Singapore – Microsoft has recently announced its commitment to advancing cloud and AI infrastructure, skilling initiatives, and developer communities in the Southeast Asian region. This strategic move includes initiatives already announced in Indonesia and Thailand.
As part of this endeavour, the company revealed its plans to build a strong foundation for AI transformation in Indonesia. This includes a total investment of US$1.7b over the next four years in new cloud and AI infrastructure as well as AI skilling opportunities for 840,000 individuals in the same country.
Moreover, this initiative will offer technical and vocational education and training in AI skills, along with opportunities and support to develop careers in cybersecurity for women. It will also impart knowledge and skills in AI and digital technologies to employees of nonprofit organisations.
Apart from this, it will further provide AI fluency training to improve the employability and work readiness of individuals from underserved and underrepresented communities.
Following the announcement, Satya Nadella, chairman and chief executive officer at Microsoft, said, “This new generation of AI is reshaping how people live and work everywhere, including in Indonesia. The investments we are announcing today—spanning digital infrastructure, skilling, and support for developers—will help Indonesia thrive in this new era.”
Budi Arie Setiadi, minister of communications and information technology at the Republic of Indonesia, also commented, “Indonesia’s collaboration with Microsoft on AI perfectly aligns with our ambition for a future driven by digital innovation. I am confident this partnership will open up new horizons for Indonesia, positioning us not only as consumers of technology but as pivotal contributors to the global technological supply chain.”
On the other hand, Microsoft’s commitment to Thailand builds upon its joint vision with the Royal Thai Government to empower the country’s AI-powered future. This encompasses establishing a new data centre region in the country, AI skilling opportunities for over 100,000 people, as well as support for its developer communities.
The new data centre region will enhance the accessibility of Microsoft’s hyperscale cloud services, ensuring enterprise-grade reliability, performance, and compliance with data residency and privacy standards. This follows the increasing demand for cloud computing services in Thailand, coming from enterprises, local businesses, and public sector organisations.
Furthermore, the company’s ongoing initiatives such as AI Odyssey, aims to support 6,000 Thai developers in becoming AI subject matter experts. This will be achieved through the acquisition of new skills and the earning of Microsoft credentials.
In an announcement made yesterday at one of Microsoft’s events in Thailand, Satya further expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Thailand has an incredible opportunity to build a digital-first, AI-powered future. Our new datacentre region, along with the investments we are making in cloud and AI infrastructure, as well as AI skilling, build on our long-standing commitment to the country and will help Thai organisations across the public and private sectors drive new impact and growth.”
Srettha Thavisin, Prime Minister of Thailand, also stated, “Our ‘Ignite Thailand’ vision for 2030 aims to achieve the goal of developing the country’s stature as a regional digital economy hub that significantly enhances our innovation and R&D capabilities while also strengthening our tech workforce.”
“Today’s announcement with Microsoft is a significant milestone in the journey of our ‘Ignite Thailand’ vision—one that promises new opportunities for growth, innovation, and prosperity for all Thais,” added Srettha.
On April 10, 2024, the company also revealed a US$2.9 billion investment in Japan over the next two years to bolster its hyperscale cloud computing and AI infrastructure. This move aims to support Japan’s efforts to combat deflation and boost its economy by expanding the infrastructure, skilled talent pool, and security measures needed to accelerate its digital transformation and AI adoption.
Additionally, Microsoft recently announced a commitment to provide AI skills training to 2.5 million individuals in member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) by 2025. These skilling initiatives will be carried out in collaboration with governments, non-profit organisations, corporate partners, and communities in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.
