Gamuda's Renewable Energy Portfolio Expands Beyond $1 Billion as Data Centers Fuel Green Power Demand in Malaysia

Malaysian tycoon Lin Yun Ling’s infrastructure powerhouse Gamuda is making aggressive moves into the renewable energy sector, capitalizing on a strategic opportunity: the explosive growth of data centers across Southeast Asia. The company has just locked in two substantial solar projects that underscore both the scale of this expansion and the urgent need for sustainable energy to power the region’s hyperscale computing facilities.

The Scale of Gamuda’s Solar Ambitions

The numbers tell a compelling story. In back-to-back announcements this month, Gamuda secured contracts for solar installations totaling 2.7 gigawatts of capacity. Industry analysts estimate the combined construction costs for both projects will reach approximately 5.4 billion ringgit, roughly $1.3 billion—a significant investment reflecting the company’s confidence in the renewable energy opportunity.

The first project represents a partnership between Gamuda and Petronas-backed Gentari Renewables, a collaboration targeting a 1.5-gigawatt solar farm. Following closely, Gamuda teamed up with plantation operator SD Guthrie to develop a 1.2-gigawatt facility. Both projects are explicitly designed to serve data center operators seeking to reduce their carbon footprint while meeting the surging demand for computational power.

Why Malaysia Has Become a Data Center Magnet

The urgency behind these renewable energy projects stems from Malaysia’s emergence as one of Asia Pacific’s premier data center hubs. Global technology leaders—Alibaba, Google, and Microsoft among them—have established massive cloud computing and AI infrastructure in the country, transforming Malaysia’s digital economy and creating insatiable appetite for reliable, clean energy.

This trend directly benefits Gamuda, which has already accumulated 2.7 billion ringgit ($642 million) in Google-related construction contracts. The company’s renewable energy division, led by Joshua Kong Sing Hoe, is positioning itself as the critical infrastructure backbone enabling these data centers to operate sustainably.

Building a Sustainable Pipeline

The strategy is clear: as data center expansion accelerates across Malaysia, operators need dedicated renewable energy sources. Gentari’s chief renewables officer, Low Kian Min, emphasized this connection: “Malaysia’s digital economy is growing rapidly, bringing with it rising demand for reliable and sustainable power.” Gamuda’s solar projects are designed to be scalable and dedicated, ensuring data center clients have a predictable pipeline of green electricity.

From Construction to Infrastructure Leader

Gamuda’s evolution into renewable energy reflects its broader transformation since its 1976 founding by Lin Yun Ling and business partner Koon Yew Yin. What began as a construction company has evolved into Malaysia’s leading integrated infrastructure and real estate developer, with operations spanning Australia, Singapore, Taiwan, the UK, and Vietnam. The renewable energy pivot represents the natural extension of this diversification strategy.