Exabytes Backs Cloud Talent Boom with New Regional Centre
Situated in Penang—often dubbed the 'Silicon Valley' of Malaysia—the CCoE is set to become a regional innovation hub. It will focus on helping companies scale with AWS technologies while developing a strong pipeline of cloud professionals in partnership with educational institutions.
With 64% of Malaysian organisations reporting moderate to severe talent shortages, particularly in mid-level roles, the centre arrives at a critical time.
Chan Kee Siak, Founder and CEO of Exabytes, highlighted the dual focus of the new centre: 'By working closely with AWS and Forward College, we are addressing two pressing needs: accelerating cloud adoption and enabling more young people—particularly those from underserved communities—to access high-value digital careers.'
As part of this commitment, Exabytes is sponsoring tertiary education for 20 B40 students in partnership with Forward College. The sponsorship will offer three years of employment within the Exabytes Group upon graduation, creating a direct pathway from education to economic opportunity.
The launch has also drawn praise from AWS. Pete Murray, Country General Manager for AWS Malaysia, described the CCoE as a 'huge step forward', applauding Exabytes' leadership and vision.
He emphasised the centre's role in supporting Malaysia's ambition to become a regional hub for digital excellence, while also contributing to job creation and innovation in the digital economy.
Beyond education and training, the CCoE is designed as a collaborative space where AWS experts, startups, educators, and businesses can exchange ideas and co-create solutions. Through hands-on training, community events, and cloud showcases, the centre aims to foster a culture of shared innovation and experimentation.
Looking ahead, Exabytes plans to host industry events under the CCoE banner in Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Indonesia. These gatherings will connect solution providers and experts to showcase cloud innovation and strengthen the ASEAN cloud community.
The CCoE will also deliver Agentic AI solutions, designed to boost productivity in key industries throughout the region.
For businesses already leveraging Exabytes' AWS services, the launch signals a promising development.
Jimmy Boey, Head of Information Systems and DPO at Senheng noted: 'As we continue to scale digitally, the support and guidance from Exabytes—powered by AWS—has been instrumental. We're excited to see how the CCoE will accelerate innovation and knowledge-sharing across the region.'
Similarly, Hasnol Hashim, CTO of Bizapp Ventures Sdn Bhd, praised the centre for making cloud adoption more efficient and affordable and looked forward to increased innovation and knowledge-sharing.
The collaboration also marks a formal partnership with Forward College, reinforcing a joint commitment to accessible, skills-based education.
Howie Chang, Co-Founder and CEO of Forward College, said: 'Through the Cloud Centre of Excellence, we are creating meaningful access to cloud education and hands-on learning experiences that will equip our students—and the broader B40 community—with real-world capabilities to succeed in the digital economy.'
The AWS x Exabytes CCoE is one of several forward-thinking initiatives planned for 2025 and beyond, as Exabytes continues to champion SME digitalisation, AI adoption, and regional cloud readiness.
By integrating innovation and talent development, the CCoE aims to close skill gaps, build pipelines, and future-proof the workforce, reaffirming Exabytes' commitment to creating an inclusive digital future for Southeast Asia.
Related
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
7 minutes ago
- The Sun
Multitude of positive factors entrench Malaysia's economy on growth trajectory
KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) Governor Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour has expressed optimism that Malaysia's economy remains on a strong growth trajectory due to multiple factors, such as resilient domestic demand and encouraging exports of electrical and electronic (E&E) products, despite headwinds from impending tariffs. The central bank governor said today that among the combination of positive factors supporting the economy are the frontloading of exports in the first six months, robust tourism activity that could raise Malaysia's export prospects, low unemployment and rising wages. Moreover, he highlighted that about 85 per cent of Malaysia's exports go to markets other than the United States (US). While uncertainties remain, particularly surrounding the final shape and scale of the US tariffs, BNM's revised growth forecast of 4.0 per cent to 4.8 per cent has taken into account multiple scenarios, including potential trade disruptions. 'We have accounted for a range of tariff scenarios, including both favourable and less unfavourable trade negotiations outcomes as well as pro-growth policies in major economies. 'A diversified export structure will help contain the direct effect from the US, as around 85 per cent of exports are to non-US markets, and no single market accounts for more than 15 per cent of Malaysia's exports,' he told Bernama in an exclusive interview. Abdul Rasheed noted that Malaysia's exports are spread across a wide range of products, consisting of E&E (40 per cent), non-E&E manufacturing goods (46 per cent) and commodities (14 per cent). He said almost half of the demand for Malaysian exports comes from Advanced Asia (19.4 per cent) and ASEAN countries (29 per cent). Domestically, Abdul Rasheed highlighted that domestic demand drives more than 90 per cent of Malaysia's economic growth. 'Consumption is still resilient despite the tariff announcement, it's still resilient because income is still growing. Wages are still on an increasing trend, he said. In terms of unemployment, Abdul Rashee said that the rate is at three per cent and is lower than before the Covid-19 pandemic. 'People have jobs. These are things that will support the consumption,' he said, adding that the government's ongoing policy support measures remain in place and support the growth. On July 23, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced a cost-of-living relief package, which includes a one-off RM100 SARA cash aid, a reduction in the RON95 fuel price, toll hike postponements, and an expanded Rahmah Madani Sales allocation. 'This will also provide some kind of spending from the rakyat and drive our domestic consumption,' he added. Turning to investments, Abdul Rasheed said Malaysia recorded RM378 billion in approved investments last year, with over half coming from domestic sources. He said these are tied to long-term national development plans and are expected to sustain momentum through this year and into 2026. In terms of exports, which are likely to be moderate in the second half of 2025 (2H 2025) as tariffs take effect and global growth slows, BNM expects E&E exports to continue supporting growth. Abdul Rasheed said this is underpinned by resilient demand for E&E and emerging opportunities in the artificial intelligence-related segment. 'So this is where I think the question comes on tariffs. Exports will definitely be affected; everything in the world will be affected. However, if you look at global trade numbers, they are still growing. 'Despite the challenging global environment, exports remained supportive of growth in 1H 2025, helped by robust growth in E&E exports.' 'Frontloading activities ahead of anticipated tariff increase contributed to stronger export performance in the second quarter of 2025, although this has tapered down particularly in June,' he said. Abdul Rasheed highlighted that inbound tourism was also expected to provide support for exports in 2H 2025, driven by higher flight connectivity, visa exemptions and promotional activities leading to Visit Malaysia 2026. He said international visitor arrivals into Malaysia were 16.9 million from January to May 2025, which is 20 per cent higher than the same period in 2024.
