Telekom Malaysia recently launched a GPUaaS platform to allow customers to tailor their infrastructure by selecting combinations of hardware, GPUs, and connectivity

In sum – what you need to know:

AI demand reshapes infrastructure – Cloud growth, immersive apps, and national AI initiatives are driving urgent demand for scalable, low-latency AI infrastructure across Southeast Asia.

TM lowers AI barriers – Telekom Malaysia’s GPU-as-a-Service tackles key adoption challenges like high upfront costs, data sovereignty, and inflexible infrastructure by offering localised, modular GPU access.

Malaysia rises as AI hub – With hyperscaler-ready data centers, a national fiber backbone, and regional connectivity, TM is positioning Malaysia as a launchpad for AI innovation across ASEAN.

Telekom Malaysia (TM), through its wholesale division TM Global, is positioning itself at the heart of Southeast Asia’s digital transformation by building out AI-ready infrastructure that meets the region’s evolving needs for scalability, data sovereignty, and energy efficiency.

As the region accelerates its adoption of AI technologies, the demand for low-latency, high-performance compute infrastructure has surged. In an interview with RCR Wireless News, Baharul Nizam Said Daliman, vice president of international sales at TM Global, outlined how TM is responding to this shift.

“The surge in cloud adoption and the expansion of digital services—from e-commerce to fintech and smart farming—require robust, scalable computing power to handle complex AI workloads,” Baharul Nizam said. He also pointed to a wave of government-backed AI initiatives, such as Malaysia’s National AI Roadmap and the National AI Office, which are helping to foster a strong AI ecosystem.

Solving real pain points with GPUaaS

TM’s GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS) platform, launched in ASEAN in December, is a cornerstone of this strategy. It was designed to tackle some of the most common barriers to AI adoption: cost, latency, and compliance.

“One of the most pressing barriers was the high upfront cost of AI infrastructure. Our service removes that barrier by offering scalable, on-demand access to powerful Nvidia GPU resources,” Nizam said. These resources are hosted in TM’s Uptime Tier III and LEED-certified data centers.

In addition to lowering the cost barrier, TM localised its GPUaaS platform to ensure data sovereignty and minimise latency. He added: “By localizing GPUaaS within Malaysia and integrating it with TM’s nationwide fibre network and strategically placed edge facilities, we deliver low-latency performance and ensure secure, in-country data residency—an essential requirement for regulated industries.”

The platform is modular and flexible, allowing customers to tailor their infrastructure by selecting combinations of hardware, GPUs, and connectivity. This approach supports a wide range of AI use cases — from diagnostic imaging and public sector avatars, to immersive content development and autonomous navigation.

Scaling for hyperscalers and enterprises

As hyperscalers expand their footprint in the region, TM is also upgrading its infrastructure to meet their growing needs. Its Nxera data center in Johor, set to launch soon, will offer up to 200 MW of scalable power and is designed to support energy-intensive AI and cloud workloads.

“Malaysia’s strategic location gives TM a unique advantage in supporting hyperscalers with a strong foundation of secure, high-performance infrastructure,” said Nizam. TM’s network includes a mix of core and edge data centres linked by robust fibre connectivity and backed by terrestrial and undersea cables across ASEAN.

For regional enterprises, scaling AI workloads locally presents its own challenges, such as limited access to high-performance compute and data governance concerns. TM aims to close these gaps with flexible infrastructure, including 29 global Points of Presence and over 160 CDN nodes, and a Facilities-Based Operator (FBO) license in Singapore.

Malaysia’s role in the regional AI future

Looking ahead, TM sees itself and Malaysia playing a central role in shaping Southeast Asia’s digital future.

“In the next 3 to 5 years, TM Global… will continue building on this legacy by playing a central role in enabling the growth of regional data center and AI infrastructure,” Nizam said. By combining infrastructure, connectivity, and governance, TM aims to create a trusted platform for cloud growth, AI innovation, and seamless cross-border data flows, the executive added.

TM Global is the wholesale division of Telekom Malaysia, handling both domestic and international markets. TM Global provides data center services including hosting and edge facilities. It also offers voice services, including bilateral and VoIP, as well as multimedia solutions.

*This article was first published on RCR Wireless News, July 24, 2025.

In an interview with RCR Wireless News, Hafiz Lockman, general manager of international sales at TM Global, described the diverse range of enterprise and public sector clients already adopting its GPUaaS offering

In sum – what you need to know:

Sovereign GPUaaS demand surges – TM Global’s sovereign GPU-as-a-Service is seeing strong uptake in sectors like healthcare, media, and logistics, driven by regulatory and real-time AI needs.

