Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella announces a $2.2 billion investment to advance new cloud and AI infrastructure in Malaysia during the Microsoft Build: AI Day on May 02, 2024 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images for Microsoft.
Read this in Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin.
Investment includes building digital infrastructure, creating AI skilling opportunities, establishing a national AI Centre of Excellence, and enhancing the nations cybersecurity capabilities
Kuala Lumpur, May 2, 2024 Today, Microsoft announced it will invest US$2.2 billion over the next four years to support Malaysias digital transformation the single largest investment in its 32-year history in the country.
Microsofts investment includes:
The investment demonstrates Microsofts commitment to developing Malaysia as a hub forcloud computingand related advanced technologies, including generative AI. This will support the nations productivity, competitiveness, resilience, and economic growth.
We are committed to supporting Malaysias AI transformation and ensure it benefits all Malaysians, said Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO, Microsoft. Our investments in digital infrastructure and skilling will help Malaysian businesses, communities, and developers apply the latest technology to drive inclusive economic growth and innovation across the country.
YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Malaysias Minister of Investment, Trade & Industry said, Microsofts 32-year presence in Malaysia showcases a deep partnership built on trust. Indeed, Malaysias position as a vibrant tech investment destination is increasingly being recognized by world-recognized names due to our well-established semiconductor ecosystem, underscored by our value proposition that this is where global starts.
Microsofts development of essential cloud and AI infrastructure, together with AI skilling opportunities, will significantly enhance Malaysias digital capacity and further elevate our position in the global tech landscape. 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 Malaysias digitally empowered growth journey.
We are honored to collaborate with the government to support their National AI Framework, which enhances the countrys global competitiveness. This strategic emphasis on AI not only boosts economic growth but also promotes inclusivity by bridging the digital divide and ensuring everyone gets a seat at the table, so every Malaysian can thrive in this new digital world. As a result, Malaysia is steadily establishing itself as a regional hub for digital innovation and smart technologies, embodying a forward-thinking approach that prioritizes sustainable development and societal well-being through digital transformation, said Andrea Della Mattea, President of Microsoft ASEAN.
Expanding Malaysias digital capacity to seize AI opportunities
The digital infrastructure investment builds on Microsofts Bersama Malaysia (Together with Malaysia) initiative, announced in April 2021, to support inclusive economic growth. This included plans to establish the companys first datacenter region in the country.
The investment announced today will enable Microsoft to meet the growing demand for cloud computing services in Malaysia. It will also allow Malaysia to capitalize on the significant economic and productivity opportunities presented by the latest AI technology.
According to research by Kearney, AI could contribute nearly US$1 trillion to Southeast Asias gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030, with Malaysia poised to capture US$115 billion of this amount.
Equipping people with skills to thrive in the AI era
On Tuesday, Microsoft announced a broader commitment to provide AI skilling opportunities for 2.5 million people in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states by 2025. This training and support will be delivered in partnership with governments, nonprofit and business organizations, and communities in Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Microsofts skilling commitment is expected to benefit 200,000 people in Malaysia by providing:
The commitment builds on Microsofts other recent skilling activities in Malaysia, including its success in providing digital skills to more than 1.53 million Malaysians as part of the Bersama Malaysia initiative.
Partnering with government to strengthen AI and cybersecurity capabilities
Microsoft will continue to partner with the Government of Malaysia to enhance the nations digital ecosystem through several initiatives. These include establishing a national AI Centre of Excellence in collaboration with agencies in Malaysias Ministry of Digital to drive AI adoption across key industries, while ensuring AI governance and regulatory compliance. They also include pioneering AI adoption in the public sector through projects with:
Microsoft will also collaborate with the National Cyber Security Agency of Malaysia (NACSA) through the Perisai Siber (Cyber Shield) initiative to enhance the countrys cybersecurity capabilities. The collaboration will focus on promoting security and resilience in the public sector through security assessments and capacity building.
In addition, Microsoft will look to support NACSA in its role as Malaysias lead agency for cybersecurity matters, as it formulates the next stage of the nations cybersecurity strategy. The two organizations will also explore deeper collaborations in developing cybersecurity skills through initiatives such as Microsofts Ready4AI&Security program.
Empowering developers to harness AIs potential
Microsoft will continue to help foster the growth of Malaysias developer community through new initiatives such as AI Odyssey, which is expected to help 2,000 Malaysian developers become AI subject matter experts by learning new skills and earning Microsoft credentials.
