According to an announcement by Google on May 30th, the funds will be used to build its first data center and cloud facility in Malaysia amid rising demand for AI and cloud services, particularly in Southeast Asia. This is also the company's largest investment in Malaysia in its 13 years of operation there.
“This investment is based on a partnership with the Malaysian government to promote a ‘cloud-first’ policy, including best-in-class cybersecurity standards,” said Ruth Porat, Alphabet’s Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
According to Ms. Porat, once operational, the center will provide Google's digital services, such as Search, Maps, and Workspace, as well as cloud services for companies and organizations in the public and private sectors. The system will also support an "AI literacy" program for students and educators.
The center is expected to be located in Elmina, in the central state of Selangor. Google has not yet announced a timeline for construction and operation. However, the company estimates it will contribute more than US$3.2 billion to Malaysia's GDP and support 26,500 jobs there by 2030.
“Google’s investment will significantly boost the digital ambitions outlined in our nation’s new Industrial Master Plan 2030,” said Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Aziz, Malaysia’s Minister for Investment, Trade and Industry.
This country is currently a destination for many global technology companies. Earlier this month, Microsoft invested $2.2 billion to develop new cloud and AI infrastructure. Last December, Malaysian conglomerate YT announced it would partner with Nvidia to build $4.3 billion worth of AI infrastructure.
On May 28th, Apple announced... Open Apple Store in Malaysia. The store is located in The Exchange TRX shopping mall complex in Kuala Lumpur and opened on June 22nd. This is the third market in Southeast Asia to have an official Apple store, after Singapore and Thailand.
Meanwhile, Malaysia is also making efforts to invest in domestic resources to meet its labor needs. At the Southeast Asia Semiconductor Industry Exhibition 2024 (SEMICON SEA) in Kuala Lumpur on May 28, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced the National Semiconductor Strategy, in which the government will invest at least US$5.33 billion over 5-10 years to cultivate talent and develop local companies. The country aims to train 60,000 engineers in all areas of the semiconductor technology industry, such as design, packaging, and testing.
Bao Lam (according to Reuters, CNBC)
Contact EZ Fast Tech today for a free consultation and to get an effective, AI-optimized website!
- Website: https://ezfasttech.com
- Hotline: 0772869820
- E-mail: [email protected]
