Microsoft to Invest $2.2 Billion in Malaysia for Digital Transformation

Jakarta, INTI - Malaysia is set to receive a significant boost in its digital transformation efforts with a $2.2 billion investment from Microsoft over the next four years. This initiative marks the largest single investment from Microsoft in Malaysia in the past 32 years and aims to build cloud and AI infrastructure nationwide.

The comprehensive investment plan will not only enhance Malaysia's technological landscape but also strengthen Microsoft's partnership with the Malaysian government. A key component of this collaboration is the establishment of a national AI Center of Excellence (CoE), which aims to enhance the country's cybersecurity framework.

Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO of Microsoft, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Malaysia’s digital evolution. “Our investments in digital infrastructure and upskilling will help Malaysian businesses, communities, and developers apply the latest technology to drive inclusive economic growth and innovation across the country,” Nadella stated.

YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade & Industry, highlighted the longstanding impact of Microsoft's contributions to Malaysia's semiconductor ecosystem. “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,” he remarked.

AI Opportunities in Malaysia

This data infrastructure investment is part of Microsoft’s “Bersama Malaysia (Together with Malaysia)” initiative, launched in April 2021. The initiative plans to develop Microsoft's first data center region in the country, addressing the growing demand for cloud computing services and enabling Malaysia to leverage the latest AI technologies.

Microsoft is also committed to supporting the development of AI skills across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region. By 2025, the company aims to upskill 2.5 million individuals in countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. In Malaysia alone, 200,000 citizens, including students, women in cybersecurity, young individuals from marginalized communities, and non-profit organization employees, are expected to benefit from this initiative.

The partnership aims to provide essential skills and training necessary for effectively utilizing AI, ensuring that Malaysia remains at the forefront of digital innovation. Microsoft's continuous investment in Malaysia underscores its commitment to enhancing the country's digital infrastructure and fostering an environment of technological excellence, inclusivity, and innovation.