Microsoft continues its global investments in AI with $2.2B in Malaysia

Microsoft has invested over $12B into its partnership with North American based pre-generative artificial intelligence company OpenAI, but it’s also shelling out money to have similar partnerships with global AI services that now includes $2.2B into Malaysia.

Earlier today Microsoft announced it would be supporting Bersama Malaysia AI expansion to the tune of $2.2B over the next four years.

According to a press release from Microsoft, the company will attempt to address the following sectors through strategic investments that include:

• 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 Malaysian Minister of Investment, Trade and Investment, YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Abdul Aziz welcomes Microsoft investment a bit of praise following the company’s 32-year presence in the region.

“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. 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 Malaysia’s digitally empowered growth journey.” 

YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade & Industry

Today’s announcement builds on Microsoft’s previous ‘Together with Malaysia’ initiative which was announced in 2021 and aims to support technological and economic growth for the region.

Microsoft has conducted several of these ‘Together with’ programs over the past decade that centers around the building of Microsoft sponsored data centers in Ireland, Japan, and Montana just to name a few. However, it wasn’t until recently that the company has championed AI as often in its announcements as it has been recently with its strategic global investments.

Like other ‘Together with’ programs, Microsoft is aiming to provide AI skilled opportunities to over 2.5 million people in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

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.

Microsoft also plans to partner with the National Cyber Security Agency of Malaysia (NACSA) via the Persiai Siber (Cyber Shield) program to bolster data center usage with comparable digital security during this time.