Microsoft invests $2.2 billion in Malaysia to expand cloud, AI
Microsoft (MS) announced that it will invest $2.2 billion over four years in Malaysia to expand cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) services.
According to a blog post, this investment is Microsoft’s largest in its 32-year history in Malaysia. Investments include building cloud and AI infrastructure, creating AI skills opportunities for 200,000 people, and supporting national developers.
Microsoft also plans to work with the Malaysian government to establish a ‘National Center of AI Excellence’ and strengthen the country’s cybersecurity capabilities.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said after a meeting with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella on May 2 that the investment is consistent with the country’s efforts to strengthen its AI capabilities.
During his visit to Kuala Lumpur, Nadella said:
“We want to make sure we have world-class infrastructure right here in the U.S. so that every organization and startup can benefit.”
AI is expected to contribute $1 trillion to Southeast Asia’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030, with Malaysia accounting for about $115 billion, according to research by global consulting firm Kearney.
Microsoft is working to expand its support for AI development globally. Nadella this week announced a $1.7 billion investment in neighboring Indonesia and said Microsoft would open its first regional data center in Thailand.
On February 20, Microsoft announced another major investment in Europe, including a $2.1 billion investment to expand its AI and cloud infrastructure in Spain. This investment follows a separate commitment of €3 billion to develop Germany’s AI ecosystem announced on February 15.
Related: AI is in the spotlight as Microsoft and Google earnings signal a booming market.
As the European Union (EU) prepares to implement landmark EU AI legislation, big tech companies are investing in AI development.
Tech giant Google announced the ‘AI Opportunity Initiative for Europe’ in February. The plan includes investing €25 million ($26.9 million) in skills training for Europeans in the AI sector.
Google is working with EU governments, civil society, academia, and businesses to provide AI training to local startups. Allocate funds to provide workers with essential skills and prevent them from falling behind.
In 2023, the Italian government launched a similar plan setting aside millions of euros to boost the digital skills of workers whose jobs are being replaced by automation and AI.
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