Data Centre World Asia 2024

The 2024 Data Centre World Asia event in Singapore highlighted an emerging and pressing challenge: the data centre industry is grappling with a severe talent shortage both in the short and long-term. Conversations I had with industry professionals at the event revealed a common struggle faced by data centre operators; finding experienced candidates. This talent struggle has prompted operators to rethink their data centre hiring strategies, broadening their recruitment efforts to include talent from other industries, such as power and infrastructure, and train them for data centre-specific roles. In our summary from the event we explore this further.

Talent shortage across the board

A key takeaway from the event was the consensus that many organisations appear to be competing for the same pool of experienced talent. Whether it’s for design, build, or operational roles, the growing demand for data centres is outstripping the supply of skilled professionals. Construction and project managers, mechanical and electrical engineers, and strategic planners are in particularly high demand. This competition is so intense that data centre organisations are focusing heavily on retention programs as a key measure to hold onto their existing employees. With the inability to hire quickly and effectively, retaining skilled staff has become a critical priority. 

The lack of experienced candidates is not just a short-term issue. Industry experts at the event noted that there is a lack of investment in training tailored specifically to data centre careers. This gap is further compounding the problem, as fewer people are entering the industry with the necessary skills. Without a concerted eff ort to build a talent pipeline through training, the industry could face long-term recruitment difficulties.

AI’s impact on data centre growth and complexity

Another hot topic at the event was the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on the data centre market. With AI, machine learning (ML), and cloud technologies becoming more integral to various industries, data centre operations are set to become even more complex. As companies integrate these advanced technologies, the technical demands on data centres are increasing, requiring more specialised knowledge and skills. AI and ML, in particular, will create new roles and responsibilities, with professionals needing to understand not only traditional IT infrastructure but also cutting-edge algorithms and data processing requirements.

Experts at Data Centre World Asia predicted that the industry will see aggressive growth in the coming year, driven in large part by AI and digital transformation across industries. This expansion will necessitate a new wave of recruitment, with a focus on skills that intersect with both traditional engineering and emerging technologies.

Malaysia and India: Key markets for expansion

In terms of geographic expansion, many data centre operators are looking to expand their footprints in Southeast Asia, with Malaysia and India emerging as top destinations for new builds in 2025. These regions are attractive due to their growing digital economies, favourable regulatory environments, and the availability of land and resources for building large-scale data centre infrastructure. Operators are keen to capitalise on these opportunities, but they are also aware that staffing these new facilities will present a significant recruitment challenge, especially without a larger talent pool to draw from.

Sustainability: A key priority

Sustainability was another theme that resonated throughout the event. As data centres continue to expand, their environmental impact is under increasing scrutiny. Many companies are now prioritising green energy solutions and sustainable operations, incorporating renewable energy sources, energy-efficient cooling technologies, and carbon reduction strategies into their facilities. This shift toward sustainability is not only crucial for the planet but also for meeting the expectations of environmentally conscious clients and investors.

A call for action on training and development

One of the most concerning revelations from the event was the industry-wide agreement on the lack of investment in data centre training and qualification programs. While there is an undeniable demand for skilled workers, there appears to be insufficient focus on developing the necessary educational and training pathways to meet this growing need. The complexity of modern data centres, combined with the rapid technological advancements like AI and cloud computing, makes it imperative to invest in comprehensive training for future talent.

 The growing complexity of data centres also means that professionals need a broader skill set than ever before. In addition to traditional roles in construction, engineering, and operations, companies now need employees who understand AI, ML and cloud technologies to ensure they can meet the increasing demands of their clients.

Data centres: The road ahead

The conversations at Data Centre World Asia reflected an industry at a pivotal moment. The data centre market is poised for explosive growth, driven by the rise of AI, cloud computing, and digital transformation. However, the talent shortage threatens to hinder this progress. Data centre operators will need to be proactive in addressing these challenges by broadening their recruitment efforts, investing in retention strategies, and, perhaps most importantly, committing to the development of robust training and qualification programs to build the workforce of tomorrow.