Microsoft has declared its intention to invest $2.2 billion in artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure in Malaysia to bolster the country’s digital transformation, according to the tech giant, following similar pledges in Indonesia and Thailand.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella made the announcement on Thursday. It encompasses plans to establish an AI Centre of Excellence and offer education and training to 200,000 individuals in the Southeast Asian nation.
“We are committed to supporting Malaysia’s AI transformation and ensuring it benefits all Malaysians,” Nadella stated during his visit to Kuala Lumpur, the final leg of his three-nation tour of Southeast Asia.
“Our investments in digital infrastructure and skilling will help Malaysian businesses, communities, and developers apply the latest technology to drive inclusive economic growth and innovation across the country.”
Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Malaysia’s minister of investment, trade, and industry, emphasized that the investment reflects a “deep partnership built on trust.”
“Indeed, Malaysia’s position as a vibrant tech investment destination is increasingly being recognized by world-renowned names due to our well-established semiconductor ecosystem, underscored by our value proposition that ‘this is where global starts,’” he remarked.
“Microsoft’s development of essential cloud and AI infrastructure, together with AI skilling opportunities, will significantly enhance Malaysia’s digital capacity and further boost our position in the global tech world.
Together with Microsoft, we look forward to creating more opportunities for our SMEs and better-paying jobs for our people, as we ride the AI revolution to fast-track Malaysia’s digitally empowered growth journey.”
Earlier this week, Nadella announced multibillion-dollar investments in AI and cloud services in Indonesia and Thailand. According to the global consulting firm Kearney, AI could contribute nearly $1 trillion to Southeast Asia’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030.
Microsoft aims to bolster support for AI development worldwide, with recent initiatives including major investments in Japan and the acquisition of the United Arab Emirates-based AI firm G42.
