Today, a pledge of USD2.2 billion (~RM10.46 billion) investment in artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing in Malaysia was made by Microsoft during the Microsoft Build: AI Day to aid in the development of the country’s AI infrastructure.
The investment will be made over the next four years and it represents the “single largest investment in its 32-year history in the country” for Microsoft.
According to Microsoft’s statement, the investment includes:
- Building cloud and AI infrastructure in Malaysia.
- Creating AI skilling opportunities for an additional 200,000 people in Malaysia.
- Strengthening its partnership with the Government of Malaysia to establish a national AI Centre of Excellence and enhance the nation’s cybersecurity capabilities.
- Supporting the growth of Malaysia’s developer community.
“We are committed to supporting Malaysia’s AI transformation and ensure it benefits all Malaysians.”
“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,” said Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO, Microsoft.
The company stated that the investment demonstrates its commitment to developing Malaysia as a hub for cloud computing and related advanced technologies, including generative AI.
Microsoft is partnering with the government on various AI initiatives
The software giant also stated that they are working with the government on various AI-related projects such as establishing a national AI Centre of Excellence, to drive AI adoption across key industries, while ensuring AI governance and regulatory compliance.
Besides that, they are also working with:
- the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) to better analyze economic trajectories of different negotiating partners in international trade negotiations.
- Cradle, an agency under Malaysia’s Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, which is leveraging Azure OpenAI Service to develop a virtual information assistant for its MYStartup platform, the ‘Single Window’ to Malaysia’s startup ecosystem, launched at the KL20 Summit recently.
- the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and the Malaysia Energy Commission, which will adopt Copilot for Microsoft 365 to enhance workplace productivity.
- the National Cyber Security Agency of Malaysia (NACSA) through the Perisai Siber (Cyber Shield) initiative to enhance the country’s cybersecurity capabilities.
Microsoft is also helping to foster the growth of Malaysia’s 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.
