Google announced a significant investment of USD2 billion in Malaysia, marking a major step towards accelerating the country’s digital transformation. This commitment includes building the company’s first data centre in Malaysia, establishing a Google Cloud region, and launching AI literacy programs for students and educators.
First Google Data Centre incoming
The data centre is situated in Sime Darby Property’s Elmina Business Park. It will enhance Google’s popular services such as Search, Maps, and Workspace. This improvement will benefit users globally. It will also be instrumental in delivering the benefits of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across Malaysia. Upon completion, Malaysia will join the elite group of 11 countries hosting operational Google data centres.
The Google Cloud region will cater to large enterprises, startups, and public sector organizations by providing high-performance, low-latency cloud services. This ensures businesses can maintain the highest security standards, data residency, and compliance requirements. The cloud region complements existing Google Cloud Dedicated Interconnect locations for seamless connection between on-premise networks and Google’s global network. Malaysia’s cloud region becomes part of Google Cloud’s extensive global network of 40 regions and 121 zones.
Partnership for a Digital Malaysia
This investment reflects a strong collaboration between Google and the Malaysian government. Ruth Porat, Chief Financial Officer of Alphabet and Google, highlighted this by calling it Google’s largest planned investment in Malaysia’s 13-year history. It aligns with the government’s “Cloud First Policy” to promote best-in-class cybersecurity practices.
YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, highlighted Google’s investment alignment with the country’s New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030). The data centre and cloud region are anticipated to empower local industries. They’ll enable these industries to harness AI and advanced technologies effectively. He also commended Google’s focus on developing a robust talent pool through digital skills training programs.
Fostering AI Literacy
Recognizing the transformative potential of AI, Google is launching programs to equip educators with the necessary knowledge and tools to prepare students for the future. These programs align with the Ministry of Education’s National Digital Education Policy.
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Gemini Academy: Designed to help educators leverage AI tools like Gemini for enhanced productivity, this program has already benefited over 600 educators since its pilot launch in November 2023. The Ministry of Education is now expanding the program to reach 15,000 educators by the end of 2024.
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Experience AI: Launched in collaboration with Google DeepMind, Raspberry Pi Foundation, and Penang Science Cluster, this program equips educators with the knowledge and resources to deliver AI lessons to students aged 11-14. It aims to train 1,000 educators, ultimately reaching 10,000 students across Malaysia.
Building a Vibrant Tech Ecosystem
This investment builds upon a strategic collaboration established between Google and the Malaysian government in November 2023. The collaboration aims to create inclusive growth opportunities for Malaysians and local companies through AI and cloud technologies. According to a Google-commissioned evaluation, these investments and programs are projected to contribute over US$3.2 billion to Malaysia’s GDP and create 26,500 jobs by 2030. Google’s commitment aligns with the country’s MADANI Economy Framework and NIMP 2030, supporting Malaysia’s continuous digital transformation journey.
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Source: Google