Malaysia is a rapidly growing market on GitHub, the Microsoft-owned software development, collaboration, and innovation platform. Almost 680,000 of the nations developers used GitHub in 2023, representing 28 percent year-on-year growth.
Furthermore, many Malaysian organizations are boosting their productivity and accelerating innovation using Microsofts generative AI-powered solutions. For example:
To learn more about Satya Nadellas visit and how Microsoft is empowering organizations in the ASEAN region with AI, visit news.microsoft.com/malaysia-visit-2024.
Leadership statements
YB Rafizi Ramli, Minister of Economy
The advent of ChatGPT created a new vertical in the startup world. As more companies embrace the power of AI, having the right digital infrastructure in Malaysia is key to future-proofing our nations economy. Microsofts investment will help accelerate the adoption of generative AI, building a pipeline of AI-driven startups, and benefitting our economy through increased productivity and higher wages.
YB Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital
As a nation, we are focused on accelerating digitalization and fostering a culture of innovation alongside technological advancement to level the playing field for all Malaysians to prosper in an inclusive digital economy. Microsofts investment is a significant step in our journey towards becoming a digitally inclusive society. It underscores the importance of partnership in driving nationwide digital transformation and reinforces our commitment to equipping Malaysians with the infrastructure, advanced tools, and skills they need to thrive in the digital age.
YB Fahmi Fadzil, Minister of Communications
Microsofts significant investment in Malaysia recognises and supports the governments efforts in building an inclusive digital ecosystem for the country. We are excited to continue partnering with technology leaders like Microsoft to foster a space where Malaysians can seamlessly connect, learn, and benefit from our nations digital transformation.
YB Chang Lih Kang, Minister of Science, Technology & Innovation
Todays investment by Microsoft exemplifies a dynamic public-private partnership aimed at enhancing the socio-economic status and quality of life in Malaysian communities. As we embrace AIs potential, we commend Microsofts commitment to responsible AI, which aligns with our vision for advancing technology in Malaysia responsibly and inclusively.
Laurence Si, Managing Director, Microsoft Malaysia
With rising demand for Cloud and AI, Microsofts investment announced today underscores our commitment to building a robust digital ecosystem in the country. From driving more innovations born in Malaysia, to fostering an ecosystem of skilled talents and enhancing cybersecurity capabilities for Malaysian organizations, we are dedicated to our role as a trusted technology partner to the nation.
Mr. Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)
We are excited to deepen our partnership with Microsoft as they strengthen their commitment by establishing a cloud and AI infrastructure and supporting our vibrant developer community in Malaysia. This strategic collaboration underscores our dedication to innovation and regional industry growth. By leveraging Microsofts expertise, we aim to accelerate economic development, create jobs, and enhance industry competitiveness through digital transformation. We believe we can achieve more together and further advance our partnership. This investment not only reinforces Malaysias position as a leading digital hub but also marks a promising start in attracting more companies to embark on this digital journey with us, promoting inclusive growth and prosperity nationwide.
Ir. Dr. Megat Zuhairy Megat Tajuddin, Chief Executive Officer, National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA)
Microsofts collaboration with NACSA on Perisai Siber is pivotal as one of our strategic partnerships with industry players in establishing a secure digital infrastructure for our nation. Together, our goal is to bolster security and resilience, beginning with the public sector, to ultimately strengthen the nations cybersecurity capabilities.
Ts. Mahadhir Aziz, Chief Executive Officer, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC)
Microsofts commitment to Malaysia demonstrates confidence in our nations digital future. Through this investment in cloud and AI infrastructure, local organizations can tap into more opportunities to upscale and innovate, further propelling Malaysias aspirations for regional leadership in the digital economy.
About Microsoft
Microsoft (Nasdaq MSFT @microsoft) creates platforms and tools powered by AI to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. The technology company is committed to making AI available broadly and doing so responsibly, with a mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.