The Sun
7 minutes ago
- The Sun
Malaysia and Nepal forge new economic synergies
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia-Nepal Business Council (MNBC) and the Federation of Nepal Cottage and Small Industries, Lalitpur Metropolitan City (FNCSI-LMC), signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Kathmandu early this month, aimed at strengthening bilateral trade ties and revitalising small enterprise ecosystems. Setting the stage for a robust and forward-looking partnership, this collaboration underscores the commitment of both nations to promoting the growth of cottage and small industries, particularly in Nepal's Lalitpur region, while opening new avenues for cross-border trade, investment, and cultural exchange. The signing took place during a working visit by a 20-member delegation from the MNBC, which is based in Kuala Lumpur, led by its president Datuk Pardip Kumar Kukreja, the executive chairman of Malaysia's Paradise Group. They also met with Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to explore investment opportunities at his office. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral trade and identifying potential ventures in sectors such as tourism, IT, agriculture, manpower, and plastic waste processing. Oli assured the delegation that Nepal is undertaking ongoing legal and structural reforms aimed at creating a more investor-friendly environment and welcomed Malaysian participation in the country's economic growth. As global economies look to build resilience through grassroots entrepreneurship and sustainable value chains, the MoU aims to lay the groundwork for long-term cooperation that leverages each country's unique strengths. At its core, the agreement aimed at promoting mutual support in developing cottage industries and enhancing market access, not only within the two countries but also globally. The FNCSI-LMC and MNBC envision a dynamic exchange of expertise, technology, and best practices, particularly in artisan craftsmanship, heritage-linked enterprises, and tourism-driven economic activities. To achieve these goals, both parties will work closely to organise trade missions, facilitate business-to-business (B2B) networking, and hold investment forums in Malaysia and Nepal. A focus on capacity building is also central to the pact, with plans to conduct workshops and training sessions that enhance the skills and global competitiveness of artisans and entrepreneurs. The partnership will also extend to joint product development, including branding, packaging, and market readiness, ensuring that traditional crafts and small-scale products from Nepal can meet international demand. Trade fairs and exhibitions will serve as vital platforms to showcase the vibrancy and potential of Nepal's cottage industry to Malaysian investors and consumers, while also opening doors for Malaysian ventures to explore similar opportunities in Nepal. Furthermore, a joint working committee (JWC) comprising representatives from both FNCSI-LMC and MNBC will oversee the partnership's progress. Meeting at least twice a year, the committee will coordinate joint efforts, track progress, and develop annual action plans to maintain momentum and keep objectives on track. The MoU, which is set for a five-year term, reflects a spirit of goodwill and strategic intent. It establishes the framework for more detailed agreements that may involve financial commitments or legal obligations. Both sides have expressed optimism for an evolving and deepening relationship. As the world shifts towards more inclusive and sustainable economic models, this bilateral initiative exemplifies how international collaboration can uplift local industries, empower communities, and foster resilient business ecosystems. Meanwhile, Nepal's deputy prime minister and finance minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel urged Malaysian investors to invest more in Nepal's physical infrastructure and tourism sectors. 'There is appropriate environment for private sector to invest in Nepal. Nepal's policies are investment-friendly. The government is ready to support and facilitate them,' he was quoted as saying.
New Straits Times
37 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Anwar arrives in Jakarta for two-day working visit to Indonesia
JAKARTA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has arrived in Jakarta for a two-day working visit to Indonesia, which will include the 13th Annual Consultation with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. The aircraft carrying the prime minister touched down at Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport at 8pm local time, where he was received by Malaysian Ambassador to Indonesia, Datuk Mohamad Syed Husrin Tengku Hussin. Also present to welcome him were senior Indonesian government officials, including Foreign Minister Sugiono, Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian, and Jakarta Deputy Governor Rano Karno. During the visit, the prime minister is also scheduled to visit the Asean Secretariat in Jakarta at the invitation of Asean Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn. Anwar will deliver a policy speech on Asean in the context of Malaysia's Asean Chairmanship in 2025, underscoring the country's commitment to regional integration and community-building. In 2024, Indonesia ranked as Malaysia's sixth-largest global trading partner and second-largest within Asean. Bilateral trade grew by 4.5 per cent, rising from RM111.21 billion (US$24.39 billion) in 2023 to RM116.29 billion (US$25.5 billion) in 2024.
