OpenAI has signed a multi-year agreement with Australian AI infrastructure firm Firmus to secure computing capacity from two Malaysian data centres, highlighting Malaysia’s growing role in supporting the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure.
The deal makes OpenAI an anchor customer for the facilities and lifts Firmus’ contracted capacity across its customers to more than 900 megawatts (MW).
Firmus, which is backed by Nvidia, was valued at more than US$10.5 billion in its latest fundraising round, with investors including Nvidia, Jane Street, Blackstone funds and Coatue Management.
The company operates two AI data centres in Australia and Singapore, with another five under development across Asia-Pacific.
Malaysia has emerged as Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing data centre market, driven by rising demand for infrastructure needed to run increasingly advanced AI models. However, the rapid expansion has also raised concerns over electricity and water consumption.
Firmus plans to deploy Nvidia’s next-generation Vera Rubin processors at scale across Asia-Pacific, with its Malaysian expansion adding to its regional footprint.
The value of the OpenAI contract was not disclosed.
The agreement comes ahead of a potential Firmus initial public offering this year, which could rank among Australia’s largest in recent years.
Reuters
