Google To Invest $2 Billion In Malaysian Data Center And Cloud Hub

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Google intends to invest $2 billion in Malaysia, building its data center and a Google Cloud hub in the latest major push by a US tech behemoth into the Southeast Asian country.

Google | AP News Image

Google To Invest $2 Billion In Malaysian Data Center And Cloud Hub

The development follows Microsoft’s announcement to invest $2.2 billion over the next four years in Malaysia’s new cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim praised Google’s investment as a vote of confidence in Malaysia’s government and economy. Anwar said on Thursday that the investment is projected to boost the economy by $3.2 billion and create 26,500 employees by 2030.

Google | AP news Image

Google To Invest $2 Billion In Malaysian Data Center And Cloud Hub

The investments are a coup for Anwar, who wants to strengthen his position against a strong Islamic opposition.

Google announced that the new hubs will be built in a business park in central Malaysia’s Selangor state to accommodate rising demand for cloud services and artificial intelligence literacy programs among Malaysian students and educators.

Malaysia will become the 12th country to host a Google data center. The Malaysian Google Cloud hub, which will provide services to large organizations, startups, and the public sector, will join 40 regions and 121 zones already in operation worldwide, the company said.

Google | AP News Image

Google To Invest $2 Billion In Malaysian Data Center And Cloud Hub

“This investment builds on our partnership with the Malaysian government to advance its ‘Cloud First Policy,’ including best-in-class cybersecurity standards,” said Ruth Porat, Alphabet Inc.’s president and chief financial officer.

During a trip to the United States, Anwar spoke with Porat and other business leaders last year.

SOURCE – (AP)