(Johor Bahru, May 24) – Southern University College (Southern UC) President Dr. Chua Joon Hwang stated that the Johor state government is committed to developing the state into a global digital hub. The university will work closely with the government to help cultivate talents in this field.
He made this statement during the opening ceremony of the “Sustainable Energy Training Course for Large Digital Centers,” held at Southern UC from May 24 to May 26.
Dr. Chua said the state government’s push for the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone includes a three-phase plan for developing digital centers, stretching from 2024 to 2027.
He noted that Johor currently has 10 data centers in operation, 7 under construction, and 36 applications in process. Hosting this training course at this moment is, in his view, very timely.
He emphasized that digital centers are energy-intensive industries, and their implementation must also take environmental protection into account.
He added that five professors from South China University of Technology (SCUT) in China will provide both theoretical and practical insights into digital center technologies, covering areas such as cooling systems, smart grids, and AI-driven energy optimization.
Iskandar Puteri City Councilor Chen Xian Qi, in her opening speech, reminded attendees that the development of large digital centers may lead to increased carbon emissions.
She remarked that this course is timely and practical, enabling participants to better understand eco-conscious development strategies that help turn potential risks into opportunities.
Guests in attendance included:
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Dato’ Tan Meng Chin, Chairman of Southern University College
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Mohd Basiruddin, Chairman of the UNESCO International Science, Technology and Innovation Centre for South-South Cooperation (ISTIC)
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Professor Chan Koon Bing, Chairman of the Academy of Engineering and Technology of the Developing World (AETDEW)
「在陈洽臣（左二起）与陈贤绮陪同下，蔡润煌（左一）与陈昆炳交换合作备忘录。（林金兰摄）」