YTL Power drives Malaysia's AI breakthrough
Hosted at the 500-megawatt YTL Green Data Centre Campus in Johor, the system will be powered by the cutting-edge Nvidia GB200 Grace Blackwell Superchip, deployed via NVIDIA DGX Cloud.
The rollout positions YTL Power as one of the first cloud service providers in Asia Pacific to offer the revolutionary Nvidia Blackwell Ultra platform.
YTL Power managing director Datuk Seri Yeoh Seok Hong revealed that the DGX Cloud will be launched in tandem with ILMU 1.0, Malaysia's first locally developed large language model (LLM).
"This AI cloud infrastructure will provide the foundation for the country's sovereign AI and will power our very own Malaysian-owned LLM, ILMU 1.0," he told Business Times.
It will catalyse the development of local AI capabilities, paving the way for next-generation innovations built by Malaysians for Malaysians.
Yeoh added that as the first in the region to deploy the Blackwell Ultra platform, YTL Power is proud to position Malaysia at the forefront of AI innovation in Asia Pacific.
Alexis Bjorlin, vice president and general manager of DGX Cloud at Nvidia, confirmed to The Edge on Wednesday that the rollout is progressing smoothly and remains on schedule.
She cited Malaysia's stable power infrastructure and strong manufacturing ecosystem as key reasons for choosing the country as a regional hub.
Bjorlin also affirmed that YTL is Nvidia's inaugural partner in the region, a strategic collaboration she said would deliver significant mutual benefits and further expand the reach of advanced AI capabilities across Asia.
The Blackwell Ultra platform is Nvidia's most advanced GPU architecture to date, with global shipments set to begin in the second half of 2025.
However, YTL Power's early adoption guarantees that Malaysia will have access to this next-generation infrastructure before the rest of the world.
In a statement issued in mid-March, Yeoh reiterated the group's commitment to delivering powerful, enterprise-grade AI cloud computing to the region.
With YTL Cloud, its subsidiary and designated Nvidia cloud partner (NCP), the group is now among the first in Asia Pacific to offer commercial access to Blackwell-powered infrastructure.
Hong said the collaboration with Nvidia enables Asia to access the most advanced AI platforms and solutions, ensuring the region remains competitive and aligned with global technological progress as the world moves rapidly into an AI-driven future.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
8 hours ago
- The Star
Nvidia denies back-door features in its H20 chips after Beijing raises security concerns
Nvidia said its chips had no 'back doors' after China's cyberspace regulator interviewed company representatives over alleged security risks associated with its H20 chips, which were tailor-made for Chinese customers, although it remains unclear what impact Beijing's mistrust of the US firm will have over time. 'Cybersecurity is critically important to us,' an Nvidia representative said in an email to the South China Morning Post on Thursday night. 'Nvidia does not have 'back doors' in our chips that would give anyone a remote way to access or control them.' The statement was in response to a regulatory move by the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), the agency responsible for the country's cybersecurity. The Chinese regulator said on Thursday that it had summoned and interviewed Nvidia regarding the potential tracking and remote control functions of its H20 chips, a surprise move as Nvidia had just received the green light from Washington to export the chips to clients in China. Nvidia's shares were down 0.8 per cent on Thursday in New York. The latest development highlights the challenges faced by Nvidia, the world's most valuable company in terms of market capitalisation, in trying to please both Washington and Beijing amid intensifying US-China rivalry in artificial intelligence and hi-tech. While China needs Nvidia chips to build out its computing infrastructure, Beijing remains committed to the long-term goal of tech self-sufficiency by reducing its reliance on imported American equipment and technologies. In the latest example of that, a group of Chinese semiconductor and AI companies – including Huawei Technologies, Cambricon Technologies and Moore Threads – formed an alliance to push for the adoption of locally developed processors for AI projects. China's cyberspace administration did not specify the source or evidence for its concerns about back-door security threats associated with Nvidia chips. In May, a bipartisan group of US lawmakers introduced a bill that would require makers of AI processors to incorporate tracking technology in their chips before export. The proposal aimed to address reports of US export-controlled AI chips being smuggled into China via third countries. But Nvidia has never said that its H20 chips have such tracking functions. The summoning of Nvidia was the latest example of the long-lasting mistrust between Beijing and Washington over the other's tech hardware. The US has banned the use of Huawei gear in the American telecommunications network, while new guidelines from the administration of US President Donald Trump implied that the use of Huawei's Ascend AI chips 'anywhere in the world' could be a violation of US export controls. For its part, China accelerated the process of replacing imported technologies in its key infrastructure facilities about a decade ago, after former US National Security Agency contract employee Edward Snowden exposed the global spying practices of the US. In May 2023, the CAC said products from another US chip giant, Micron Technology, failed a national security review, resulting in a sales ban of its products to key infrastructure operators in China. - SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
New Straits Times