Tags: AI, Cloud, digital skills
Follow this link:
- Shell to use new AI technology in deep sea oil exploration - Reuters [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2023] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2023]
- Tom Hanks: I could appear in movies after death with AI technology - BBC [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2023] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2023]
- Why C3.ai, Palantir, and Other AI Stocks Soared This Week - The Motley Fool [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2023] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2023]
- How to do the AI Webtoon filter going viral on TikTok - Dexerto [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2023] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2023]
- AI poses risk to humanity, according to majority of Americans in new poll - Ars Technica [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2023] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2023]
- New AI tool predicts Parkinson's disease with 96% accuracy -- 15 ... - Study Finds [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2023] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2023]
- AI is in a 'baby bubble.' Here's what could burst it. - Markets Insider [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2023] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2023]
- Rise of the machines: how long before AI steals my job? - Mexico News Daily [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2023] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2023]
- Amazon is focusing on using A.I. to get stuff delivered to you faster - CNBC [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2023] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2023]
- Beijing calls on cloud providers to support AI firms - TechCrunch [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2023] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2023]
- AI at warp speed: disruption, innovation, and whats at stake - Economic Times [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2023] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2023]
- How a family is using AI to plan a trip around the world - Business Insider [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2023] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2023]
- Prompt Injection: An AI-Targeted Attack - Hackaday [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2023] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2023]
- WHO calls for safe and ethical AI for health - World Health Organization [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2023] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2023]
- Azeem on AI: Where Will the Jobs Come from After AI? - HBR.org Daily [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2023] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2023]
- AI runs amok in 1st trailer for director Gareth Edwards' 'The Creator ... - Space.com [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2023] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2023]
- From railroads to AI: Why new tech is often demonised - The Indian Express [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2023] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2023]
- How Generative AI Changes Organizational Culture - HBR.org Daily [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2023] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2023]
- Google plans to use new A.I. models for ads and to help YouTube creators, sources say - CNBC [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2023] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2023]
- A.I. and sharing economy: UBER, DASH can boost profits investing ... - CNBC [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2023] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2023]
- A Wharton professor says AI is like an 'intern' who 'lies a little bit' to make their bosses happy - Yahoo Finance [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2023] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2023]
- CNET Published AI-Generated Stories. Then Its Staff Pushed Back - WIRED [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2023] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2023]
- AI-Driven Robots Have Started Changing Tires In The U.S. In Half The Time As Humans - CarScoops [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2023] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2023]
- Elections in UK and US at risk from AI-driven disinformation, say experts - The Guardian [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2023] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2023]
- Here's What AI Thinks an Illinoisan Looks Like And Apparently, Real Illinoisans Agree - NBC Chicago [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2023] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2023]
- We Put Google's New AI Writing Assistant to the Test - WIRED [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2023] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2023]
- 'Heart wrenching': AI expert details dangers of deepfakes and tools to detect manipulated content - Fox News [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2023] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2023]
- From Amazon to Wendy's, how 4 companies plan to incorporate AIand how you may interact with it - CNBC [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2023] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2023]
- Meta Made Its AI Tech Open-Source. Rivals Say Its a Risky Decision. - The New York Times [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2023] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2023]
- For chemists, the AI revolution has yet to happen - Nature.com [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2023] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2023]
- G7 calls for adoption of international technical standards for AI - Reuters [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2023] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2023]
- Bloomsbury admits using AI-generated artwork for Sarah J Maas novel - The Guardian [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2023] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2023]
- New AI research lets you click and drag images to manipulate them ... - The Verge [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2023] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2023]
- France makes high-profile push to be the A.I. hub of Europe setting up challenge to U.S., China - CNBC [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2023] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2023]
- German tabloid Bild cuts 200 jobs and says some roles will be replaced by AI - The Guardian [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2023] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2023]
- How Christopher Nolan Learned to Stop Worrying and Love AI - WIRED [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2023] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2023]
- OpenAI plans app store for AI software, The Information reports - Reuters.com [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2023] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2023]
- A.I. could remove all human touchpoints in supply chains. Heres what that means - CNBC [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2023] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2023]
- Cision Announces Code of Ethics for AI Development and Support ... - PR Newswire [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2023] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2023]
