GOOGLE is set to invest RM9.4 bil (US$2 bil) to establish its first data centre and Google Cloud region in Malaysia.
The project, announced by the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI) will be located in Sime Darby Property’s Elmina Business Park in Greater Kuala Lumpur. This investment is expected to create 26,500 jobs across various sectors and have an economic impact of approximately RM15.04 bil.
The new data centre will support Google’s suite of digital services, including Search, Maps, and Workspace. It will also play a crucial role in delivering AI benefits to users across Malaysia.
“When operational, Malaysia will join the 11 countries where Google has built and currently operates data centers to serve users around the world,” it said.
The Google Cloud region, part of the investment, aims to provide high-performance, low-latency cloud infrastructure, analytics, and AI services to large enterprises, startups, and public sector organisations. This infrastructure will adhere to the highest security and regulatory compliance standards.
MITI Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz pointed out the strategic importance of Google’s investment in advancing Malaysia’s digital ambitions outlined in the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030).
“The Google data center and Google Cloud region in Greater Kuala Lumpur will empower our manufacturing and service-based industries to leverage AI and other advanced technologies to move up the global value chain, with an estimated economic impact valued at RM15.04bil,” he said.
He added that the initiative would foster a robust talent ecosystem, promoting the growth of digital skills, businesses, and careers for Malaysians. The project is expected to attract further investments, spurring innovation and driving growth for organisations of all sizes.
MITI noted that Google’s commitment marks a key milestone in the Madani government’s vision to attract more digital investors to Malaysia, aiming to build a strong, secure, and digitally enabled economy.
“The increased capacity of and reliability on cloud services will support various sectors – including healthcare, education, and finance – to foster a more connected and resilient world.”
The announcement follows a series of engagements facilitated by MITI involving Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as well as Alphabet and Google president and CIO and CFO Ruth Porat.
“With today’s announcement, Malaysia and Google are partnering to advance our shared work to create a supportive ecosystem for innovation and unlock the potential of digital transformation,” stated Porat.
Main photo credit: Wikipedia