Regional edge & fiber expansion – TM is addressing cross-border AI challenges by growing its edge data center footprint and enhancing fiber routes in the ASEAN region.

Security-first, modular design – Businesses want customizable, secure infrastructure—TM aims to meet that with flexible GPU options, high-speed fiber, and compliance-ready Malaysian data centers.

TM Global, the wholesale division of Malaysian operator Telekom Malaysia (TM), is seeing rapid uptake of its sovereign GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS) platform, which delivers on-demand access to high-performance computing infrastructure for real-time AI workloads.

The recently launched service seems to be gaining traction across sectors including healthcare, public safety, immersive media, manufacturing, and logistics—industries where low-latency and data sovereignty are paramount.

In an interview with RCR Wireless News, Hafiz Lockman, general manager of international sales at TM Global, described the diverse range of enterprise and public sector clients adopting the service.

“At TM Global, we are seeing immediate demand for GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS) across key sectors where real-time analytics and high-performance computing are mission-critical,” Lockman said. “These include healthcare (for diagnostics and predictive analytics), immersive media (for content rendering and real-time processing), public safety and smart city services (for surveillance, traffic optimization, and predictive modeling), and autonomous systems in manufacturing and logistics.”

The GPUaaS platform is fully hosted in Malaysia, leveraging TM’s AI-ready, LEED-certified data centers and backed by its nationwide high-speed fiber network. The infrastructure allows companies to access scalable GPU power without heavy upfront investments in on-premises computing, the executive said.

According to Lockman, a core driver of adoption is the platform’s flexibility. Businesses can customise their environments by selecting a tailored mix of data center space, hardware, GPU chips, and connectivity.

“Early adopters of GPUaaS have consistently highlighted the need not only for greater processing power, but also for enhanced flexibility and scalability to keep pace with the fast-evolving demands of AI workloads,” said Lockman.

“While they value the ability to access high-performance Nvidia GPUs on demand, many have expressed a clear preference for modular, customisable solutions that allow them to mix and match only what they need,” he said.

As AI and edge computing expand across ASEAN, connectivity remains a critical challenge. Many enterprises face inconsistent network performance and complex cross-border regulatory environments.

Lockman explained how TM is tackling these hurdles: “From TM Global’s engagements across the region, key challenges include fragmented infrastructure, variable network performance, and regulatory diversity. These issues often result in high latency, unpredictable service levels, and increased complexity in deploying AI or edge applications at scale across borders.”

TM is expanding its regional footprint through upgrades to IPDC and KVDC facilities, and by deploying a growing number of edge data centers throughout Malaysia. It has also extended its global edge node presence to around 160, enabling low-latency processing for real-time AI, live streaming, and cloud gaming applications across Southeast Asia.

Additionally, the company is strengthening fiber routes along the vital Singapore–Malaysia–Thailand–Indonesia corridor and taking advantage of its operator license in Singapore to build direct interconnections with regional carriers and hyperscalers, the executive added.

One major step forward is the Nxera–TM data center joint venture in Johor Bahru, slated to go live by 2026. The AI-optimized campus will start with 64 MW and can scale to 200 MW, offering high-density GPU infrastructure and regional AI capacity for hyperscalers.

“Hosted entirely within Malaysia’s borders, [out GPUaaS solution] aligns with data residency laws and regulatory standards, ensuring that data remains under local jurisdiction,” Lockman said.

The service is backed by secure, energy-efficient data centres designed for continuous monitoring, proactive threat mitigation, and disaster recovery readiness, he said.

“Data security is a top priority for businesses, and TM’s data centers are purpose-built with this in mind. Adopting a ‘security by design’ approach, our facilities offer continuous protection through real-time monitoring, automated threat mitigation tools, and proactive cyber risk management,” the executive added.

*This article was first published on RCR Wireless News, July 28, 2025.

TM Global is proud to announce major progress in its data centre expansion initiatives, with the Klang Valley Data Centre (KVDC) Block 2 and Iskandar Puteri Data Centre (IPDC) Block 2 (West Wing) successfully completing their structural frameworks.

To commemorate this achievement, a roof topping-out ceremony was held at KVDC on 30 May 2025, attended by Khairul Liza Ibrahim, Executive Vice President of TM Global, alongside representatives from the Gadang Construction and other project stakeholders.

