GOOGLE will invest US$2 (RM9.4) billion in its first data centre and Google Cloud region in Malaysia.

Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz announced this today, saying the investment would create 26,500 jobs in healthcare, education, and finance for a total economic impact of RM15.04 billion.

“Google’s latest announcement on its RM9.4-billion investment in Malaysia will significantly advance the digital ambitions outlined in our New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030),” he said in a statement.

“The Google data centre and Google Cloud region in Greater Kuala Lumpur will also empower our manufacturing and service-based industries to leverage AI and other advanced technologies to move up the global value chain.

“We also welcome Google’s plan to help us develop a robust talent ecosystem by facilitating the growth of our people’s digital skills, businesses, and careers. As this attracts further investments, it will spur innovation and drive growth for organisations of all sizes.”

The investment follows discussions between Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Alphabet Inc chief financial officer Ruth Porat. Alphabet, the parent company of Google, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority in November.

Porat said Google’s first data centre and Google Cloud region in Malaysia is the company’s largest planned investment in the country.

“This investment builds on our partnership with the Malaysian government to advance its ‘cloud first policy’, including best-in-class cybersecurity standards. With today’s (Thursday) announcement, Malaysia and Google are partnering to advance our shared work to create a supportive ecosystem for innovation, and unlock the potential of digital transformation,” she said.

The Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry said the Google investments will be in the Sime Darby Elmina Business Park in Greater Kuala Lumpur.

It said the Google data centre will power Google’s popular digital services, such as search, maps, and workspace, while also playing an essential role in enabling Google to deliver the benefits of AI to users across the country. Malaysia will join the 11 countries where Google has built and currently operates data centres to serve users worldwide. – May 30, 2024.