Google to Invest $2 Billion in Malaysia

Underscoring its commitment toward strengthening Malaysia’s digital competitiveness in collaboration with the Malaysian Government, the US tech giant Google on Thursday announced a new $2 billion investment in the country.

 The new investment will include the development of Google’s first data centre and Google Cloud region in Sime Darby Property’s Elmina Business Park and furthering the tech giant’s commitment in helping upskilling Malaysians with the knowledge needed in this digital world – AI.

“This investment is not just about infrastructure; it’s about unlocking new possibilities for businesses, educators, and every Malaysian,” Farhan S Qureshi, Country Director, Google Malaysia, said and added that the Google data centre will power popular services like Search, Maps, and Workspace, which are used by billions worldwide, including Malaysians.

“More importantly, it will pave the way for delivering the transformative power of AI to users and customers across the country. The Google Cloud region will offer high-performance, low-latency cloud services to enterprises, start-ups, and public sector organisations, alongside key controls that allow them to maintain the highest security and compliance standards, including specific data storage requirements,” he explained.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said that the new investment related to Google’s first data centre and the development of the Google Cloud region is proof that the Government’s clear planning in addition to the country’s economic strength and resources are attractive to existing and new investors.

“Undoubtedly, this places Malaysia as one of the leading countries in the use and support services of digital technology-based services,”  Ibrahim added.

Ruth Porat, Google’s President and Chief Investment Officer; Chief Financial Officer of Alphabet and Google, said that the data centre and Google Cloud region is the company’s largest planned investment so far in Malaysia – a place Google has been proud to call home for 13 years.

“This investment builds on our partnership with the Government of Malaysia to advance its ‘Cloud First Policy,’ including best-in-class cybersecurity standards. With today’s announcement, Malaysia and Google are partnering to advance our shared work to create a supportive ecosystem for innovation and unlock the potential of digital transformation,” Porat added.

Supporting Economic Growth

In November 2023, the Government of Malaysia and Google entered into a strategic collaboration to create inclusive growth opportunities for more Malaysians and home-grown companies using Al and cloud technologies.

Today’s investments and programs announced further advance Google’s work in Malaysia and are estimated to support more than $3.2 billion in contributions to Malaysia’s GDP and 26,500 jobs by 2030, according to a Google-commissioned impact report by AlphaBeta (part of Access Partnership). Google is also proud to support the country’s continued digital transformation of its economy, in line with the MADANI Economy Framework and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030), Qureshi said.

“We are incredibly excited about the future of Malaysia and the role Google can play in accelerating its digital journey. Together, we can build a more innovative, inclusive, and prosperous Malaysia,” Qureshi added.