With operations slated to start in the second quarter of 2025, Microsoft (MSFT, Financials) is about open its first cloud region in Malaysia. According to a research commissioned by Microsoft, the cloud facilityknown as the Malaysia West cloud regionis expected to provide 37,575 jobs and $10.9 billion in income for the nation by 2028.According to the IDC “Microsoft Cloud Dividend Snapshot,” information technology will account for around 5,700 of the overall new employment. Complying with local data residency rules, the Greater Kuala Lumpur facility will provide Malaysian companies access to Microsoft’s cloud technologies.The investment builds on Microsoft’s past pledges to Malaysia, including a $2.2 billion promise made in May 2024 to hasten artificial intelligence and cloud computing growth in the nation.Apart from infrastructure, Microsoft is developing digital skill initiatives. Aiming at teaching 800,000 Malaysians in AI capabilities by the end of 2025, the corporation started the AI for Malaysia’s Future project in December 2024. Inspired by the company’s Bersama Malaysia program, which has given more than 1.53 million Malaysians digital skills training, this project aligns withHaving been in Malaysia for 33 years, Microsoft sees the cloud as essential in enabling the nation to become a center for artificial intelligence and cloud computing in Southeast Asia. The corporation has also positioned the effort as a chance for multinational companies to enter Malaysia.As Malaysia wants to establish itself as a leader in artificial intelligence and cloud technology in the region, Microsoft’s cloud development fits with the larger digital transformation objectives of the nation.
This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