8 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Anwar making tough calls in people's interest, says Ramanan
KUALA LUMPUR: The government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim remains steadfast in its commitment to prioritising the people's interests by focusing on economic recovery, strengthening national unity and ensuring political stability. Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Deputy Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the Madani government's approach was not limited to short-term gains but was framed with a long-term vision to guarantee the well-being of all Malaysians, regardless of race or background. "We can see how the prime minister consistently puts the people first. "In terms of the economy, various initiatives have been introduced to stimulate growth, stabilise the cost of living and ensure fair job opportunities for all," said Ramanan, who is also PKR vice-president. He said this after officiating a casual engagement session with nearly 400 students of SMK Subang Bestari at Help University today. Ramanan said recent announcements under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), alongside efforts to strengthen micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), is clear evidence that the government is serious about driving post-pandemic economic recovery amid global uncertainties. On unity, he described the Malaysia Madani concept as a crucial foundation in bringing together the country's multiracial and multi-religious society. "Unity is not just a slogan. It is translated through inclusive policies, fair distribution of assistance and continued support for all communities. Ramanan added that the political stability achieved through the cooperation within the unity government must be preserved for the continuity of national development. "No development can be achieved if the nation's politics remain unstable. "What we have today is a stable government led by an experienced leader who is willing to make tough decisions for the good of the people," he said. He said the public must not be swayed by negative narratives aimed at causing unease and division. "The people must be wise in their judgment. Under the Madani government, welfare is protected, economic opportunities are expanding and the nation is on the right track. "This is not the time for narrow politics, but the time to unite and build a better future," he said. Ramanan also urged Malaysians to continue placing their trust in Anwar's leadership, which he said was grounded in integrity, inclusivity and courage in defending the people's interests.
Borneo Post
11 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Multiplier effect of RM2.6 billion in economic stimulus
Do our part, spend the RM100 wisely, and help to stimulate the economy. Rotarians purchasing essential items to be donated to a rural school hostel. In a move aimed at stimulating domestic consumption and offering some financial relief to the rakyat, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently unveiled a nationwide initiative: every Malaysian aged 18 and above will receive RM100. While the announcement inevitably carries political undertones, that is a discussion for another day. To benefit from the initiative, recipients must spend the RM100 between 31 August and 31 December 2025, using their MyKad to make transactions. After the Prime Minister's announcement, some quarters reacted with skepticism, scoffing, 'Just RM100? That's hardly enough to make a real difference.' While RM100 per person may appear modest, the collective impact of this move is anything but small. With an estimated 26 million Malaysians eligible for this benefit, the total government spending for this initiative could amount to RM2.6 billion. But the story does not end there. When we take into account the concept of the economic multiplier effect, the overall impact on the Malaysian economy could be far greater. To understand this impact better, let us first explore the concept of the economic multiplier effect in layman's terms. Simply put, when money is injected into an economy, it does not just benefit the first person who receives it. That person, in turn, spends part of it, which becomes income for someone else. That second person then spends part of the income, passing it on to a third, and so the cycle continues. Each round of spending becomes slightly smaller than the last, but altogether, they add up to a much larger total economic impact than the original amount spent. This chain reaction is measured by what economists call the multiplier, which depends largely on a factor known as the Marginal Propensity to Consume (MPC). The MPC is a number between 0 and 1 that reflects the amount of every additional Ringgit of income a person is likely to spend rather than save. For example, if a person has an MPC of 0.80, it means the person is likely to spend 80 sen out of every additional Ringgit earned. The remaining 20 sen is either saved or used to pay off debts. The higher the MPC, the more powerful the multiplier effect will be. In the Malaysian context, research indicates that the MPC varies significantly across income groups. Low-income households generally exhibit a high MPC, sometimes reaching 0.81, as they must spend most of their earnings on essential items such as food, rent, transportation and utilities. In contrast, high-income households tend to exhibit a higher capacity to save. When crafting policies to stimulate economic activity, governments often target groups with higher MPCs, as their spending is more likely to generate a stronger and more immediate multiplier effect by circulating rapidly and repeatedly within the economy. The multiplier effect formula calculates the total increase in economic activity resulting from an initial injection of spending. The formula is 1 / 1 – MPC, where MPC