 

 

Similarly, the topping-out ceremony for IPDC took place on 26 July 2025, officiated by TM Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Amar Huzaimi Md Deris. The event was graced by TM management, representatives from IJM Construction, and key stakeholders.

 

 

Both KVDC and IPDC are being developed as carrier-neutral, hyperscale-ready facilities, incorporating sustainable design features to meet the growing demands of hyperscalers, OTT providers, cloud services, and AI-driven workloads.

Upon completion, the two data centres will deliver a combined IT load of 20 megawatts, significantly boosting Malaysia's digital infrastructure and supporting the nation's journey toward a more connected and technologically advanced future.

Commercial operations for KVDC and IPDC are slated to begin in Q4 2025.

TM Global was proud to participate in the Johor Interconnect World Forum 2025, joining esteemed industry leaders in the panel discussion titled “The Future of Connectivity in Johor: Building a Robust Digital Infrastructure.” Representing TM Global was our Vice President of International Sales, Baharul Nizam Said Daliman, who shared valuable insights on TM’s role in accelerating Johor’s digital transformation journey.

The session explored Johor’s evolving connectivity landscape and the importance of infrastructure readiness, cross-border partnerships, and strategic positioning within the SIJORI region.

Nizam highlighted TM’s long-standing presence and contributions in the state, citing extensive fibre coverage, peering ecosystems, and collaborative projects with hyperscalers, while underlining the need for flexibility and speed in meeting new digital demands.

As Malaysia’s trusted infrastructure partner, TM Global remains committed to building a resilient, future-ready digital ecosystem that empowers innovation and drives economic growth.

TM Global is proud to announce its latest international achievement—being named the Best Regional Internet Exchange Provider at the prestigious Carrier Community Global Awards 2025.

This recognition by Carrier Community, a credible and respected award body in the wholesale telecoms industry, reflects our unwavering commitment to strengthening regional internet infrastructure. The award specifically honours our TM Internet Exchange (TMiX), an IP based solution from TM Global.

With a strategic IP network of 62 nodes distributed across Malaysia, TMiX brings internet exchange capabilities closer to end-users, significantly reducing routing distances and enhancing overall network efficiency.

 

 

In addition to this win, TM Global was also shortlisted in two other categories:

• Asia Regional Connectivity of the Year
• Best Regional Data Center/Edge Operator

This international recognition reaffirms TM Global’s position as a key enabler of digital transformation in the region.

TM Global recently participated in International Telecoms Week (ITW) 2025, held from 4 to 7 May, reinforcing our commitment to powering Southeast Asia’s digital growth. Representing TM Global was a delegation from headquarters, led by VP of International Sales, Baharul Nizam and VP of Product & Marketing, Hazrilhasnie Hashim, alongside the TM USA team from our regional offices in Washington DC, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas.

Throughout the event, the team met with long-time partners and new players alike, covering everything from A2P messaging collaborations to strategic expansion into ASEAN, highlighting how they can leverage TM Global’s extensive digital infrastructure and regional reach.

 

 

A key moment of our participation was the panel session featuring Baharul Nizam, who joined other regional telco leaders to discuss “What is the Growth Trajectory of Southeast Asia’s Digital Infrastructure?” The discussion underscored TM Global’s strategic role in supporting the region’s connectivity and digitalisation ambitions.

Our presence at ITW 2025 also unlocked exciting opportunities for digital media exposure, further amplifying TM Global’s position as a strategic enabler in the global wholesale telecommunications landscape.

With the encouraging interest and opportunities gained through our engagements, we look forward to building on this momentum - strengthening partnerships, expanding our presence, and continuing to support the region's digital growth journey.

• U Mobile has appointed TM to provide leased fibre connectivity backhaul for its Next Gen 5G rollout nationwide

• The appointment enables U Mobile to accelerate deployment by leveraging TM’s extensive fibre network and comprehensive 5G Mobile Backhaul Service

The partnership agreement, valued at RM2.4billion over 10 years was formalised today at a signing ceremony held at Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara, witnessed by YB Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Minister of Communications.

Under this partnership, TM will provide U Mobile a comprehensive suite of backhaul infrastructure services, including fibre leased line access to U Mobile’s 5G Radio Access Network (RAN), data centre and TM Edge Facility leasing for Points of Interconnect (POIs), as well as trunk leased line for inter-regional connectivity.

