Today marks a significant milestone in Google’s commitment to Malaysia’s digital transformation. Underscoring our commitment toward strengthening Malaysia’s digital competitiveness in collaboration with the Government of Malaysia, we are thrilled to announce a new US$2 billion investment in the country, including the development of our first Google data center and Google Cloud region in Sime Darby Property’s Elmina Business Park and furthering our commitment in helping upskilling Malaysians with the knowledge needed in this digital world – AI. This investment is not just about infrastructure; it’s about unlocking new possibilities for businesses, educators, and every Malaysian.
Digital Infrastructure Investments to Empower Users and Businesses in Malaysia and Beyond
The Google data center will power our popular services like Search, Maps, and Workspace, which are used by billions worldwide, including Malaysians. More importantly, it will pave the way for delivering the transformative power of AI to users and customers across the country. The Google Cloud region will offer high-performance, low-latency cloud services to enterprises, startups, and public sector organizations, alongside key controls that allow them to maintain the highest security and compliance standards, including specific data storage requirements.
This investment underscores our strong partnership with the Malaysian government, aligning with the nation’s “Cloud First Policy.” As Ruth Porat, our President and Chief Investment Officer; Chief Financial Officer of Alphabet and Google, said:
“Google’s first data center and Google Cloud region is our largest planned investment so far in Malaysia – a place Google has been proud to call home for 13 years. This investment builds on our partnership with the Government of Malaysia to advance its ‘Cloud First Policy,’ including best-in-class cybersecurity standards. With today’s announcement, Malaysia and Google are partnering to advance our shared work to create a supportive ecosystem for innovation and unlock the potential of digital transformation.”
Investing in programs to foster Al literacy
As AI continues to transform various industries, it is crucial for educators to be equipped with the relevant knowledge and tools to prepare students for the future. In alignment with the Ministry of Education’s (MOE) National Digital Education Policy, Google has launched two programs to foster AI literacy for both students and educators. These programs expand Google’s ongoing commitment toward making digital skills more accessible to Malaysians.
- Gemini Academy: Designed to help educators safely and responsibly use generative AI tools, such as Gemini, to boost productivity, the Gemini Academy has benefitted more than 600 educators in Malaysia since the launch of its pilot phase in November 2023. MOE is now formally expanding the program to more educational institutions, with the goal of benefiting 15,000 educators by the end of 2024.
- Experience AI: Launched last month in Malaysia by Google DeepMind, Raspberry Pi Foundation, and the Penang Science Cluster, Experience AI is designed to increase educators’ knowledge and confidence in delivering lessons about AI to students aged 11 to 14, by providing them with in-person training and equipping them with interactive lesson materials and tutorials. The program has an initial goal of training 1,000 educators in order to reach 10,000 students across Malaysia.
Supporting economic growth and a vibrant technology ecosystem
In November 2023, the Government of Malaysia and Google entered into a strategic collaboration to create inclusive growth opportunities for more Malaysians and homegrown companies using Al and cloud technologies. The investments and programs announced today further advance Google’s work in Malaysia. They are estimated to support more than US$3.2 billion in contributions to Malaysia’s GDP and 26,500 jobs by 2030, according to a Google-commissioned impact report by AlphaBeta (part of Access Partnership). Google is proud to support the country’s continued digital transformation of its economy, in line with the MADANI Economy Framework and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030).
Looking Ahead
We are incredibly excited about the future of Malaysia and the role Google can play in accelerating its digital journey. Together, we can build a more innovative, inclusive, and prosperous Malaysia.
By Farhan S. Qureshi, Country Director, Google Malaysia
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