ANSAN, Dec 1 – A delegation from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), led by Deputy Director Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr. Shek Poi Ngian, Research Fellow Dr. Syafiq Ishak and researchers from the UTM Construction Research Centre (CRC), conducted a strategic technical visit and research engagement at Hanyang University ERICA Campus, Ansan, Gyeonggi Province. The visit aimed to enhance collaboration in sustainable construction technologies, digital infrastructure, and advanced building systems, while strengthening UTM CRC’s international research network.
The programme began with an welcoming remarks and insightful tour of the Innovative Durable Building and Infrastructure Research Centre, guided by its Director, Prof. Lee Han Seung. The UTM CRC team was introduced to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities focusing on high-performance construction materials, durable structural systems, and innovative methods in modular and prefabricated construction. Both institutions identified strong alignment in research priorities, laying groundwork for potential joint projects, publications, and researcher exchanges.
A key highlight of the visit was the delegation’s tour of the Kakao Data Center Ansan, Kakao’s first independent, self-owned data centre situated within the Hanyang University ERICA Campus. The facility was developed following the 2022 SK C&C fire incident in Pangyo to ensure long-term service stability and operational resilience for Kakao’s digital ecosystem.
The Kakao Data Center Ansan marks a significant milestone as Kakao’s first self-built, in-house facility, designed to provide the highest level of stability and resilience for its core services, including the ubiquitous KakaoTalk messenger. The facility is a massive data center, designed to house 4,000 server racks and accommodate 120,000 servers in total, providing a robust infrastructure that can store an enormous amount of data (up to 6 Exabytes). This capacity is crucial for reliably serving Kakao’s vast user base and supporting future growth in AI and big data. Construction of the data center was officially completed in September 2023. Following system installation and stabilization tests, it commenced full-scale operations in Q1 2024, immediately reinforcing Kakao’s data management capabilities. The facility is Eco-Friendly & Resilient Design: Equipped with high-efficiency cooling systems, solar panels, rainwater recycling technology, and a four-step fire extinguishing system to enhance safety and sustainability.
During the briefing, the UTM CRC delegation also learned about Kakao’s future development—an AI-focused “AI Digital Hub” planned for Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, and expected to commence operations by 2030. This upcoming centre will have double the capacity of the Ansan facility and is projected to be a major engine for Kakao’s AI innovation and large-scale digital operations.
The visit further included a tour of ERICA Campus’ sustainable green buildings and emerging smart technologies, highlighting advancements in energy-optimized building envelopes, real-time monitoring systems, and environmentally responsive design strategies. These developments resonate closely with CRC’s research agenda in low-carbon construction, resilient infrastructure, and sustainable development.
The programmed concluded with a networking lunch session, providing an informal platform for strengthening academic ties, exchanging ideas, and outlining future collaborative pathways between UTM CRC and Hanyang University.
This technical visit marks an important milestone in expanding UTM’s international partnerships and advancing impactful research in sustainable and innovative construction, in line with the strategic objectives of the UTM Construction Research Centre.
Source: UTM NewsHub
