Microsoft announces a $2.2 billion cloud and AI-focused investment in Malaysia.

The CEO of Microsoft promises to train 200,000 people in Malaysia

  

Microsoft announces US$2.2 billion investment to fuel Malaysia’s cloud and AI transformation

In order to assist Malaysia's digital transformation, Microsoft has announced that it will invest $2.2 billion in artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure. 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. 

Statement from the leadership

1. Microsoft Malaysia's Managing Director, Laurence Si

"On the last leg of a three-nation Southeast Asia tour, we are committed to supporting Malaysia's AI transformation and ensuring it benefits all Malaysians," 

"By utilizing the newest technology, Malaysian businesses, communities, and developers will be able to promote inclusive economic growth and innovation throughout the nation thanks to our investments in digital infrastructure and skill development."

2. Ts. Mahadhir Aziz, MDEC (Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation) Chief Executive Officer

"In fact, thanks to our well-established semiconductor ecosystem and our value proposition that 'this is where global starts,' globally renowned names are increasingly recognising Malaysia as a vibrant tech investment destination," 

 3. The Malaysian Investment Development Authority's (MIDA) chief executive officer, Mr. Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid

"Microsoft's creation of vital cloud and AI infrastructure, along with chances for AI talent development, will greatly improve Malaysia's digital capabilities and further strengthen our standing in the international tech scene. Together with Microsoft, we're excited to accelerate Malaysia's digitally empowered growth journey by riding the AI revolution and generating more possibilities for our SMEs and better-paying jobs for our people."

 

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.

Increasing Malaysia's AI capabilities

When Nadella visited with Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, he stated that he thought Microsoft investment will be very important to building up Malaysia's AI capabilities. According to Anwar on Facebook, the increased investment will help train an extra 300,000 people, create a national AI center of excellence, improve cybersecurity, and foster the development of Malaysia's developer community.

According to Microsoft, the investment in Malaysia advances its efforts to promote inclusive economic growth in 2021. According to the company's announcement, the planned national AI center will ensure AI governance and regulatory compliance while promoting AI adoption in important businesses and the public sector.

Concerning Microsoft

Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) develops AI-powered platforms and technologies to provide creative solutions that satisfy our customers' changing needs. The tech giant wants to enable every individual and every organization on the planet to achieve more, and it is dedicated to responsibly expanding access to AI.