Malaysia is making waves in the tech world with a huge investment from Oracle, as part of the country’s ambitious plans to become a major player in the AI revolution.
A Major Investment
On Wednesday, Oracle announced it will invest at least $6.5 billion to create a new public cloud region in Malaysia. This means building facilities that will help local businesses take advantage of AI services and modernize their digital operations. Garrett Ilg, Oracle’s executive vice president for Asia Pacific, highlighted Malaysia’s unique growth opportunities for companies eager to embrace cutting-edge technologies.
Boosting Local Industry
Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry emphasized that Oracle’s investment will support the goal of establishing 3,000 smart factories by 2030, aiming to modernize the country’s manufacturing sector.
Following in Big Tech’s Footsteps
Oracle’s announcement comes shortly after Amazon pledged $6.2 billion for similar cloud infrastructure in Malaysia. Microsoft and Google have also made significant investments in the region, signaling a growing trend of U.S. tech giants pouring resources into Southeast Asia’s digital landscape.
Aiming for Tech Hub Status
Malaysia is positioning itself as a tech hub in Southeast Asia, not just for cloud services but also for semiconductor investments. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced plans for a national cloud office and an AI strategy during the groundbreaking ceremony for Google’s new $2 billion data center complex, which is expected to create 26,500 jobs and generate $3.2 billion in economic activity by 2030.
Southeast Asia’s Tech Boom
Other countries in Southeast Asia are also attracting massive cloud-related investments. In May, Amazon revealed plans to invest $9 billion in Singapore’s existing cloud infrastructure by 2028. Meanwhile, Google announced a $1 billion investment in Thailand for a new data center, and Microsoft committed $1.7 billion to build cloud and AI infrastructure in Indonesia.
The Bigger Picture
This surge in cloud investments across Southeast Asia is part of a global effort to enhance computing capabilities to support the growing demand for AI services. Last month, companies including Microsoft and BlackRock teamed up to mobilize $100 billion for new data center projects.
With these investments, Malaysia and its neighbors are set to transform their digital landscapes, opening up new opportunities for businesses and tech talent.
I am Aparna Sahu
Investment Specialist and Financial Writer
With 2 years of experience in the financial sector, Aparna brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to Investor Welcome. As an accomplished author and investment specialist, Aparna has a passion for demystifying complex financial concepts and empowering investors with actionable strategies. She has been featured in relevant publications, if any, and is dedicated to providing clear, evidence-based analysis that helps clients make informed investment decisions. Aparna Sahu holds a relevant degree or certification and is committed to staying ahead of market trends to deliver the most up-to-date advice.
