- largest expense by a software company in Malaysia.
- Targeted to power Malaysia’s sky and AI change
Microsoft has announced a US$ 2.2 billion ( RM10.47 billion ) investment now, the largest in the bank’s 32- year history in Malaysia. Aimed at enhancing Malaysia’s fog and AI environment, the announcement was made by Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO of Microsoft, during the Microsoft Build: AI Day held in Kuala Lumpur.
Microsoft’s investment may be distributed over the next four years, and includes plans to construct sky and AI equipment, create AI crafting opportunities for 200, 000 Malaysians, create a national AI Centre of Excellence, and defend the nation’s cybersecurity capabilities. Also, the investment may support the expansion of Malaysia’s designer community.
” We are committed to supporting Malaysia’s AI change to maintain it benefits all Malaysians,” said Nadella, adding that the initiative aims to make Malaysia a gateway for innovative technologies like conceptual AI.
Government cooperation and help
The Indonesian government has welcomed Microsoft’s effort, recognizing it as a precursor for the world’s electric empowerment journey. Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade &, Industry, highlighted Microsoft’s longtime partnership with Malaysia , while adding that the expense” will significantly improve Malaysia’s electric power and further elevate our position in the global technical landscape”, he remarked.
He added that this was further recognition of Malaysia’s position as a vibrant tech investment destination, in particular due to the country’s well- established semiconductor ecosystem. “( It is ) underscored by our value proposition that’ this is where global starts ‘”.
Meanwhile, Andrea Della Mattea, President of Microsoft ASEAN, said that this initiative is intended to support the Malaysian government’s National AI Framework. In consequence, Malaysia has steadily established itself as a regional hub for smart technology and digital innovation.
Broad community benefits
The investment is a larger commitment by Microsoft to provide AI skilling opportunities for 2.5 million people in ASEAN member states by 2025, which included a similar US$ 1.7 billion investment in Indonesia to expand , cloud and artificial intelligence services, including building data centers.
The opportunities in Malaysia are hoped to benefit , 200, 000 people and inclucate them , with AI skills through the AI TEACH Malaysia program, and cybersecurity skills via the Ready4AI&, Security program.
Microsoft will work with various Malaysian organizations to establish a national AI Centre of Excellence to promote AI adoption in key sectors while ensuring AI governance and regulatory compliance. The company will work with various organizations to incorporate AI into their processes, including working with Cradle to develop the MYStartup’s single window ‘ platform and the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry ( MITI ) to better analyze the economic trajectories of various negotiating partners in international trade negotiations.  ,
Microsoft will also work with the National Cyber Security Agency of Malaysia ( NACSA ) to promote resilience and security in the public sector through capacity-building and security assessments.  ,
Local businesses will have access to the most recent technological advancements, community members will receive training in AI and digital skills to improve employability, and developers will be empowered through new initiatives like AI Odyssey, which aims to promote AI expertise.
” As more companies embrace the power of AI, having the right digital infrastructure in Malaysia is key to future- proofing our nation’s economy”, commented Rafizi Ramli, Minister of Economy. Microsoft’s investment will help to build a pipeline of AI-driven startups, boost productivity, and raise wages, and accelerate the adoption of generative AI.