Luke Raj’s Post

Malaysia is in for exciting times! 🚀 The recent announcement by Microsoft of a massive US$2.2 billion investment to improve Malaysia's AI and digital infrastructure is revolutionary. This calculated approach involves constructing cutting-edge facilities and providing AI training to an additional 200,000 Malaysians, with the goal of positioning Malaysia as a global centre for cloud computing and AI technologies. It's hard to look at this enormous endeavour and ignore the connections that these developments have with the rapidly developing Web3 space. By incorporating decentralised apps and blockchain technology into this infrastructure, Malaysia may become a leader in Web3 and AI, as well as provide previously unheard-of levels of security and transparency. Imagine an era in which immutable blockchain records act as the foundation for new cybersecurity and digital governance measures, or in which AI-driven trade economic research tools capitalise on the utilisation of blockchain technology. There is enormous opportunity for breakthroughs such as increased data integrity for AI and smart contracts in government agreements. With this investment, Malaysia is positioned to become a pioneer in the adoption of next-generation technologies like blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI), potentially contributing US$115 billion to the country's GDP by 2030. Let's have a chat to explore creative solutions in the web3 and AI space. #DigitalTransformation #blockchain #Web3 #AI #Microsoft #Malaysia Satya Nadella CyberSecurity Malaysia Microsoft

This is a national-level investment, where Microsoft empowers not just enterprises but entire countries, making a substantial contribution to human development. In the description of the second investment, you can see that we are actively nurturing future individuals who "understand AI." Technology always begins with human nature, requiring talent to make it effective. I predict that AI will become a "mandatory course" in the standard curriculum of schools in the near future, within the next five years at the latest. Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella meets with YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia at Perdana Putra, Putrajaya in Malaysia. Microsoft’s investment includes:  * building cloud and AI infrastructure in Malaysia  * creating AI skilling opportunities for an additional 200,000 people in Malaysia  * strengthening its partnership with the Government of Malaysia to establish a national AI Centre of Excellence and enhance the nation’s cybersecurity capabilities  * supporting the growth of Malaysia’s developer community. (The above statement represents only an individual’s opinion. Media references are declined.)

Malaysia: Welcome to the exciting opportunities in Southeast Asia's golden age. Microsoft has announced a $2.2bn investment in Malaysia, focusing on AI and cloud. CEO Satya Nadella says the company will provide education and training opportunities to 200,000 individuals. Nadella earlier this week announced multibillion-dollar investments in AI and cloud services in Indonesia and Thailand. Global consulting firm Kearney has estimated that AI could contribute nearly $US1 trillion ($AU1.5 trillion) to Southeast Asia’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030. Microsoft will invest $2.2bn in artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure in Malaysia to support the country’s digital transformation, the tech giant has said, following similar announcements in Indonesia and Thailand. The announcement by Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella on Thursday includes plans to establish an AI Centre of Excellence and provide education and training to 200,000 people in the Southeast Asian country. “We are committed to supporting Malaysia’s AI transformation and ensure it benefits all Malaysians,” Nadella said as he visited Kuala Lumpur on the final stop of a three-nation tour of Southeast Asia. Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Malaysia’s minister of investment, trade and industry, said the investment reflected a “deep partnership built on trust”. “Indeed, Malaysia’s position as a vibrant tech investment destination is increasingly being recognised by world-recognised names due to our well-established semiconductor ecosystem, underscored by our value proposition that ‘this is where global starts,’” he said. Microsoft is seeking to boost support for the development of AI worldwide, with its recent initiatives also including major investments in Japan and the United Arab Emirates-based AI firm G42.

Microsoft unveils $2.2bn investment in Malaysia focused on AI, cloud Main Points: Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced a $2.2 billion investment in artificial intelligence (#AI) and #cloud #infrastructure in #Malaysia to support the country's digital transformation. The investment includes plans to establish an #AI #CentreofExcellence and provide #education and #training to 200,000 people in Malaysia. #Nadella emphasized Microsoft's commitment to supporting Malaysia's #AI transformation for the benefit of all Malaysians. Malaysia's Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, Zafrul Abdul Aziz, highlighted the deep partnership and trust between Malaysia and Microsoft. The #investment is expected to enhance Malaysia's #digital capacity and elevate its position in the global tech landscape, contributing to inclusive economic growth and innovation. Microsoft's investments in AI and cloud services in Malaysia follow similar announcements in Indonesia and Thailand earlier in the week. AI is projected to contribute nearly $1 trillion to Southeast Asia's GDP by 2030, according to estimates by global consulting firm Kearney. Microsoft's initiatives aim to support AI development globally, with recent investments also made in #Japan and the #UnitedArabEmirates-based AI firm G42. Via Al Jazeera English to read the article https://lnkd.in/dseihW27

US tech firms are pouring billions into Southeast Asia to support its AI potential—but will their presence enable local firms to step into the opportunity or will it simply be a repeat of the golden social and advertising era which saw big tech use the region for user and financial growth with little local innovation coming through? From this week's newsletter: Microsoft made a major investment push in Southeast Asia as it announced it would invest $1.7 billion into cloud and AI technology in Indonesia. CEO Satya Nadella took a personal tour to the region which also included visits to Thailand, where Microsoft announced its first regional data centre for the country, and Malaysia, where he announced his firm would invest $2.2 billion over the next four years. These investments are part of growth that Microsoft believes could add as much as $1 trillion in value to the region by enabling AI and boosting cloud computing capacity. Facebook, Google and others have wooed Southeast Asia as markets where they could monetise hundreds of millions of users. Will this ‘new era’ of interest from big tech firms support location innovation or will global firms—from the West and even China—benefit from this expected AI and cloud boom? https://lnkd.in/g3DRjQFB

