In an effort to further market its generative AI technology in Asia, Microsoft (MSFT.O), opens new tab, announced on Thursday that it will invest $2.2 billion in Malaysia over the next four years to grow cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) services.
The largest investment made by Microsoft in its 32-year history in Malaysia, according to the corporation, would go toward developing cloud and AI infrastructure, giving 200,000 people access to possibilities for AI skills, and assisting the nation’s developers.
During a visit to Kuala Lumpur, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stated, “We want to make sure we have world class infrastructure right here in the country so that every organization and start-up can benefit.”
Microsoft stated in a statement that it will collaborate with the Malaysian government to build a national AI Center of Excellence and improve cybersecurity in the country.
Following their meeting with Nadella on Thursday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that the investment aided Malaysia’s endeavors to advance its AI capabilities.
Microsoft is attempting to increase its backing for AI development on a worldwide scale. Nadella declared this week that Microsoft would establish its first regional data center in Thailand and that the company would invest $1.7 billion in Indonesia, a neighboring country.