The largest foreign technology expenditure in Malaysia to date, according to Amazon Web Services (AWS), will total RM25.5 billion (US$5.7 billion) by 2037.
With quick access to AWS services, the investment will cover cloud computing infrastructure with three availability zones for safely storing data and operating applications.
The investment, according to Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, will help Malaysia establish itself as Southeast Asia's data center and digital hub, opening doors for local companies to grow and go worldwide.
In a recorded address at the AWS Malaysia Cloud Day on Thursday, he said, "Today's news is a vote of confidence and support for Malaysia's leadership in the global digital economy, and we look forward to deepening our cooperation with AWS to advance our country's digital economy goals" (2 March).
The Prime Minister claims that Silverlake Axis, a Malaysian fintech and finance business, has used AWS to digitize and modernize 25 applications so they can provide clients with cutting-edge services.
He also mentioned Pos Malaysia Bhd, which has been able to expand beyond conventional mail and parcel delivery by moving to the Cloud, to offer retail, logistics, and other cutting-edge goods and services.
AWS's regional executive director for the global public sector in ASEAN, Eric Conrad, told Bernama that the investment in Malaysia would support the country's digital economy.
Conrad added that Amazon selected Malaysia to assist its current clients in expanding their cloud infrastructure.
Conrad also mentioned that AWS wants to assist the Malaysian government in acquiring the knowledge and abilities required to adopt cloud technology at a higher level and improve data-driven decision-making.
Our customers are telling us more frequently that they would like to bring their workload and, in some instances, their data closer in order to meet their requirements, and we have noticed a substantial acceleration in the pace of adoption in recent years.
He continued, "We have complied with their request and have decided that this is the appropriate moment to invest in this infrastructure.
The funding by AWS will benefit small and medium-sized businesses in Malaysia and raise the country's competitiveness.
The new AWS region will provide developers, startups, business owners, educational institutions, and non-profit groups with more options for hosting their applications and providing customer service from Malaysian data centers.
In addition to considering local providers for the real building and development of the overall facilities, AWS would also consider staffing for the data centers.
He said, "We look forward to working closely with the Malaysian government, our regional partners, clients, and organizations in Malaysia to unlock more possibilities to enhance digitalization, economic growth, and national competitiveness.
