ST Telemedia Global Data Centres Partners Johor Talent Development Council to Advance Digital Infrastructure Talent in Johor

Launches youth‑focused community development initiatives in Iskandar Puteri and Johor Bahru
 

JOHOR, Malaysia, April 14, 2026 – ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC) has launched a set of talent and community development initiatives in Johor, Malaysia, focused on empowering future data centre professionals, upskilling local talent, and supporting local communities. These social impact programmes reflect STT GDC’s long‑term commitment to developing a skilled local workforce and creating shared value as Malaysia’s digital economy continues to grow.
 

At the core of these efforts is a local talent development programme, delivered in collaboration with the Johor Talent Development Council (JTDC), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and EPI Group, a globally accredited provider of data centre training and certification. The initiative forms part of the broader industry talent development partnership established under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between STT GDC and JTDC in 2025, which aims to create a robust pipeline of skilled professionals to support the growth of the data centre sector in Johor and the wider region, in line with the objectives of the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS‑SEZ).
 

As part of the programme, STT GDC will sponsor selected students to attend the EPI Data Centre Foundation Certificate (DCFC®), a globally recognised programme that provides foundational knowledge of data centre infrastructure, networking concepts and compliance standards. The inaugural course will take place at Menara IIB, Medini Iskandar Puteri, Johor, from 13–14 April 2026, with up to 15 students and graduates targeted for participation annually over five years. 
 

Highlighting the importance of translating strategic intent into practical outcomes, Technologist Mohd Ekmaluddin Ishak, Director of the Johor Talent Development Council, said, “Building a strong local talent pipeline is critical to Johor’s economic transformation. Through this collaboration, we are equipping participants with industry-relevant skills and exposure that support long‑term employability and position Johor as a hub for digital infrastructure expertise.”
 

In addition to course sponsorships, STT GDC plans to offer internship opportunities for up to five students in 2026, supporting project teams as well as corporate and regulatory functions. Interns will gain hands-on exposure to operational environments, project coordination and professional workplace practices relevant to careers in the data centre and adjacent industries. 
 

Dr Suhaila Mohamad Yusuf, Director of the UTM Career Centre, noted that the partnership helps bridge academic learning and industry practice, saying, “By partnering STT GDC and EPI, we are able to complement academic learning with industry‑aligned training and real‑world exposure. This helps prepare our students for the evolving demands of the digital infrastructure sector and supports their transition from university into professional practice.”
 

The programme is designed to enhance industry readiness and employability, without bonding participants. Graduates are free to pursue opportunities across the broader data centre sector, while remaining eligible to apply for roles at STT GDC through the company’s standard recruitment processes. 
 

Alongside talent development, STT GDC is also supporting community development initiatives in Iskandar Puteri and Johor Bahru, with a focus on youth development, civic exposure and community facilities. These initiatives aim to empower youth aged 15 to 35 by building confidence, communication and employability skills through public speaking and debate programmes, while civic exposure activities, including parliamentary visits, provide young people with firsthand insight into Malaysia’s democratic and governance processes. 
 

STT GDC is also contributing to the enhancement of community facilities, including upgrades to local public address systems, to support clearer communication and more effective engagement during community programmes. Collectively, these efforts are expected to benefit approximately 200 to 300 youths over the course of implementation. 
 

Commenting on the combined talent and community initiatives, Darryll Sinnappa, Country Head – Malaysia, ST Telemedia Global Data Centres, said “Our partnership with JTDC and EPI Group was established to empower future data centre professionals and upskill local talent. These initiatives represent a practical step forward in delivering on that commitment — ensuring that as digital infrastructure grows, local communities and talent grow alongside it. As we grow our presence in Malaysia, we remain focused on investing in people and capabilities, from preparing future data centre professionals to supporting youth development and community engagement in Johor. By working closely with our partners, we aim to create longterm value that extends beyond our operations.”
 

The community initiatives are carried out in collaboration with the Iskandar Puteri community support team, reinforcing STT GDC’s role as a responsible partner contributing to Johor’s social and economic development, while supporting long‑term stakeholder relationships at both state and national levels. 
 

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