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OpenAI secures Malaysian data centre capacity from Nvidia-backed Firmus

Created at 8 Sep · 1:43 AM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

Firmus, an AI infrastructure firm backed by Nvidia, has signed a multi-year deal with OpenAI to supply computing capacity from two Malaysian data centres. This agreement makes OpenAI an anchor customer for Firmus, which is valued at over $10.5 billion.

Key Numbers

$10.5 billionFirmus valuation in last fundraising
900 megawattsFirmus' contracted capacity across customers

Who's Involved

Firmus
Nvidia-backed AI infrastructure firm
OpenAI
ChatGPT maker and anchor customer
Nvidia
Investor and technology provider
OpenAI secures Malaysian data centre capacity from Nvidia-backed Firmus

↳ Why This Matters

This agreement highlights the intense competition for AI infrastructure and underscores Malaysia's growing importance as a data centre hub. It also signals continued strong demand for advanced AI models and the underlying computing power required to run them.

Key facts

  • Firmus signed a multi-year deal with OpenAI for Malaysian data centre capacity.
  • OpenAI will be an anchor customer for Firmus.
  • The deal increases Firmus' contracted capacity to over 900 megawatts.
  • Firmus is backed by Nvidia, Jane Street, Blackstone funds, and Coatue Management.
  • Firmus will deploy Nvidia's Vera Rubin processors in Asia-Pacific.

Australia's Firmus announced on Tuesday it has signed a multi-year agreement with OpenAI to provide computing capacity from two data centres in Malaysia. This deal positions the ChatGPT maker as a key client for Firmus, which is experiencing surging demand for infrastructure to support advanced AI models.

The agreement comes as Firmus is reportedly preparing for a significant initial public offering later this year. The AI infrastructure firm, valued at over $10.5 billion in its most recent funding round, counts Nvidia, Jane Street, Blackstone funds, and Coatue Management among its backers.

With this new deal, Firmus' contracted capacity across all its customers has surpassed 900 megawatts. The company already operates AI data centres in Australia and Singapore, with five more under development throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Firmus intends to deploy Nvidia's next-generation Vera Rubin processors at scale across Asia-Pacific, with the inclusion of Malaysia expanding its regional presence.

Malaysia is emerging as Southeast Asia's fastest-growing data centre market, though this rapid expansion has raised concerns regarding electricity and water consumption. Neither Firmus nor OpenAI commented on the specific value of the contract.

Frequently asked questions

The deal makes OpenAI an anchor customer for Firmus, securing computing capacity from two Malaysian data centres and highlighting the growing demand for AI infrastructure.

Firmus was valued at over $10.5 billion in its last fundraising round.

Firmus will deploy Nvidia's next-generation Vera Rubin processors at scale across Asia-Pacific.

What Happens Next

01Firmus is reportedly considering an initial public offering this year.
02Firmus will deploy Nvidia's Vera Rubin processors across Asia-Pacific.
CME Headlines
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How It Developed

Firmus announced a multi-year deal with OpenAI.
OpenAI will receive computing capacity from two Malaysian data centres.
The deal makes OpenAI an anchor customer for Firmus.
Firmus' contracted capacity across customers now exceeds 900 megawatts.
Firmus plans to deploy Nvidia's Vera Rubin processors across Asia-Pacific.

Sources

T1
Nvidia-backed Firmus signs deal with OpenAI for Malaysia data centre capacityReuters

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