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

On September 8, Australia's Firmus announced a multi-year agreement with OpenAI to supply computing capacity from two Malaysian data centers, positioning OpenAI as a key customer as demand for infrastructure to run advanced AI models surges. This move precedes Firmus' anticipated initial public offering in 2026, potentially ranking among Australia's largest in recent history.

The AI infrastructure firm was valued at over US$10.5 billion during its latest fundraising round, backed by Nvidia, Jane Street, Blackstone funds, and Coatue Management. The deal with OpenAI expanded Firmus' contracted capacity across customers to more than 900 megawatts. Firmus operates two AI data centers in Australia and Singapore, with five more under development across the Asia-Pacific region.

The agreement underscores the intensifying competition among US and Chinese AI entities to secure power and data center capacity for increasingly sophisticated models. Earlier this week, OpenAI unveiled Astra, claiming it to be their most capable model yet. Malaysia has emerged as Southeast Asia's fastest-growing data center market, but its rapid expansion has sparked concerns about electricity and water consumption.

Firmus plans to utilize Nvidia's next-generation Vera Rubin processors across the Asia-Pacific, with the inclusion of Malaysia broadening its presence in the region. Firmus refrained from disclosing the contract value, while OpenAI has yet to provide a response to a Reuters inquiry for comment.