- AI Stock Price Prediction: Is C3.ai Really Worth $16? - InvestorPlace [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2023] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2023]
- Is Applied Digital (APLD) Stock the Next Big AI Play? - InvestorPlace [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2023] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2023]
- 2 Cloud Stocks to Ride the AI Opportunity - The Motley Fool [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2023] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2023]
- Digital health funding this week: Outbound AI, Aledade, Dexcare - Modern Healthcare [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2023] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2023]
- The AI Tool That Beat Out Top Wall Street Analysts - InvestorPlace [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2023] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2023]
- Replacing news editors with AI is a worry for misinformation, bias ... - The Conversation [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2023] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2023]
- In new AI hype frenzy, tech is applying the label to everything now - Axios [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2023] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2023]
- How AI like ChatGPT could be used to spark a pandemic - Vox.com [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2023] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2023]
- 70% of Companies Will Use AI by 2030 -- These 2 Stocks Have a ... - The Motley Fool [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2023] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2023]
- Why C3.ai Stock Crashed by 10% on Friday - The Motley Fool [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2023] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2023]
- YouTube integrates AI-powered dubbing tool - TechCrunch [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2023] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2023]
- AINsight: Now Everywhere, Can AI Improve Aviation Safety? - Aviation International News [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2023] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2023]
- What is 'ethical AI' and how can companies achieve it? - The Ohio State University News [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2023] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2023]
- US to launch working group on generative AI, address its risks - Reuters.com [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2023] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2023]
- Amazon Wants to Teach Its Cloud Customers About AI, and It's Yet ... - The Motley Fool [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2023] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2023]
- HIMSSCast: When AI is involved in decision making, how does man ... - Healthcare IT News [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2023] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2023]
- How AI could transform the legal industry for the better - Marketplace [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2023] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2023]
- Neuroscience, Artificial Intelligence, and Our Fears: A Journey of ... - Neuroscience News [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2023] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2023]
- Why SoundHound AI Stock Was Making So Much Noise This Week - The Motley Fool [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2023] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2023]
- Advertisers should beware being too creative with AI - Financial Times [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2023] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2023]
- 3 Top AI Stocks to Buy Right Now - The Motley Fool [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2023] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2023]
- 1 AI Stock That Could Take You to Easy Street -- and 1 That Could ... - The Motley Fool [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2023] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2023]
- Generative AI To Wearable Plant Sensors: New Report Lists Top 10 Emerging Tech Of 2023 - NDTV [Last Updated On: June 26th, 2023] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2023]
- Researchers use AI to help save a woodpecker species in decline - MPR News [Last Updated On: June 26th, 2023] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2023]
- OceanGate fires a whistleblower, hackers threaten to leak Reddit data, and Marvel embraces AI art - TechCrunch [Last Updated On: June 26th, 2023] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2023]
- As AI Spreads, Experts Predict the Best and Worst Changes in ... - Pew Research Center [Last Updated On: June 26th, 2023] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2023]
- 9 AI-powered tools for empowering CFOs unveiled at Health Magazine round table - Gulf News [Last Updated On: June 26th, 2023] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2023]
- Translating Japanese, finding rap rhymes: How these young Toronto-area workers are using AI - Toronto Star [Last Updated On: June 26th, 2023] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2023]
- Artificial Intelligence in Asset Management Market to grow by USD 10,373.18 million from 2022 to 2027, Growing adoption of cloud-based artificial... [Last Updated On: June 26th, 2023] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2023]
- 5 Stocks Well-Positioned to Reap Rewards of AI: Morgan Stanley - Business Insider [Last Updated On: June 26th, 2023] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2023]
- ChatGPT-maker OpenAI planning to launch marketplace for AI applications - Business Today [Last Updated On: June 26th, 2023] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2023]
- AI watch: from Wimbledon to job losses in journalism - The Guardian [Last Updated On: June 26th, 2023] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2023]
- AWS is investing $100 million in generative A.I. center in race to keep up with Microsoft and Google - CNBC [Last Updated On: June 26th, 2023] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2023]
- Bets on A.I. and innovation help this tech-focused T. Rowe Price ... - CNBC [Last Updated On: June 26th, 2023] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2023]
- Generation AI: It is Indias time to play chief disruptor | Mint - Mint [Last Updated On: June 26th, 2023] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2023]
- The Next Token of Progress: 4 Unlocks on the Generative AI Horizon - Andreessen Horowitz [Last Updated On: June 26th, 2023] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2023]
- MongoDB Embraces AI & Reduces Developer Friction With New Features - Forbes [Last Updated On: June 26th, 2023] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2023]
- Why smart AI regulation is vital for innovation and US leadership - TechCrunch [Last Updated On: June 26th, 2023] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2023]
- WEDNESDAY: West Seattle facilitator hosting 'civic conversation ... - West Seattle Blog [Last Updated On: June 26th, 2023] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2023]
- A.I. has a discrimination problem. In banking, the consequences can be severe - CNBC [Last Updated On: June 26th, 2023] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2023]
- AI Consciousness: An Exploration of Possibility, Theoretical ... - Unite.AI [Last Updated On: June 26th, 2023] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2023]