Starting our day nice and early, we traveled approximately an hour to reach the job site. Upon arriving early, we spent some time group bonding while playing a game of Imposter. After getting off the bus, we waited outside the job site for further instructions before beginning the tour.

Afterward, we split into four groups and had the opportunity to go inside the first data center, which was still under construction.

Once on the second floor, we asked Mark, our construction tour guide, several questions regarding the construction process. The data center consists of six floors, all designed with the same structural layout. Each floor is rented out to different clients, who are then able to help design the interior layout of their server racks, equipment, and supporting infrastructure based on their specific operational needs. The first building we entered had completed its structural components and was in the process of enclosing the exterior while simultaneously completing architectural work inside. Because the layout is repeated on every floor, the construction team works efficiently by moving upward floor by floor, repeating the same process.

The building is expected to be completed by July 2026, with projects of this scale typically lasting about one year. Due to the accelerated pace of construction, precast concrete slabs are used to reduce on-site labor time and increase efficiency. The total cost of this building is estimated at approximately 600 million Malaysian ringgit, not including the additional costs associated with custom finishes and equipment required by individual clients. This is equivalent to around 147.6 million US dollars. Throughout the construction process, the project was divided into eight separate zones to improve coordination, safety, and workflow efficiency.

The second building we observed had an estimated cost of 500 million Malaysian ringgit. Although we were not able to enter this building, we noticed that the exterior was fully completed, with large side openings that allow cranes to lift heavy equipment into the interior. From the outside, it appeared that workers were focused on installing mechanical and electrical systems, which are critical components of any data center.

Throughout the tour, we reflected on the similarities and differences between construction practices in Malaysia and the United States. One major difference we observed was the layout of the data centers. In the U.S., data centers are more commonly built with fewer floors, often spreading horizontally. Typically, the top floor is dedicated to cooling and mechanical systems, the main floor houses the server racks, and basements are used for generators and fuel storage tanks. In contrast, Mark explained that in this Malaysian data center, each floor contains its own cooling and mechanical systems alongside the server racks. This vertical approach allows for efficient use of limited land.

Overall, comparing the data centers between the United States and Malaysia provided us great insights to construction from a global perspective.

After finishing the tour, we returned to the bus to head to lunch and prepare for another adventure!

Blog by Yaritza Frias