Microsoft will invest US$2.2 billion over the next four years to support Malaysia’s digital transformation – the single largest investment in its 32-year history in the country.
Microsoft’s 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
The investment demonstrates Microsoft’s commitment to developing Malaysia as a hub for cloud computing and related advanced technologies, including generative AI. This will support the nation’s productivity, competitiveness, resilience, and economic growth.
Minister of Investment, Trade & Industry (MITI) Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said, “Microsoft’s development of essential cloud and AI infrastructure, together with AI skilling opportunities, will significantly enhance Malaysia’s digital capacity and further elevate our position in the global tech landscape.”
“We are honoured to collaborate with the government to support their National AI Framework, which enhances the country’s 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,” said Andrea Della Mattea, President of Microsoft ASEAN.
According to research by Kearney, AI could contribute nearly US$1 trillion to Southeast Asia’s 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
Microsoft’s skilling commitment is expected to benefit 200,000 people in Malaysia by providing:
- technical and vocational education and training students with AI skills through the AI TEACH Malaysia program
- women with opportunities and support to build careers in cybersecurity via the Ready4AI&Security program
- young people with AI fluency training to enhance the employability and work readiness of those from underserved and underrepresented communities
- employees of non-profit organizations with knowledge of, and skills in, AI and digital technologies.
The commitment builds on Microsoft’s 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.
The Ministry of Digital welcomes the announcement made by Microsoft regarding their single largest investment of USD2.2 billion over the next four years in Malaysia. This significant commitment reflects Microsoft’s confidence in Malaysia’s digital potential and marks a milestone in our ongoing collaboration to drive the nation’s digital economy forward.