Overview:
Mckenzie & Company projects global data center infrastructure investment will reach almost $7 trillion by 2030.

Over the past decade, data centers have grown significantly in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. NED University of Engineering and Technology helps drive this growth by training engineers and encouraging regional investment in the sector.

Efficient data centers often see profit margins of 20% or higher, with ROI typically achieved in three to five years.

Introduction
In partnership with a U.S. company, NEDUET is launching a pilot data center through its High-Performance Computing Centre to train professionals from Pakistan, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. The program includes training, certification, research in digital infrastructure, and an international workshop in early 2026.

Project Objectives
The primary objectives of this data center initiative are multifaceted:
• Set up a pilot data center infrastructure to facilitate direct learning experiences.
• Provide professional training and certification in operations and management.
• Provide skilled staff to engineer, build, commission and operate data centers.
• Enhancing consultancy, policy advocacy, and industry cooperation in the sector.
• Advance applied research in sustainable, energy-efficient data center technology.

Scope of the Data Center Facility
The facility will feature a modular, rack-based data center containing servers, networking equipment, and storage. Key components include:
• Power management systems with UPS and backup generators.
• Advanced cooling and monitoring systems simulate operating conditions.
• Operating software and Visualization Stack
• Simulation software to enable training in green data center practices.• DCIM software runs workflow management, operations tools, and act dashboards.
• Ensure compliance and documentation in line with regulatory and industry standards!
• Security and access control systems to support operational training.
• Integrate with NEDUET Cloud and HPCC for large-scale workload simulation and testing.
This will support training, demonstrations, and research with students and trade partners.

Training and Certification Programs
NEDUET’s capacity-building programs are designed to cater to faculty, industry professionals, and students, offering blended learning formats that include classroom instruction, laboratory work, and online modules. The programs include:
• Certified Data Centre Professional (CDCP) preparation courses.
• O&M certification aligned with ANSI/TIA-942 and Uptime Institute Tier Standards.
• Workshops focused on Green Data Centers and Sustainability.
• Specialized programs for Cloud Integration, Cybersecurity, and Networking.

Human Resource and Project Management Structure
To ensure effective execution, the initiative proposes a robust HR structure:
• Project Manager to oversee operations and industry coordination.
• Full-time Technical Officer to manage data center operations and training labs.
• Training Coordinator for scheduling, certification, and industry liaison.
• Secretariat Support Staff for administration, finance, and planning.
● NED faculty and visiting experts serve as faculty trainers on an honorarium.
● Selected paid CIS students will assist the center and build experience.

Budget and Investment

Launching and developing the program requires an investment of $255,000, which covers a 2-rack infrastructure setup, HR, curriculum, training equipment, and outreach.

Sustainability and Revenue Model

The project’s sustainability will rely on revenue from training fees, consultancy, research grants, and international certification partnerships. Within a year, NEDUET aims to become a regional Center of Excellence in Data Centre Engineering.

Operational Timeline

The six-month program rollout sets key milestones, culminating in the launch of the first training group and ongoing delivery.
• Procurement planning and tendering.
• Acquisition and installation of racks and equipment
• Testing and commissioning the infrastructure.
• Curriculum design and certification alignment
• Preparation of training materials and labs
• Marketing and outreach campaigns
• Course registrations and cohort executions

International Launch Workshop

NEDUET will host an international workshop this year to launch its awareness initiative, bringing together experts from the USA, Middle East, and Southeast Asia. The event will display programs, facilities, data center opportunities, and promote global collaboration.

Opportunities

• Optimize factory infrastructure in Pakistan.
• Automate Systems to increase Uptime.
• Supply engineers for data center design and construction in MENA and SE Asia
• Provide skilled staff for Data Center operations and OEM services in the region

Acknowledgement

• Prof. Dr. Mohammed Tufail, Vice Chancelor
• Prof. Dr. Sarosh Lodhi, Ex. Vice Chancelor
• Prof. Dr. Saad A. Qazi – Dean Electrical & Computer Engineering
• Prof. Dr. M. Ali Ismail, Chair, Computer & Information System Engineering
• NED-Alef: Engr. Sohail Bashir NED-Alef
• Engr. Mahmood Akhter, Electrotechusa, USA