Brisbane-based digital infrastructure provider NEXTDC has launched KL1 (Kuala Lumpur), its first international data centre, in a strategic move to support the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, cloud computing and digital services across Southeast Asia.

“Located in the Klang Valley, Malaysia’s primary business and technology hub, KL1 represents a A$1 billion (approx. RM2.8bn) long-term investment,” said the company.

The firm said the purpose-built facility will support next generation AI and high-performance computing, delivering 65MW of IT capacity.

“KL1 supports the high-density, always-on environments required for AI and advanced digital workloads,” it said.

NEXTDC Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Craig Scroggie said the launch reflected a structural shift in how digital infrastructure was being designed and deployed globally.

NEXTDC Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Craig Scroggie said the launch reflects a structural shift in how digital infrastructure is being designed and deployed globally.

“We are in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and AI is redefining the requirements of critical infrastructure. The challenge is no longer access to technology, but the ability to deploy it at speed, at scale, and within sovereign governance frameworks,” said Scroggie.

“This is not only about entering a new market. It is about NEXTDC establishing infrastructure platforms in the locations where customers need to operate, connect and scale in the AI economy,” he said.

NEXTDC said Malaysia was emerging as a strategic destination for digital infrastructure investment in Asia, supported by strong economic growth, increasing enterprise demand and government-led initiatives to accelerate AI adoption. It noted that due to its location at the centre of this ecosystem, KL1 Kuala Lumpur provided a natural hub for organisations seeking to operate across Southeast Asia while maintaining control over data, infrastructure and regulatory requirements.