.

The company’s technology has been used in developing mobile storage solutions for years, helping consumers experience their most cherished moments all over again. Moreover, many are now using the AI chatbot ChatGPT as their go-to search engine, whether to help draw up a work-related presentation or discover a new dinner recipe.

Kioxia is active in this space too, developing so-called ‘Memory-Centric AI’, which promises to be more energy efficient and less inclined to perpetuate bias. Memory-Centric AI differs from conventional AI in that it stores its training data externally and pulls only from the relevant parts to complete tasks.

Yasuhito Yoshimizu, from Kioxia’s Institute of Memory Technology Research and Development, said: “Conventional AI solves arithmetic problems by using a calculator to do the calculations. Memory-Centric AI, on the other hand, has an index listing all of the calculation methods and answers, so it can look up the answers and figure out which page to go to in order to solve any given problem.”

Despite dropping the familiar Toshiba name in 2019, Kioxia has maintained its status as the leading developer of flash storage technology. While some tech giants, like Intel, have moved away from developments in the area, it remains the element of the IT stack that keeps both business and consumer tech working at high speed.

To learn more about Kioxia’s product range, or how the company is making waves in memory technology, click here

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