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This comes in line with Malaysia's national initiative to embrace new, enabling technology, including AI and generative AI.
Microsoft has announced plans to invest RM10.5bn (US$2.2bn) in Malaysia's cloud and AI infrastructure over the next four years. The investment will be facilitated by one of the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) agencies, the Malaysia Investment Development Authority (MIDA) together with other public agencies.
Part of Microsoft's ongoing Bersama Malaysia commitment since 2021, this latest announcement aims to transform Malaysia into a leading digital hub regionally, while targetting to skill 300,000 Malaysians. It also looks to support Malaysia's national initiative to embrace new, enabling technology, including AI and generative AI, which could potentially unlock US$113.4bn in productive capacity in Malaysia.
The announcement was made by Satya Nadella, Charmain and CEO of Microsoft, at the AI National Leadership Forum in Putrajaya, which was graced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and elaborated on in a press release by MITI on Thursday (2 May 2024).
Speaking at the event, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Abdul Aziz shared that this strategic partnership with Microsoft is what was envisaged by Malaysia's New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP2030): "It not only helps us embrace tech rapidly, but also fosters innovation as well as economic security and inclusivity.
"While our priority is to attract quality investments, we are also looking for partners who can help champion our commitment to empower our SMEs and people — through new enabling technology including Al — so they can also reap the benefits of a more vibrant digital economy in Malaysia."
As the minister added, Malaysia recorded RM144.7bn in digital investments approved from 2021 to 2023, as globally recognised multinationals look to establish or expand their presence within the nation.
"As MITI actively nurtures an empowering digital ecosystem that will drive tech-based solutions across various sectors, it will also strengthen our value proposition that Malaysia is where global starts, or the place to be for companies wishing to forge their regional and global operating success," continued Tengku Zafrul.
Satya Nadella commented that the 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."
Moving forward, MITI said the ministry and its agencies will "continue to attract high quality investments, including digital investments involving cutting-edge technology to nurture more homegrown talent, business opportunities, and innovation", guided by the NIMP2030.
Lead image / Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim Facebook
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