Microsoft has announced a groundbreaking investment of US$2.2 billion over the next four years to bolster Malaysia's digital infrastructure and foster advancements in artificial intelligence (AI).

This investment marks the largest commitment by Microsoft in its 32-year history in Malaysia, signifying a pivotal step towards accelerating the nation's journey towards digital transformation.

Microsoft will spearhead the development of cloud and AI infrastructure across Malaysia, laying the groundwork for future technological innovations.

With a commitment to empowering individuals, Microsoft aims to provide AI skilling opportunities for an additional 200,000 people in Malaysia, equipping them with the necessary expertise to thrive in the digital age.

Strengthening its partnership with the Government of Malaysia, Microsoft will establish a national AI Centre of Excellence, aimed at advancing AI capabilities and bolstering cybersecurity measures across the nation.

Microsoft will focus on nurturing Malaysia's developer community, fostering growth and innovation in the digital realm.

Microsoft's Chairman and CEO, Satya Nadella, emphasized the company's dedication to supporting Malaysia's AI transformation, ensuring that the benefits of technological advancement are accessible to all Malaysians. The investment is poised to drive inclusive economic growth, innovation, and competitiveness across the country.

YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade & Industry, expressed his appreciation for Microsoft's longstanding partnership with Malaysia, highlighting the nation's growing prominence as a tech investment destination. He underscored the significance of Microsoft's investment in bolstering Malaysia's digital capacity and fostering economic growth.

Andrea Della Mattea, President of Microsoft ASEAN, highlighted the importance of collaboration in driving Malaysia's digital transformation, emphasizing the nation's progress towards becoming a regional hub for digital innovation.

The digital infrastructure investment builds on Microsoft's Bersama Malaysia initiative, announced in April 2021, which aimed to support inclusive economic growth. The latest investment will enable Malaysia to meet the growing demand for cloud computing services and capitalize on economic opportunities presented by AI technology.

According to research by Kearney, AI could contribute nearly US$1 trillion to Southeast Asia’s GDP by 2030, with Malaysia poised to capture US$115 billion of this amount.

Microsoft's commitment to providing AI skilling opportunities aligns with its broader goal of empowering individuals in the digital age. The initiative is expected to benefit 200,000 people in Malaysia, providing them with technical education, career opportunities in cybersecurity, and AI fluency training.

Microsoft will collaborate closely with the Government of Malaysia to establish a national AI Centre of Excellence and enhance the nation's cybersecurity capabilities. These initiatives aim to drive AI adoption across key industries and promote security and resilience in the public sector.

Microsoft will continue to foster the growth of Malaysia's developer community through initiatives such as AI Odyssey, which aims to train 2,000 Malaysian developers to become AI subject matter experts.

Microsoft's landmark investment underscores its commitment to Malaysia's digital future, paving the way for inclusive growth, innovation, and competitiveness in the digital age. (ILKHA)