Basis Bay & UM Forge Strategic Partnership

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Empowering Malaysia’s Knowledge Economy: Basis Bay & Universiti Malaya Forge Strategic Partnership

On February 21, 2025, Basis Bay and Universiti Malaya (UM) officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Sheraton Petaling Jaya Hotel, marking a significant step forward in knowledge transfer and the future of Malaysia’s digital infrastructure. Global Bridge Education (GBE) was honored to be invited to witness this collaboration, as it aligns with our mission of fostering innovation and education for a globally competitive Malaysia.

This partnership focuses on building world-class expertise in premium data centers, ensuring that Malaysia does not just follow global trends but sets new benchmarks in technological advancements. GBE, actively involved in global education initiatives, sees this as an opportunity to explore how knowledge transfer from industry leaders like Basis Bay can enhance education, research, and workforce readiness, particularly in Perak State.

Malaysia as a Global Player in Data Centers

During the event, Basis Bay Group Executive Chairman, Dato’ Praba Thiagarajah, emphasized that Malaysia has a golden opportunity to export its expertise in data center development rather than rely on foreign players. With the rapid expansion of AI-driven and hyperscale data centers, Malaysia must invest in talent development and infrastructure to compete at a global level.

Key insights from the discussion included:

Industry Partnerships & Expansion – Basis Bay has partnered with Tomas Seglet, STTGVC, to develop AI-powered, hyperscale data centers. The focus is on high-premium, highly secure facilities that meet the growing demand for digital infrastructure.
Tier 3 vs. Tier 4 Data Centers – AI-related data centers typically operate at Tier 3, whereas financial institutions like Bank Negara require Tier 4 facilities with top-tier security and redundancy. Basis Bay specializes in building and operating these advanced centers.
Bridging the Talent Gap – There is a high demand for trained professionals in this sector. Basis Bay is setting up a hands-on training lab within its facility to provide real-world learning experiences, ensuring Malaysians are prepared for global opportunities.
Policy & Regulation Challenges – The Malaysian government and regulators are still catching up with rapid advancements in the industry. More engagement and risk-related discussions are needed to ensure Malaysia’s data center policies align with global best practices.

The Role of Education & Knowledge Transfer

With education being a key pillar in Malaysia’s national vision, GBE is particularly interested in how this collaboration can shape the future of higher education. The MoU between Basis Bay and Universiti Malaya signals a commitment to:

Creating specialized academic programs in data center technology, AI infrastructure, and cybersecurity.
Enhancing research collaboration between universities and industry players.
Developing a skilled workforce that meets the evolving needs of the digital economy.

GBE aims to explore how these advancements can be replicated in Perak, supporting the state’s efforts in education, edutourism, and workforce development. The event has opened doors for further discussions on integrating data center knowledge into Malaysia’s higher education curriculum and ensuring that the country remains at the forefront of global innovation.

This collaboration is a testament to Malaysia’s ambition to be a world leader in digital transformation, and GBE is committed to playing a key role in bridging education with industry excellence.