Malaysia: Microsoft has announced that it will invest $2.2 billion in artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure to assist Malaysia’s digital transformation. This statement follows similar ones made in Indonesia and Thailand.
In addition to establishing an AI Center of Excellence, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced plans to train and educate 200,000 individuals in the nation of Southeast Asia on Thursday.
“We are committed to supporting Malaysia’s AI transformation and ensure it benefits all Malaysians,” Nadella said as he visited Kuala Lumpur on the final stop of a 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,” the CEO added.
Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Malaysia’s minister of investment, trade and industry, said the investment reflected a “deep partnership built on trust.”
“Indeed, Malaysia’s position as a vibrant tech investment destination is increasingly being recognized by world-recognized names due to our well-established semiconductor ecosystem, underscored by our value proposition that ‘this is where global starts,’” he said.
“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. 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,” Abdul Aziz added.
Earlier this week, Nadella declared multibillion-dollar investments in cloud services and artificial intelligence in Thailand and Indonesia.
According to projections made by the international consulting firm Kearney, artificial intelligence (AI) might boost Southeast Asia’s GDP by around $1 trillion by 2030.
Microsoft has been investing heavily in Japan and in the AI company G42, which is based in the United Arab Emirates, as part of its efforts to increase support for AI development globally.
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