Nvidia-YTL Power Partnership to Transform Malaysia into Asean's AI Hub

Nvidia and YTL Power International have signed a strategic partnership to develop AI infrastructure powered by green energy in Malaysia, backed by a RM10bil investment. The deal aims to create Malaysia's own sovereign large language model and an AI ecosystem with technology partners and local contractors. This partnership reflects Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's international engagements and could reshape the nation's economic and technological landscape.

Malaysia is set to become a regional leader in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, following a strategic partnership between Nvidia Corporation and YTL Power International Bhd. The collaboration, announced on July 27, 2025, aims to develop AI data centers and deploy Nvidia's high-performance graphics processing units (GPUs) powered by green energy. The project, backed by a RM10 billion investment, includes the creation of Malaysia's own sovereign large language model (LLM) [1].

The agreement reflects Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's international engagements, with the investment expected to reshape Malaysia's economic and technological landscape. The partnership will also see YTL Power build an AI ecosystem in collaboration with technology partners, suppliers, and local contractors [1].

The initiative comes amidst public discontent in Malaysia, with thousands of protesters rallying in Kuala Lumpur to demand Anwar's resignation. The protests, held on July 1, 2025, highlighted concerns over rising living costs and allegations of failing to deliver promised reforms. Protesters accused Anwar of misusing his position and interfering in the courts, as well as failing to address economic issues [2].

Despite the political challenges, the AI infrastructure project is seen as a significant step forward for Malaysia's tech industry. The RM10 billion investment is expected to create jobs and stimulate economic growth, positioning Malaysia as a key player in the global AI market [1].

References:
[1] https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/07/27/malaysia-to-build-rm10b-green-ai-hub-with-nvidia-ytl-power-in-regional-tech-push/185338
[2] https://theprint.in/world/step-down-anwar-thousands-march-through-malaysian-capital-to-demand-resignation-of-pm-anwar/2704060/