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Free Malaysia Today
15-06-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Microsoft reaffirms commitment to M'sia amid global data centre pullbacks
As of May, more than 400,000 Malaysians have received AI training under the initiative under Microsoft's AI for Malaysia's Future (AIForMYFuture) initiative, according to the tech giant. (AFP pic) PETALING JAYA : Microsoft has reaffirmed its commitment to a RM10.5 billion investment in cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure in Malaysia, including the development of hyperscale data centres in the Klang Valley. A spokesperson for Microsoft Malaysia told FMT the tech giant is closely monitoring the ongoing uncertainty following US President Donald Trump's announcement of sweeping tariffs in April, which unsettled stock and currency markets before a 90-day pause was declared a week later. 'Microsoft remains committed to our investment in Malaysia to accelerate the nation's AI and cloud adoption. As a company, the tariff is something we are watching, but we don't have anything to share right now,' it said. Citing people familiar with the situation, Bloomberg reported in April that Microsoft had either halted talks for, or delayed the development of, data centre projects in Indonesia, the UK and Australia, as well as Illinois, North Dakota and Wisconsin in the US. Microsoft acknowledged making changes to its data centre plans at the time, saying the move reflected the flexibility of the company's strategy and aligned with its goal of ensuring it has 'sufficient infrastructure in the right places'. Last month, Microsoft announced the general availability of the Malaysia West cloud region in Greater Kuala Lumpur comprising three availability zones aimed at offering low-latency connections and a highly resilient infrastructure, including Azure and Microsoft 365. Additionally, Microsoft Malaysia managing director Laurence Si previously said the company is also investing in talent development through its 'AI for Malaysia's Future' (AIForMYFuture) initiative, which aims to equip 800,000 Malaysians with AI skills by the end of 2025. In an interview with FMT, Microsoft Malaysia's legal and government affairs director Adilah Junid revealed that, as of May, more than 400,000 Malaysians have received AI training under the initiative. She also encouraged participation in the free AIForMYFuture initiative via Microsoft's AI Skills Navigator website, and the monthly Microsoft AI Teach programmes held nationwide at local educational institutions and National Information Dissemination Centres. 'Microsoft relies heavily on local partners such as Biji-Biji, HRD Corp, Perkeso, Pepper Labs, and the International Women's Federation of Commerce and Industry Malaysia. 'They are really the ones to have networks within the community and society, enabling us to make this opportunity as widely accessible as possible,' said Adilah. Addressing concerns about sustainability, particularly the high water usage of data centres for cooling, she said Microsoft is constantly exploring innovative solutions to operate more sustainably. 'We were part of the consultations with the digital ministry's guidelines for sustainable data centres. We also work with authorities to ensure that our water and energy usage metrics are aligned,' said Adilah.
Malay Mail
15-06-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Microsoft stays the course in Malaysia amid global pullbacks on data centres
KUALA LUMPUR, June 15 — Tech titan Microsoft has reaffirmed its commitment to invest RM10.5 billion in Malaysia, including the development of hyperscale data centres in the Klang Valley. This comes despite reports that the company has paused or delayed similar projects in several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Indonesia. 'Microsoft remains committed to our investment in Malaysia to accelerate the nation's AI and cloud adoption,' a representative for Microsoft Malaysia told news portal Free Malaysia Today (FMT). 'As a company, the tariff is something we are watching, but we don't have anything to share right now,' the same unnamed source was quoted as saying, referring to market concerns triggered by US tariffs announced in April. In the same month, Bloomberg reported that Microsoft was scaling back plans for its US data centres in Illinois, North Dakota and Wisconsin, as well as in other countries. The company said these changes reflect the flexibility of its global infrastructure strategy. Last month, Microsoft launched its Malaysia West cloud region in Greater Kuala Lumpur, which includes three availability zones. The facility is expected to offer low-latency connectivity and a resilient digital infrastructure supporting services like Microsoft 365 and Azure. Microsoft is also pushing forward with its AI for Malaysia's Future (AIForMYFuture) initiative to develop local talent. Its managing director Laurence Si previously said the company aims to train 800,000 Malaysians in artificial intelligence by the end of 2025. As of May, more than 400,000 people have already received AI training through the programme, Microsoft Malaysia's legal and government affairs director Adilah Junid told FMT. She encouraged Malaysians to take part via Microsoft's AI Skills Navigator website and the monthly AI Teach sessions at local institutions. 'Microsoft relies heavily on local partners such as Biji-Biji, HRD Corp, Perkeso, Pepper Labs, and the International Women's Federation of Commerce and Industry Malaysia,' Adilah was quoted as saying. 'They are really the ones to have networks within the community and society, enabling us to make this opportunity as widely accessible as possible,' she added. Addressing environmental concerns, Adilah said Microsoft is exploring ways to make its data centre operations more sustainable. 'We were part of the consultations with the digital ministry's guidelines for sustainable data centres. 'We also work with authorities to ensure that our water and energy usage metrics are aligned,' she was quoted as saying.
