Microsoft has announced an investment of $2.2 billion in the nation’s artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud infrastructure in Malaysia.
Also Read: Walmart Launches Bettergoods, Largest Private Grocery Brand in Decades
The announcement made by CEO Satya Nadella during his visit to Kuala Lumpur as part of a three-nation tour of Southeast Asia.
With this investment Microsoft plans to catalyze Malaysia’s digital transformation by establishing an AI Centre of Excellence and providing education and training to 200,000 individuals across the country.
This initiative is to equip Malaysians with the requisite skills and knowledge to harness the full potential of AI and cloud computing.
Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry lauded the collaboration addressing its role in enhancing Malaysia’s digital capacity.
Investment in Malaysia comes on the similar initiatives in Indonesia and Thailand. According to estimates by global consulting firm Kearney, AI is to contribute nearly $1 trillion to Southeast Asia’s GDP by 2030.
Malaysia, with its tech ecosystem and partnerships is to capture a huge portion of this economic windfall. Microsoft’s development of essential cloud and AI infrastructure with extensive skilling opportunities, positions Malaysia to capitalize on this digital powerhouse in the region.
Since establishing its operations in Malaysia in 1992, Microsoft has been at the driving technological innovation and empowering local talent. With over 200 employees across its offices in Kuala Lumpur and northern Penang state.
Satya Nadella’s visionary leadership has been instrumental in shaping the company towards becoming a global leader in AI and cloud computing.
The company has seen growth with sales soaring to $61.9 billion in the first quarter of the fiscal year accompanied by a net profit of $21.9 billion.
The investment plan unveiled by Nadella during his visit to Kuala Lumpur encompasses the establishment of an AI Centre of Excellence and the provision of education and training to empower 200,000 individuals across Malaysia.
Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry lauded the partnership with Microsoft.
Also Read: Dubai to Build a $35 Billion New Terminal at Al Maktoum Airport
He underlined Malaysia’s status as a tech investment hub by a semiconductor ecosystem and a value proposition for global enterprises.
The investment’s approach encompasses the development of essential cloud and AI infrastructure alongside skilling opportunities at enhancing Malaysia’s digital capacity.
This is to propel Malaysia’s position in the global tech industry, innovation, economic growth, and job creation, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
These initiatives align with projections by global consulting firm Kearney, indicating that AI could contribute nearly $1 trillion to Southeast Asia’s GDP by 2030.
It represents the single largest investment in the country in Microsoft’s 32-year history. Nadella reiterated Microsoft’s vision to establish world-class digital infrastructure accessible to all stakeholders from established organizations to budding startups.
The expansion of AI and cloud capabilities in Malaysia underlines the companies aims to empower businesses, developers, and communities to harness the power of technology for sustainable growth and societal progress.
Microsoft’s presence in Malaysia dates back to 1992, with over 200 employees currently serving across its offices in Kuala Lumpur and Penang state.
The company’s investments in generative AI, exemplified by its partnership with OpenAI, have garnered investor interest and propelled its cloud services, notably Azure.
Microsoft reporting a 17% year-on-year increase in sales and a 20% surge in net profit for the January-March period.
Also Read: Venice Becomes the First City to Charge Entry Fee for Tourists