is the Marginal Propensity to Consume. If we assume an MPC of 0.81, which is a reasonable estimate for the lower and middle-income groups in Malaysia, the multiplier becomes: 1 / 1 – 0.81 = 1 / 0.19 = 5.26 This calculation means that for every RM1 the government injects into the economy, the total economic activity generated could be as much as RM5.26. Applying this to the RM2.6 billion initiative, the total impact on the Malaysian economy could reach approximately RM13.7 billion. This kind of impact is especially significant during periods of economic uncertainty, rising living costs or when domestic demand requires a boost. For many small businesses and vendors, even a modest increase in consumer spending can make the difference between staying afloat and shutting down. By requiring the RM100 to be spent, rather than saved, and within a defined timeframe, the government is promoting a rapid cycle of consumption. This measure carries the potential to revitalise key sectors such as retail, food and beverage, transportation and services, industries largely driven by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Another strategic feature of this policy is the use of MyKad as the mechanism for spending. This creates an efficient, transparent and traceable way of ensuring the funds are used as intended. It also allows policymakers to collect useful data on consumption patterns, which can be used to guide future economic planning. The requirement that the RM100 be spent within a four-month period ensures that the money enters the economy quickly, amplifying its short-term impact. Beyond the numbers, there are social and psychological benefits to this initiative. At a time when many Malaysians are grappling with economic pressure, the gesture of direct financial support can help restore confidence and morale. It signals that the government is attentive to the needs of the rakyat and willing to take action to support them. This reassurance, in turn, can increase consumer confidence, which is an important driver of economic activity. When people feel more secure about their financial future, they are more likely to spend, which further fuels the multiplier effect. However, the effectiveness of this RM2.6 billion stimulus also depends on several key factors. Firstly, it is important that the money is spent primarily on goods and services produced within Malaysia. If a significant portion is spent on imported products, the multiplier effect will 'leak' out of the economy, benefitting foreign producers instead. Secondly, the initiative should ideally be complemented by other policies that support local businesses, such as training, grants, subsidies or tax reliefs to enable them to meet the increased demand. Thirdly, attention must be paid to inflationary pressures. A sudden surge in demand, if not matched by supply, could lead to price increases that erode the purchasing power of consumers. An equally important component in the success of this initiative lies in the role of the rakyat. The effectiveness of the multiplier effect relies on their willingness to actively participate in the programme. The rakyat should be mindful to spend the RM100 in ways that support local businesses and essential services, rather than on imported or non-productive items. By choosing to buy from neighbourhood shops, local markets and Malaysian-owned enterprises, consumers can help ensure that the money remains within the domestic economy for as long as possible. Moreover, responsible and purposeful spending on food, school supplies, daily essentials or healthcare can contribute to both personal well-being and the broader national interest. The collective participation of millions of Malaysians in this initiative can significantly magnify its economic impact. Thus, the rakyat are not just recipients of financial aid, but active agents in revitalising the economy. The multiplier effect remains a powerful concept in economic planning. It tells us that the real value of government spending is not just in the initial amount disbursed, but in the way that money travels through the economy, creating layers of benefit as it goes. In this case, RM2.6 billion is not just a financial injection; it is a catalyst for RM13.7 billion worth of economic activity, livelihoods sustained and hopes renewed. While RM100 per person may seem insignificant on the surface, the strategic design and targetted timing of this initiative give it the potential to significantly uplift the Malaysian economy. By tapping into the high MPC of the population, especially among the lower-income groups, the government is leveraging a tried-and-tested economic principle to maximise impact. If well-executed, this policy will not only stimulate spending but also support local businesses, safeguard jobs and strengthen consumer confidence. It serves as a timely reminder that in economics, small actions when multiplied wisely, can lead to powerful results. Let us support this government initiative with a broader perspective. RM100 may seem little in terms of personal financial impact to high income earners, but its true value lies in the collective economic ripple it can create. When viewed on a national scale, this contribution carries the potential to stimulate substantial economic activity and generate meaningful income across various sectors. By participating in this effort, we are not merely spending, we are playing an active role in revitalising our economy and supporting fellow Malaysians whose livelihoods depend on it Footnote Dr Richard A. Gontusan is a Human Resource Skills Training and Investment Consultant. He earned a Master of Arts Degree in Economics from the Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, USA, and has lectured in Economics at the tertiary level. His views expressed in the article are not necessarily the views of The Borneo Post.