With TM’s extensive nationwide fibre footprint—spanning over 740,000 km and representing the widest fibre backhaul coverage in Malaysia—U Mobile is poised to expedite the rollout of its Next Gen 5G network across the country. This strategic partnership will enable U Mobile to tap into TM’s comprehensive 5G Mobile Backhaul Service to ensure high network performance and reliable connectivity for both enterprises and consumers.

“U Mobile is pleased to have TM as our fibre backhaul partner as their coverage is the widest in Malaysia, enabling us to further accelerate our 5G coverage deployment. Together with TM and other partners, we are committed to reaching 80% coverage of populated areas within 12 months, while ensuring a superior 5G experience that is highly reliable, supports massive capacity and delivers ultra-fast speeds to benefit enterprises and consumers across Malaysia,” said Wong Heang Tuck, CEO of U Mobile.

“TM is proud to support U Mobile’s 5G network with high-capacity fibre backhaul — the essential backbone of a resilient and high-performance 5G ecosystem. This collaboration underscores our commitment to building inclusive, future-ready infrastructure that fuels innovation, enhances connectivity, and drives digital progress across the nation. This is central to TM’s role as the enabler of a Digital Malaysia — a cornerstone in our aspiration to become a Digital Powerhouse by 2030,” said Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, TM’s Group CEO.

Through this collaboration, U Mobile and TM are reinforcing their commitment to accelerating Malaysia’s 5G connectivity, fostering digital innovation and empowering businesses and communities nationwide.

(From left) U Mobile Sdn Bhd Chief Financial Officer Sandy Tsang, U Mobile CEO Wong Heang Tuck, U Mobile Chief Technology Officer Woon Ooi Yuen, Communications Minister YB Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, TM Global Executive Vice President Khairul Liza Ibrahim, TM Chairman Dato’ Zainal Abidin Putih, and TM Group CEO Amar Huzaimi Md Deris

TM Global’s Vice President of International Sales, Baharul Nizam Daliman, was recently featured on Techstrong TV, a leading US tech media platform, to highlight our newest innovation, GPU-as-a-Service (TM GPUaaS).

Built for AI-era demands, our sovereign GPUaaS platform offers low-latency, real-time, and secure computing hosted in Malaysia, providing global customers with reliable access to scalable AI infrastructure while ensuring data sovereignty.

In the engagement, Nizam also highlighted TM Global’s presence in the US and our mission to bridge digital growth across Southeast Asia, where we continue to play a key role as a trusted telco infrastructure partner.

Watch the full interview here:https://techstrong.tv/videos/interviews/highlighting-tm-globals-gpu-as-a-service-with-nizam-daliman

Discover TM GPUaaS: https://tmglobal.com.my/products-and-solutions/tm-gpuaas

For global businesses hoping to expand to Southeast Asia, there’s great news on the horizon.

Malaysia’s pool of data centres is growing, with recent reports of large corporations investing millions of dollars into Malaysia to build more.

The local market for data centres is forecasted to increase to US$6.23 billion at a CAGR of 22.7% between 2024 and 2029. This growth is driven by an increasing reliance on digital infrastructure, courtesy of the rising adoption of 5G, cloud computing, AI, big data, IoT, and the growing digital economy.

The end result is a greater demand for high performance network infrastructure services. And homegrown companies aren’t one to fall behind.

TM Global, the wholesale business arm of TM, recently expanded its Klang Valley Data Centre (KVDC) in Cyberjaya and Iskandar Puteri Data Centre (IPDC) in Johor to address the growing demand for local and international data hosting services.

With an established data-driven network, here are some reasons why TM Global’s data centres make an ideal choice for international companies expanding into the SEA region.

 

1. They have multi-layer protections and nine levels of physical security

Data security is a top priority for businesses, and TM Global’s data centres are built with this in mind. Its “security by design” approach offers customers continuous protection, real time monitoring, and automated threat mitigation tools against cyber risks.

The integrated security management system has up to nine levels of physical security and leverages single and dual-factor authentication to prevent unauthorised access. Other layers of protection include firewall, antivirus, Web filtering, intrusion prevention and detection, as well as anti-spam.

2. You can count on their high speeds and minimal downtime

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, the performance of a firm’s information technology (IT) hardware is crucial for businesses to stay competitive.

Through optimised network solutions that offer high speeds and minimal downtime, TM Global’s data centres enable businesses to operate efficiently.

So, whether it’s managing large volumes of data or powering high-levels of customer experience, businesses can expect consistent performance that meet their demands.

 

3. They also offer GPU-as-a-Service solution hosted in their own data centre

Hosted entirely within the country, TM Global’s GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS) aims to bolster Malaysia’s AI infrastructure and accelerate digital transformation.

