MICROSOFT Corp has publicly applauded Malaysia’s leadership in accelerating the nation’s digital economy while specifically commending Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo for his forward-thinking vision and initiatives to position the country as a technologically advanced nation.
Gobind and his team have continued to chart a progressive course for Malaysia by shaping policies and fostering partnerships that continue to position Malaysia as a regional technological leader, according to Microsoft ASEAN president Andrea Della Mattea.
“We thank Gobind Singh Deo and his ministry for their visionary and forward-thinking leadership,” she pointed out at the recent Microsoft Cloud & AI Summit in Kuala Lumpur which brought together visionary leaders from both the public and private sectors.
“This kind of leadership sets the stage for a robust digital infrastructure that will drive sustained economic growth and enable Malaysia to emerge as a leader in the era of artificial intelligence.”
During Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella’s visit to Malaysia earlier this year when he also met with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Microsoft reaffirmed its commitment to Malaysia by announcing a landmark investment of over US$2.2 bil in the country’s cloud and AI infrastructure.
“We see tremendous potential in Malaysia, where we can help organisations – both public and private – accelerate their digital transformations and bring their AI-driven ambitions to life,” noted Mattea.
Highlighting Microsoft’s comprehensive approach, she emphasised that it goes beyond technological investment and also covers cultivating a skilled workforce. The tech giant has a goal to train and certify more than 800,000 Malaysians in AI and related digital skills.
“Through partnerships with ministries, agencies, educational institutions and non-profit organisations, we are confident that Malaysia will have the skills, knowledge and capacity to thrive in the digital age.”
Microsoft’s optimism is supported by research from McKinsey & Company, which estimates that AI (artificial intelligence) has the potential to contribute over US$1 tril to the ASEAN economy.
For Malaysia specifically, this could translate to an additional US$115 bil in GDP (gross domestic product) – an 18% increase – thus demonstrating the country’s capacity to play a major role in the region’s digital revolution.
Meanwhile, Gobind said that his ministry would continue strengthening policies and introducing initiatives that encourage inclusive technological growth.
“By working closely with industry and keeping our pulse on the ground, Malaysia can ensure that emerging technologies, including AI, continue to benefit established large enterprises, SMEs and underserved communities across the nation,” he envisages in his special keynote address.
He further reckoned that when both public and private sectors collaborate, AI can truly scale across the country – “from the agriculture sector in the north to the semiconductor industry in Penang as well as businesses in urban centres and entrepreneurs across the nation”.
“AI can truly scale in Malaysia, resulting in smart economic hubs and a conducive AI ecosystem – one that fosters local innovation, enables jobs and opportunities, transforms education and ultimately delivers benefits for businesses and the rakyat,” added Gobind.
Also present at the event were the Digital Ministry’s secretary-general Fabian Bigar, the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) CEO Anuar Fariz Fadzil, MyDIGITAL Corp CEO Adrian Marcellus, National AI Office (NAIO) CEO Sam Majid and MIMOS Bhd chairperson Dr Jasmine Begum. – Dec 17, 2024
