Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said the company would provide education and training to 200,000 people.
Microsoft will invest $2.2 billion in artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure in Malaysia to support the country’s digital transformation, the tech giant said, following similar announcements in Indonesia and Thailand.
The announcement made Thursday by Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella includes the creation of an AI center of excellence and the education and training of 200,000 people in the Southeast Asian country.
“We are committed to supporting Malaysia’s AI transformation and ensuring it benefits all Malaysians,” Nadella said during his visit to Kuala Lumpur, the final stop of a three-country Asian tour from the South-East.
“Our investments in digital infrastructure and skills will help Malaysian businesses, communities and developers apply the latest technologies to drive inclusive economic growth and innovation across the country.”
Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, said the investment reflected a “deep partnership built on trust.”
“Indeed, Malaysia’s position as a dynamic technology investment destination is increasingly recognized by globally renowned names due to our well-established semiconductor ecosystem, underlined by our value proposition that “this is where the world begins,” he said.
“Microsoft’s development of critical cloud and AI infrastructure, as well as AI skills opportunities, will significantly enhance Malaysia’s digital capability and further elevate our position in the global technology landscape. Together with Microsoft, we look forward to creating more opportunities for our SMEs and better-paying jobs for our people, as we embrace the AI revolution to accelerate Malaysia’s digital growth journey.
Nadella earlier this week announced multibillion-dollar investments in AI and cloud services in Indonesia and Thailand.
International consultancy Kearney has estimated that AI could contribute nearly $1 trillion to Southeast Asia’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030.
Microsoft is looking to bolster support for AI development around the world, with its recent initiatives also including major investments in Japan and UAE-based AI company G42.
News Source : www.aljazeera.com
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