How One Country Became the Unlikely Crossroads of the Global A.I. Boom

With cheap land and electricity and proximity to undersea cables, Malaysia is a draw for technology companies.

How One Country Became the Unlikely Crossroads of the Global A.I. Boom

TL;DR

  • Malaysia is seeing significant investment from technology companies building data centers.
  • These data centers will house advanced AI chips, including those made by Nvidia.
  • Chinese companies are accessing these chips in Malaysia, bypassing US export controls that restrict shipments to China.
  • Malaysia's appeal includes cheap land and electricity, plus proximity to undersea cables.
  • The country has positioned itself as a neutral ground in the AI industry's geopolitical division between the US and China.
  • This influx has reshaped Malaysia's economy and landscape, raising concerns about infrastructure strain and Chinese access to advanced technology.