Google to invest RM9.4b in Malaysia’s 1st data centre

Google announced a RM9.4 billion investment in Malaysia for its first data centre and Google Cloud region, marking a significant milestone in the country’s digital transformation, Malay Mail reported on Thursday.

The data centre and cloud region are expected to create 26,500 jobs across sectors like healthcare, education, and finance, with an estimated economic impact of RM15.04 billion, according to the Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister.

Minister Tengku Zafrul praised Google’s investment for advancing Malaysia’s digital ambitions outlined in the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030).

The project will empower industries with AI and advanced technologies, boosting their global competitiveness. He also appreciated Google’s efforts to enhance Malaysia’s digital talent pool, fostering innovation and attracting investments.

Google’s initiatives aim to equip Malaysians with the necessary digital skills to thrive in the digital economy, attracting further investments and driving innovation across all business sizes.

Google President and Chief Investment Officer Ruth Porat emphasised the collaborative nature of the project, highlighting the partnership with the Malaysian government to advance their Cloud First Policy and cybersecurity standards.

The Google Cloud region will offer high-performance, low-latency cloud infrastructure, analytics, and AI services to various organisations, prioritising security and regulatory compliance.