Today, Microsoft reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Malaysia’s cloud and AI economy with its upcoming hyperscale cloud, the Malaysia West cloud region. This will be Microsoft’s first cloud region in the country, strategically situated in Greater Kuala Lumpur and is scheduled to go live in the second quarter of 2025. 

The IDC “Microsoft Cloud Dividend Snapshot” for Malaysia, commissioned by Microsoft, underscores the substantial benefits of the upcoming Malaysia West cloud region. The study shows that between now and 2028, Microsoft, its partners, and its cloud-using customers will together generate US$10.9 billion in new revenues – driving investment into local economies and facilitating the creation of 37,575 new jobs. Of these new jobs, 5,700 will be skilled IT jobs.  

The upcoming Malaysia West cloud region marks a significant milestone in Microsoft’s 33-year history in the country, supporting the nation’s journey towards digital innovation and inclusive economic growth.  

Once operational, the Malaysia West cloud region will provide organizations across Malaysia with access to Microsoft’s most trusted and comprehensive cloud technologies, enabling them to scale their operations, improve efficiency, and build digital resilience. The new cloud region will also meet local data residency requirements, ensuring that organizations can securely manage their data in line with government regulations. 

Beyond its infrastructure investment, Microsoft is committed towards creating skilling opportunities and strengthening its partnership with the Government of Malaysia. In May 2024, Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella announced a US$2.2 billion investment to fuel Malaysia’s cloud and AI ambitions. 

Building an inclusive and AI-ready Malaysia 

In December 2024, Microsoft introduced the “AI for Malaysia’s Future” (AIForMYFuture) initiative, aimed at equipping 800,000 Malaysians with skills in AI by the end of 2025. The initiative builds on Microsoft’s other recent skilling activities in Malaysia, including its success in providing digital skills to more than 1.53 million Malaysians as part of the Bersama Malaysia initiative. 

“With the rapid pace of innovation in Malaysia, the upcoming Malaysia West cloud region is not just a technological infrastructure, it is key to powering the nation’s growing AI economy. Local businesses and organizations will be able to innovate faster and more securely, driving the country’s progress towards becoming the hub for cloud and AI growth in Southeast Asia”, said Laurence Si, Managing Director of Microsoft Malaysia.  

He continued, “As a trusted technology partner to the nation for 33 years, Microsoft is committed to supporting Malaysia’s digital journey through strategic investments in infrastructure, talent development, and innovation support – empowering every person and organization to reap the benefits of the digital world.”  

Dr. Andrew Lau, Director of Strategic Programs for Microsoft Malaysia said, “As Microsoft commits to transforming Malaysia’s cloud and AI infrastructure, the upcoming Malaysia West cloud region will enable Malaysian companies to scale their innovation in a more seamless way, while offering global businesses a gateway into Malaysia with integrated technological readiness. We are optimistic that the new cloud region will enhance the country’s global competitiveness in a rapidly evolving digital landscape, propelling Malaysia to be at the forefront of an AI-powered future.” 

For more information on the Malaysia West cloud region and the opportunities it will bring to local businesses and organizations, visit: aka.ms/MalaysiaCloudRegionPlaybook.  

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