OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad recognised for green computing milestone at Malaysia Technology Excellence Awards 2026

It secured Malaysia’s first Iridium Plus Tier certification by significantly reducing cooling energy consumption and improving overall power efficiency.

OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad was awarded in the Data Centre - Financial Services category at the Malaysia Technology Excellence Awards 2026 for its Cyberjaya data centre, which achieved the Iridium Plus Tier under Green Climate Initiative’s (GCI) Certified Green Computing Facility (CGCF) certification. The accreditation marked the first facility in Malaysia to obtain this tier (Iridium Plus is the highest tier currently attainable), reflecting upgrades in energy management, infrastructure efficiency, and environmental control within the bank’s digital infrastructure. The certification was confirmed through the Certified Green Computing Facility validation issued by GCI on 29 August 2025.

OCBC Bank’s Cyberjaya data centre deployed an AI-based energy management system that monitored operating conditions across the facility. Sensors installed at server racks and Computer Room Air Conditioning (CRAC) units transmitted continuous temperature readings to a central analytics engine. The AI model reviewed this data stream to detect thermal irregularities and emerging patterns within the cooling environment. Recommended temperature set points for individual CRAC units were then generated and displayed through tablet interfaces used by operations personnel. This allowed cooling adjustments to be carried out directly on the data centre floor when conditions changed.

A technology refresh programme reviewed several green-certified CRAC platforms to determine suitable replacements for existing units. The evaluation focused on Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER), compressor performance, fan power consumption, and variable speed operation. Units selected through this process maintained higher efficiency across both full-load and part-load scenarios. Cooling capacity could therefore adjust to fluctuating IT workloads whilst limiting excess energy use.

Attention was also given to the facility’s power infrastructure. Several Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems were examined through technical testing that considered conversion losses, harmonic distortion levels, battery management algorithms, and efficiency curves under varying load conditions. Systems adopted for deployment delivered Energy Efficiency Standard (EES) ratings above 97% during typical operating ranges. Electrical conversion losses declined, whilst power delivery across the data centre remained stable.

Operational reviews later identified leakage points within sections of the cold aisle containment structure. These gaps disrupted airflow control and reduced cooling precision. Engineering teams sealed the affected areas to restore a fully contained environment around the server rows. Air distribution across racks became more consistent after the containment adjustments. The facility also incorporated renewable energy sources within its operational energy mix.

Combined improvements in cooling efficiency, electrical performance, and airflow control reduced the facility’s Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE). This operational profile formed part of the criteria supporting the qualification of OCBC Bank’s Cyberjaya data centre for the Iridium Plus Tier under GCI’s Certified Green Computing Facility programme.

The Malaysia Technology Excellence Awards, presented by Asian Business Review, recognises exceptional companies at the forefront of technological innovation and digital transformation, playing a pivotal role in driving Malaysia's rapidly growing economy to greater heights.

The Malaysia Technology Excellence Awards is presented by Asian Business Review Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2027 awards programme and be acclaimed for your company's outstanding contributions in pursuit of technological innovation, please contact Danica Avila (+65) 3158 1386 or [email protected].