PUTRAJAYA, Nov 5 – Google’s US$15 billion (RM61 billion) investment is expected to strengthen Malaysia’s ambition to become an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven nation by 2030.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the investment should bring real benefits to Malaysians. He stressed that the country must turn foreign investment into better jobs, stronger local industries and new technology opportunities.
He also said the investment would help Malaysia build its own AI capabilities and compete in the global technology market.
Investment to Support Jobs and Local Businesses
Google is working with more than 80 Malaysian suppliers.
These companies provide services in construction, engineering, network infrastructure, power systems and cooling systems.
The investment is expected to support more than 37,000 local job opportunities every year during the construction period.
It is also projected to contribute an average of US$1.1 billion to Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP) each year between 2027 and 2028.
Once the facilities begin operating, they are expected to support more than 9,000 local jobs annually.
The average wages for these jobs could be 45 per cent higher than the national median.
Google to Train 800,000 Malaysians in AI
The investment also includes plans to improve local skills.
Google is expected to support four training programmes for about 800,000 Malaysians between 2027 and 2031.
The programmes will focus on four groups:
- Educators and young people.
- Micro-entrepreneurs and small businesses.
- Civil servants.
- People seeking technical and vocational jobs.
The government also plans to work with Google to support a proposed Data Centre Institute.
The institute aims to prepare more Malaysians for jobs in data centre operations and related industries.
More Clean Energy and Better Water Security
Google also plans to add more than one gigawatt of clean energy capacity to Malaysia’s national electricity grid.
The company will also cover the electricity costs of its data centres and the direct costs of connecting them to the grid.
These efforts aim to support the country’s growing digital infrastructure without placing unnecessary pressure on public resources.
In addition, Google’s water-related projects are expected to support water security and environmental protection.
These include river rehabilitation, water supply restoration and investment in water infrastructure in Negeri Sembilan.
Malaysia Seeks Stronger AI Partnerships
Gobind also invited Google to work more closely with Malaysia on two important initiatives: AI Cities and AI Safety.
The proposed AI Cities programme would allow government agencies, universities, researchers and technology companies to test new AI solutions.
These projects could address everyday challenges such as traffic congestion, flooding and public service delivery.
The government also wants Google to support the Malaysia AI Safety Institute.
This collaboration could strengthen research, testing and evaluation of AI safety.
Further details of the proposed partnerships are expected to be announced later.
Malaysia Wants to Create, Not Just Use AI
Gobind said Malaysia’s ambition goes beyond using AI technology.
The country also wants to develop its own AI products, applications and businesses.
Google’s investment could help local companies build stronger technology capabilities and compete internationally.
The government aims to ensure that the benefits reach businesses, workers and communities across the country.
Source : PRESS KL | Rewritten By Minutesmy