The Star
18-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
AI-driven ‘Akar' to shape finance talent
Rooting for growth: (Second row) PayNet Akar senior director Jun Maria Abdullah Tan (fifth from left), Farhan (ninth from left) and Si (10th from left) at the launch. TO future-proof the financial services industry, continual efforts must be made to build a pipeline of digitally skilled, industry-ready talent. In response to this need, Program Akar – a national talent development initiative by Payments Network Malaysia (PayNet) – was recently expanded with a new phase focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and data science. Designed around a three-pillar curriculum, the programme will welcome 100 participants in its first cohort – starting with 25 students from Multimedia University (MMU) and expanding to 75 students from other local universities by the end of the year. The first pillar of the curriculum focuses on values-driven enrichment, which involves cultivating leadership, integrity and a future-ready mindset. The second pillar covers digital payment knowledge, including the evolution of money, banking systems, digital payments and transaction security. The third pillar centres on AI and data science mastery, combining foundational knowledge with critical thinking and real-world applications. Program Akar was launched in collaboration with Amazon Web Services in July last year, with a focus on digital payments and cloud technologies. This second instalment, which broadens the programme's focus to include AI and data science, is powered by Microsoft as part of its 'AI for Malaysia's Future' (AIForMYFuture) skilling initiative. The event, which kicked-off on April 25, was attended by PayNet group chief executive officer Farhan Ahmad, MMU Market Exploration, Engagement and Touchpoint vice president Prof Dr Zulfadzli Yusoff, and Microsoft Malaysia managing director Laurence Si, who shared insights into the importance of future-ready talent in Malaysia's journey towards a digital economy. Farhan said Program Akar is about more than preparing students for jobs – it's about preparing them to lead Malaysia's digital economy with purpose. 'At PayNet, we see talent development as national development. By equipping our youth with future-proof digital skills and connecting them to meaningful industry opportunities, we're strengthening Malaysia's financial ecosystem and building long-term economic resilience,' he said in a press release. Si said AI is transforming every role in every industry, including financial services. 'By collaborating with PayNet through Program Akar, we're helping to build a generation of talent equipped with the digital and AI skills to thrive, in line with Microsoft's AIForMYFuture initiative,' he said. MMU student Amir Hibban Amir Herman, who is part of the first cohort, said being selected for the programme 'feels like a big step forward'. 'It's not every day you get the chance to learn about AI and digital payments from real industry leaders. I'm excited to see how this can shape my future and help me find my place in Malaysia's digital economy,' he said. Program Akar is part of PayNet's broader commitment to shaping a future-ready Malaysia. Through the programme, students will gain hands-on learning, mentorship and job placements within Malaysia's leading financial institutions.
BusinessToday
28-04-2025
- Business
- BusinessToday
PayNet Expands Program Akar With AI Talent Engine For Malaysia's Financial Sector
Second row: (5th from the left) Jun Maria Abdullah Tan, Senior Director, PayNet Akar; (9th from the left) Farhan Ahmad, GCEO, PayNet; (10th from the left) Laurence Si, Managing Director, Microsoft Malaysia. Payments Network Malaysia (PayNet) has launched the second phase of Program Akar, aimed at developing AI and data science talent for Malaysia's financial services industry. 100 students will join the new cohort this year, beginning with 25 from Multimedia University (MMU) and expanding to 75 from other local universities by year-end. The enhanced curriculum focuses on three key areas: Values-Driven Enrichment Digital Payment Knowledge AI & Data Science Mastery The programme, powered by Microsoft under its AIForMYFuture initiative, is delivered in partnership with PEOPLElogy Berhad and Futuresparx Sdn Bhd. Students will receive mentorship, hands-on learning, and job placement opportunities within leading financial institutions. Farhan Ahmad, Group CEO of PayNet, said, 'Program Akar is about more than preparing students for jobs. It's about preparing them to lead Malaysia's digital economy with purpose.' Laurence Si, Managing Director of Microsoft Malaysia, added, 'By collaborating with PayNet through Program Akar, we're helping build a generation of talent equipped with the digital and AI skills to thrive, in line with Microsoft's AIForMYFuture initiative.' Program Akar was first introduced in July 2024 in collaboration with AWS, with a focus on cloud and digital payments. Related
