KUALA LUMPUR: Microsoft's RM10.5 billion (US$2.2 billion) investment into Malaysia's cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure firmly positions Malaysia as a preferred destination for digital investments, the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) said.

It also supports Malaysia's national initiative to embrace new, enabling technology, including AI and Generative AI, which could unlock US$113.4 billion in productive capacity in Malaysia.

Microsoft today committed investments in cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure in Malaysia that will help transform Malaysia into a leading digital hub regionally, while targeting to skill 300,000 Malaysians.

Microsoft chairman and chief executive officer Satya Nadella ade the announcement during the AI National Leadership Forum in Putrajaya, which was graced by Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

"This strategic partnership with Microsoft is what was envisaged by Malaysia's New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP2030) - it not only helps us embrace tech rapidly, but also fosters innovation as well as economic security and inclusivity. While our priority is to attract quality investments, we are also looking for partners who can help champion our commitment to empower our small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and people - through new enabling technology including AI - so they can also reap the benefits of a more vibrant digital economy in Malaysia. Microsoft's RM10.5 billion committed investment is an accelerated step towards that positive

outcome,' MITI Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz said in a statement.

Transformative technologies such as machine learning, natural language processing, and predictive analytics powered by cloud and AI services have the potential to empower businesses of all sizes - including startups and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) - to unlock their potential by driving differentiation and market competitiveness.

Zafrul added that Malaysia's steadfast commitment to robust digital infrastructure has convinced many globally recognised multinationals to establish or expand their presence here, as evidenced by the significant RM144.7 billion in digital investments approved from 2021 to 2023. "As MITI actively nurtures an empowering digital ecosystem that will drive tech-based solutions across various sectors, it will also strengthen our value proposition that Malaysia is where global starts, or the place to be for companies wishing to forge their regional and global operating success," he said.

Microsoft chairman and chief executive officer Satya Nadella said Microsoft is committed to supporting Malaysia's AI transformation and ensure it benefits 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 added.

https://www.nst.com.my/business/economy/2024/05/1045435/miti-microsoft-investment-positions-malaysia-preferred-destination