Op-Ed: Microsoft's decision to invest in Indonesia underscores a broader trend of global investors recognising the immense unrealised potential of one of the Asia's fastest-growing and dynamic economies. This surge of investor interest is not happenstance but a direct result of Indonesia's visionary leadership during the Jokowi era, which has been marked by bold economic reforms, a resolute focus on propelling Indonesia into the digital age, and has transformed Indonesia into a beacon of stability and opportunity in the region, attracting a flurry of investments from around the globe. Crucially, Indonesia's proactive and pragmatic foreign policy under Jokowi has played a pivotal role in fostering a conducive environment for foreign investors. By actively courting partnerships and welcoming international investments, Indonesia has solidified its position as a key player in the global economic landscape. As the nation transitions to a new administration under Prabowo, the momentum of progress built over the past decade must be sustained and amplified. The incoming leadership is poised to inherit a legacy of economic prosperity and regional influence, setting the stage for continued growth and development. Yet, amidst the backdrop of an increasingly uncertain global geopolitical landscape, Indonesia faces the challenge of strategic positioning. The next government must navigate deftly, preserving Indonesia's economic gains while safeguarding against potential vulnerabilities in an unpredictable world order. In this pivotal moment, Indonesia stands at the cusp of unprecedented opportunities and challenges. It is imperative that future leaders and governments uphold the principles of prudent governance, forward-thinking policies, and strategic diplomacy to steer Indonesia towards a future of sustained prosperity and global prominence.

Microsoft to invest US$2.2 billion in cloud and AI services in Malaysia Summary: Microsoft has announced a significant investment of US$2.2 billion in Malaysia, aimed at enhancing the nation's artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing infrastructure. This investment, the largest in Microsoft's 32-year history in Malaysia, was revealed by CEO Satya Nadella during the Microsoft Build AI Day event in Kuala Lumpur on May 2, 2024. The investment will focus on building AI and cloud infrastructure, establishing an AI center of excellence, and providing AI training for up to 200,000 Malaysians. This initiative is part of a broader Southeast Asia tour by Nadella, which also includes investment announcements in Indonesia and Thailand. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has welcomed this investment, highlighting it as evidence of Malaysia's investor-friendly environment and political stability. This move is aligned with the Malaysian government's focus on developing its AI capacity as a core aspect of its digital transformation strategy. Global Impact and Corporate Strategy This investment by Microsoft is set to play a crucial role in supporting regional economic growth and innovation, enabling businesses, communities, and developers in Malaysia to leverage advanced technologies for local and global applications. The investment announcement follows Microsoft's strong financial performance, which has been buoyed by its strategic focus on AI and cloud services, particularly Azure. The tech giant's focus on AI has significantly increased its market performance, evidenced by a 17% rise in sales and a 20% increase in net profit in the first quarter of the year. This strategic direction not only boosts Microsoft's growth but also positions it as a central player in the global digital economy. Broader Economic Impact According to research by Kearney, AI is expected to contribute approximately US$1 trillion to Southeast Asia's GDP by 2030, with Malaysia accounting for more than a tenth of this growth. Microsoft's investment is poised to accelerate this growth, contributing to the technological and economic advancement of Malaysia and the broader Southeast Asian region. Conclusion Microsoft's US$2.2 billion investment in Malaysia represents a transformative development for the country's AI and cloud capabilities. It underscores the nation's potential as a key player in the digital economy while bolstering Microsoft's position as a leader in AI and cloud technology on a global scale. This significant investment reflects a strategic commitment to fostering innovation and enhancing technological infrastructure, promising substantial economic and social benefits for Malaysia. #Microsoft #AI #CloudComputing #DigitalTransformation #SoutheastAsia

This initiative is part of Microsoft's broader investment in Southeast Asia's digital infrastructure, which aims to provide AI skilling opportunities and enhance the tech force. Commenting on the initiative, Satya Nadella, chairman and chief executive officer at Microsoft, stated, “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.” YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry in Malaysia, also said, “Indeed, Malaysia’s position as a vibrant tech investment destination is increasingly being recognised by world-recognised names due to our well-established semiconductor ecosystem, underscored by our value proposition that ‘this is where global starts’.” Meanwhile, Andrea Della Mattea, president at Microsoft Asia Pacific, remarked, “This strategic emphasis on AI not only boosts economic growth but also promotes inclusivity by bridging the digital divide and ensuring everyone gets a seat at the table, so every Malaysian can thrive in this new digital world. #techinvestment #artificialintelligence #cloudinfrastructure ------ -[Awards] MARKETECH APAC is launching its inaugural "Marketing Technology Awards" where we recognise the groundbreaking achievements in marketing technology, uniting the brands and tech organisations within the region’s marketing community. Learn how your brand can be a part of it by checking it more details HERE: https://bit.ly/3SVtoIa -[Newsletter] To learn more about the latest news, trends and insights in the technology industry, subscribe to UpTech Media’s newsletter by filling out this form: https://lnkd.in/eKr8Se4y