It eliminates the need for investments into GPUs for AI usage, being a more scalable alternative that allows for access to the latest in GPU technology.

TM Global’s GPUaaS specifically utilises NVIDIA GPUs which are hosted at TM’s Uptime Tier-III certified data centres. This is further backed by TM’s nationwide fibre optic network and Edge Facilities, encouraging AI usage in fields such as public services, healthcare diagnostics, autonomous vehicles, and immersive media.

All in all, it promises low-latency and real-time AI computing whilst also ensuring data sovereignty and security.

4. Their quality is certified and meets global standards

Companies can rest assured knowing that TM Global’s data centres adhere to internationally recognised standards.

The data centres are certified to comply with data sovereignty requirements and various standards and regulations. This includes ISO/IEC 20000 for service management, ISO/IEC 27001 for information security, and PCI DSS-compliant for secure payment data handling.

Designed with sustainability in mind, the data centres come with Green Building Index certification and an intelligent power meter to manage power consumption.

These certifications back up the performance of TM Global’s data centres, making sure your data is secure, consistently available, and managed in accordance with globally accepted best practices.

5. They’re aligned with Malaysia’s data laws and regulatory standards

At the same time, TM Global’s data centres are fully aligned with Malaysia’s data residency laws and regulatory standards. This ensures that data stored within the country remains under local jurisdiction, which is particularly important for businesses that need to adhere to specific legal frameworks.

The data centre also adheres to disaster recovery best practices, which means that critical data is protected and swiftly recovered in the event of any disruptions, minimising downtime for businesses.

 

6. They’re further expanding their Tier-III mega data centres

TM Global currently operates four mega data centres in Malaysia and one in Hong Kong. Of the four, two are accredited as Tier-III data centres.

Tier-III data centres have multiple paths for power and cooling, as well as systems in place that allow for the concurrent availability of data even during maintenance or technical failures.

In short, this enables businesses to enjoy uninterrupted services and ensure that their data is continuously safeguarded against potential disruptions.

Recently, the business has scaled up these existing data centres as well as Edge Facilities to support capacities of up to 40MW.

Ready support for your business’ growth in Southeast Asia

All of TM Global’s data centres are designed to meet the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design’s (LEED) rating for long-term sustainability, a globally recognised green building certification.

Construction is additionally underway for a new AI-ready hyperconnected data centre in collaboration with Singtel’s Nxera, with a planned capacity up to 200MW. This is scheduled for completion in 2026.

 

TM Global has also acquired a Facilities-Based Operator (FBO) licence in Singapore, allowing for the company to establish and manage its own network facilities in the country.

The move aims to enhance its data centre operations and cross-border connectivity across Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore itself.

Data centre-to-data centre connectivity is particularly reinforced through usage of TM Global’s domestic fibre optics network and international submarine cable systems.

With Southeast Asia’s digital economy projected to reach US$1 trillion by 2030 and more data centres being established in Malaysia, this is an opportune time for businesses to tap into the region’s market through TM Global’s services.

The expansion of its data centres and its numerous other services correspond with TM Global’s aim of positioning Malaysia as a preferred digital hub in Southeast Asia and aligns with TM’s aspirations of becoming a digital powerhouse by 2030.

This article was first published as a sponsored feature on Vulcan Post on 19 May 2025.

TM Global remains committed to service excellence and digital reliability, once again earning the Zero Outage Supplier status for 2025. This recognition is part of the annual Zero Outage Approval Program, a quality assurance initiative by T-Systems, a global IT services and consulting firm under Deutsche Telekom Technik GmbH. Designed to minimise downtime and ensure seamless business continuity, the program aligns with our mission to deliver resilient, high-performance connectivity.

We focus on proactive incident management and continuous process enhancements to provide secure, uninterrupted digital experiences across the region. Over the past year, we have strengthened customer engagement through the Keeping Customer Informed (KCI) approach, ensuring timely updates before, during and after service incidents. This initiative has enhanced transparency, elevated customer satisfaction, and reduced recurring issues.

Additionally, we have optimised our fiber restoration processes, significantly reducing downtime caused by fiber cuts. These improvements have reinforced network resilience, leading to uninterrupted service and zero SLA-violated trouble tickets recorded.

Moving forward, we remain dedicated to refining our services, fortifying network reliability, and driving innovation to meet the evolving needs of our customers. Our pursuit of service excellence continues, ensuring that businesses and communities stay seamlessly connected in the digital era.