Microsoft has pledged to invest USD 2 billion in Malaysia’s AI and cloud computing infrastructure, according to an AFP report on Thursday.
The tech giant’s funding in billions will be for the next four years, which is one of the single largest investments in Malaysia’s 32-year history.
Microsoft’s Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella revealed this significant funding during his three-nation tour in Southeast Asia. The CEO’s visit is focused on underlining the company’s range of investments in data centres, AI and cloud services in Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia.
Disclosing Microsoft’s aim for Malaysia, Nadella said the company wants to transform the country digitally by providing it with the funds in cash that would help in building AI and cloud infrastructure.
The organisation also looks to create an AI centre of excellence (CoE) for training as many as two lakh Malaysians, he added. Nadella stressed Microsoft has made a firm commitment to bolster Malaysia's AI transformation, ensuring that it brings advantages to all Malaysians.
Commenting on the investment, Malaysian Trade Minister Zafrul Abdul Aziz said Microsoft’s AI and cloud developments will not only enhance the country’s digital capacity but will also upskill the citizens in their AI endeavours.
This significant funding came after Microsoft committed its USD 1.7 billion investment in Indonesia. The tech giant also underlined its intention to establish a data centre in Thailand to enhance the nation’s cloud and AI infrastructure.
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