MICROSOFT Corp will invest RM10.5 billion in cloud and AI infrastructure in Malaysia over the next four years, the Investment, Trade, and Industry Ministry (Miti) said today.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced the news today at the AI National Leadership Forum, which was attended by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

“This latest announcement by Microsoft is set to transform Malaysia into a leading digital hub regionally, while targeting to skill 300,000 Malaysians, as well as power up the nation’s economic growth and inclusivity through innovative, cutting-edge technology,” Miti said in a statement.

“This investment – facilitated by one of Miti’s agencies, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority, together with other public agencies – firmly positions Malaysia as a preferred destination for digital investments,” it added.

The US tech giant pledged in 2021 to invest RM4.12 billion in Malaysia over five years to build hyper-scale data centres and provide cloud services.

The Microsoft investments align with the national initiative to embrace new technology such as AI, potentially unlocking RM540 billion in productive capacity, the ministry added.

“While our priority is to attract quality investments, we are also looking for partners who can help champion our commitment to empowering our small and medium-sized enterprises and people – through new enabling technology including AI – so that they can also reap the benefits of a more vibrant digital economy in Malaysia,” said minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz.

“Microsoft’s RM10.5 billion committed investment is an accelerated step towards that positive outcome.”

Nadella reiterated Microsoft’s commitment to supporting the country’s AI transformation and ensuring that its benefits reach all Malaysians.

“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,” he said.

Anwar welcomed the investment, saying it was Microsoft’s largest-ever in its 32-year history in Malaysia.

“Malaysia welcomes this investment decision, which demonstrates Microsoft’s confidence in the country’s strong economic fundamentals, clear and focussed policies, investor-friendly environment, and political stability,” he said on X. – May 2, 2024.