The AI data centre boom in South East Asia
AI is driving a data centre boom across Asia, but is it costing communities? We examine Malaysia鈥檚 rapid AI data centre expansion, local opposition and whether South East Asia can power the AI boom sustainably.
The AI boom means data centres are being built at an unprecedented pace around the world and in South East Asia, Malaysia has emerged as one of the biggest hubs for this expansion.
But the rapid construction growth for data centres is also prompting a backlash. Data centres can consume enormous amounts of electricity and water, while critics question how many long-term jobs they actually create for local communities.
In Malaysia, residents have protested against proposed developments, while governments are trying to balance economic growth with environmental and social concerns.
In this episode, host Mariko Oi speaks to freelance journalist Isaac Chong and AI strategist Bernard Leong about what data centres actually do, why AI is driving a global construction boom, and why Malaysia has become one of South East Asia鈥檚 biggest data centre hubs.
