03 July 2024

Malaysia is set to receive a US$2.2 billion investment from Microsoft over the next four years to advance the country’s digital transformation.

The investment plan will include building cloud and AI infrastructure across the country. Microsoft’s investment will also be used to strengthen its partnership with the Malaysian government and establish a national AI Center of Excellence (CoE) that could improve the country’s cybersecurity.

“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,” said Satya Nadella, chairman and CEO, Microsoft.

Malaysia’s minister of investment, trade & industry, YB Senator, Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, highlighted the significance of Microsoft’s investment in the country over the past 32 years, which contributed to the development of the country’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.”

Microsoft’s data infrastructure investment forms part of its “Bersama Malaysia (Together with Malaysia)” initiative, announced in April 2021, which plans to develop the company’s first data center region in the country.

The newly announced investment will address the increasing demand for cloud computing services in Malaysia and will also allow the country to capitalise on the latest AI technologies.

Microsoft has also committed to supporting and promoting opportunities for the development of AI skills among 2.5 million individuals.