Microsoft’s first cloud region in Malaysia, situated in Greater Kuala Lumpur, is scheduled to go live in 2Q 2025. Once operational, the hyperscale cloud, Malaysia West cloud region, will provide organizations in Malaysia access to Microsoft’s cloud technologies, enabling them to scale their operations, improve efficiency, and build digital resilience. The new cloud region will also meet local data residency requirements, ensuring that organizations can securely manage their data in line with government regulations, Microsoft Malaysia said in a statement yesterday.
The Malaysia West cloud region marks a significant milestone in Microsoft’s 33-year history in the country, supporting the nation’s journey towards digital innovation and inclusive economic growth. In May 2024, Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella announced a US$ 2.2 billion investment to fuel Malaysia’s cloud and AI ambitions.
IDC’s report, “Microsoft Cloud Dividend Snapshot” for Malaysia, commissioned by Microsoft, estimated that between now and 2028, Microsoft, its partners, and its cloud-using customers will together generate US$ 10.9 billion in new revenue – driving investment into local economies and facilitating the creation of 37,575 new jobs. Of these new jobs, 5,700 will be skilled IT jobs.
In December 2024, Microsoft introduced the “AI for Malaysia’s Future” (AIForMYFuture) initiative, aimed at equipping 800,000 Malaysians with skills in AI by the end of 2025. The initiative builds on Microsoft’s other recent skilling activities in Malaysia, including its success in providing digital skills to more than 1.53 million Malaysians as part of the Bersama Malaysia initiative.
“With the rapid pace of innovation in Malaysia, the upcoming Malaysia West cloud region is not just a technological infrastructure, it is key to powering the nation’s growing AI economy. Local businesses and organizations will be able to innovate faster and more securely, driving the country’s progress towards becoming the hub for cloud and AI growth in Southeast Asia,” said Laurence Si, Managing Director of Microsoft Malaysia.