IANS | 02 May, 2024
Microsoft on Thursday announced to invest $2.2 billion over the next
four years to advance new cloud and artificial intelligence (AI)
infrastructure in Malaysia.
The investment will allow Microsoft to meet the growing demand
for cloud computing services in the country, as well as enable Malaysia
to capitalise on the significant economic and productivity opportunities
presented by the latest AI technology, according to the company.
This marks the single largest investment in Microsoft's 32-year history in the country.
"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.
This investment will
create AI skilling opportunities for an additional 200,000 people in the
country, as well as support the growth of Malaysia’s developer
community.
"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.
Earlier this week, Microsoft announced that it
will provide AI skilling opportunities for 2.5 million people in the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states by 2025.
This
training and support will be delivered in partnership with governments,
nonprofit and business organisations, and communities in Malaysia,
Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.