Future of digital is green

DATA centres, cloud computing, big data. These are the digital engines of our modern world mushrooming across the globe.

Malaysia, too, has been a strong contender in this arena. In fact, Cushman & Wakefield notes that Malaysia’s strong data centre development pipeline will see its population per megawatt ratio consolidate faster than any other Asia-Pacific market between now and the end of the decade.

Surprised? Don’t be.

Between 2021 and June 2025, the government approved a total of 143 data centre investment projects. This included 25 projects with Malaysia Digital status under the Digital Ecosystem Acceleration Scheme incentive, with total investments worth RM144.4bil.

While it’s clear that Malaysia wants to be a leader in this space, concerns on the impact to the environment have emerged too. With a great amount of research, we have now come to recognise that not all data centres are made the same. 

There are normal data centres and, now, there are data centres with carbon aware computing capabilities!

What is that, you may wonder? Simply put, carbon aware computing runs jobs when and where the electricity grid is powered by renewable energy.

Some also know it as carbon-intelligent computing. For it to be considered green, both the hardware and software must have zero negative impact on the environment.

It’s fascinating how it works. This approach involves scheduling non-urgent computing tasks during periods when renewable energy sources like solar or wind are most available.

Carbon aware computing also dynamically adjusts hardware performance in response to the carbon intensity of the power grid.

Boardroom Priority 

It’s no surprise that Google Inc is already embedding carbon aware computing into its hubs and data centres. This multinational tech corporation has been carbon neutral since 2007.

Now, it has gone even further and is working towards 24/7 carbon-free energy wherever it operates data centres. 

Minecraft and Fortnite fans will be glad to know that all the hours spent on the Xbox is not killing the environment because Microsoft decided to make Xbox the first gaming console to offer carbon aware game downloads and updates. 

Then again, we don’t need to go very far to learn all about it.

Last year, Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority launched a S$30mil research initiative, which will rope in academic institutions and tech firms to set common standards and develop new solutions.

In September, Singtel said quite clearly, green software should be a boardroom priority. I bet there are many other companies following suit too. 

Power Malaysia’s green journey

So, what about Malaysia?

I’m happy to say, the journey towards a greener, cleaner technology pathway is definitely under way.

One example was the launch of the Carbon Neutral Computing Services last year. Part of its initiatives include a collaboration with HP and ICT Zone to offer DaaS 360.

It’s a service that ensures HP devices maintain carbon neutrality from manufacturing to end-of-life through verified carbon offset programmes and device lifecycle management.

HP Malaysia on its own has been a key driver of green computing initiatives in the country.

The group offers energy-efficient hardware, certified refurbished devices, extended product lifespan services, and a comprehensive carbon offset programme for their offerings. 

Another bright spark is Ark IT Global, which offers sustainable IT solutions like energy-efficient hardware and software recommendations, e-waste recycling services, and sustainability consulting. 

Malaysia is edging up in other areas too. Take for instance its carbon capture and storage projects led by Petroliam Nasional Bhd (PETRONAS).

Just this month, PETRONAS was granted an offshore permit for the Duyong area. This not only points to capabilities but also confidence. 

Then comes the hot topic, carbon credits. Being hailed as a necessity amid global pressure, it also holds opportunities worth trillions of dollars.

The Bursa Malaysia Carbon Exchange happens to be the  world’s first syariah-compliant multi-environmental product exchange that facilitates the trading of carbon credits. 

Malaysia is also well-positioned to tap into renewable energy, thanks to its abundant natural resources.

If it’s solar we’re talking about, the country’s tropical climate provides consistent sunlight all year-round.

If it’s hydro power, our extensive river systems and rainfall create strong potential for energy generation.

Together, these resources offer a sustainable path forward for powering data centres and other industries while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

As always, I firmly believe we have the right kind of talent to be harnessing these projects and solutions right here in our universities.

We’ve got the people who can design, test and scale the technologies needed to make carbon aware computing a Malaysian success story.

There’s still plenty of research to be done before Malaysia can truly call itself “carbon-smart.”

Think of it as the beta version of a greener digital future – the framework is there, the updates are rolling out, and with the right mix of policy, innovation, and maybe a few solar panels, Malaysia could soon hit “run” on a fully sustainable data ecosystem.

I’m so glad the conversation has started, and sustainability has found its way into boardrooms, policy talks and tech conferences.

What’s left is implementation to catch up with the nation’s strong ambition!