Alice Chambers |
Microsoft will invest $2.2 billion in Malaysia over the next four years to build cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure.
The investment is part of Microsoft’s expansion into South East Asia. Satya Nadella, chairman and CEO, announced this venture in Malaysia on the final day of the Microsoft Build: AI Day tour. He also revealed Microsoft’s commitment to build new cloud and AI infrastructure in Thailand and a $1.7 billion investment in Indonesia.
As well as developing infrastructure, the money will be used towards AI skilling opportunities for 200,000 people in Malaysia. This will contribute to Microsoft’s larger commitment to help train 2.5 million people with AI skills across countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
“We are committed to supporting Malaysia’s AI transformation and ensure it benefits all Malaysians,” said Satya Nadella, chairman and CEO of Microsoft. “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.”
The investment is Microsoft’s largest in the country since it established Microsoft Malaysia 32 years ago. It aims to “strengthen its partnership” with the Government of Malaysia to establish a national AI Centre of Excellence and enhance the nation’s cybersecurity capabilities, according to a Microsoft press release.
For example, Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry will use AI-powered tools by Microsoft to analyse economic trajectories for international trade negotiations, and the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation and Malaysia Energy Commission will adopt Copilot for Microsoft 365 for better workplace productivity.
“Microsoft’s development of essential cloud and AI infrastructure, together with AI skilling opportunities, will significantly enhance Malaysia’s digital capacity and further elevate our position in the global tech landscape,” said Tengku Zafrul Aziz, Malaysia’s minister of investment, trade and industry. “Together with Microsoft, we look forward to creating more opportunities for our small-to-medium enterprises and better-paying jobs for our people, as we ride the AI revolution to fast-track Malaysia’s digitally empowered growth journey.”