Microsoft’s CEO Satya Nadella announced that the company will invest $2.2 billion over the next four years in Malaysia’s new cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure. The investment represents Microsoft’s largest commitment to Malaysia and aims to strengthen support for AI development not only in the region but also globally.
Nadella underlined Microsoft’s dedication to assisting Malaysia in its AI transformation and ensuring that all Malaysians benefit from it. The company’s investments in digital infrastructure and skills development will empower Malaysian businesses, communities, and developers to leverage the latest technologies, driving inclusive economic growth and fostering innovation throughout the country.
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During his Southeast Asia tour, Nadella also revealed a $1.7 billion investment in cloud and AI services in Indonesia, and Microsoft’s plans to construct its first regional data center in Thailand. In April, the tech giant unveiled a $2.9 billion investment in Japan and committed $1.5 billion to AI firm G42 in Abu Dhabi.
Furthermore, Microsoft has committed to providing AI training to 2.5 million individuals in Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam by 2025. This initiative aims to equip people in these countries with the necessary skills to thrive in an AI-driven world.
Enhancing Malaysia’s AI capacity
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, with whom Nadella met, expressed his belief that Microsoft’s investment will play a crucial role in enhancing Malaysia’s AI capacity. The new investment will include training an additional 300,000 individuals, establishing a national AI center of excellence, bolstering the nation’s cybersecurity capabilities, and supporting the growth of Malaysia’s developer community, as stated by Anwar on Facebook.
Microsoft stated that the investment in Malaysia builds upon its 2021 program to foster inclusive economic growth. The proposed national AI center will drive AI adoption in key industries and the public sector while ensuring AI governance and regulatory compliance, according to the company’s statement.
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