PUTRAJAYA: Microsoft Corporation, which pledged a multi-billion-ringgit investment and public-private partnerships to empower inclusive digital technology in the country under the 'Bersama Malaysia' (Together with Malaysia) initiative, sees enormous potential in Malaysia's digital-first future.
Jean Philippe Courtois, who is the executive vice-president and president of Microsoft Global Sales, Marketing and Operations, said this has compelled the multinational company to establish Microsoft's first datacentre region in Malaysia under the initiative.
"I would like to first congratulate Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin (Yassin) and the government of Malaysia for the launch of MyDIGITAL and the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint.
"What impressed me is Malaysia's strength in its diversity and the nation's strong commitment to be a regional leader in digital economy. We are fully supportive of Malaysia's digital-first ambition.
Speaking virtually from Paris at the launching of the Bersama Malaysia initiative, he described the development of the datacentre region as a game-changer for the local economy.
He added that according to the International Data Corporation, the datacentre region will generate up to USD4.6 billion (almost RM19billion) in new revenue and add 19,000 jobs to the local economy over the next four years.
"Microsoft has announced over 60 datacentre regions to date, and we are pleased to have Malaysia joining the world's largest cloud infrastructure.
"It will enable Malaysian businesses to leverage cloud services, AI (Artificial Intelligence), IoT (Internet of Things), edge solutions, data, machine learning, and more to empower employees, engage customers, transform products and optimize operations… all through connected experiences.
"They will also be able to store data in Malaysia, with advanced data privacy and security," he said.
He also reiterated Microsoft's commitment to skill one million Malaysians by 2023 under the Bersama Malaysia initiative.
"The potential of any country lies in its people. We share the Government's MyDIGITAL vision that a successful digital economy is when every person has equal opportunities to thrive.
"A key part of enabling this is empowering Malaysia's digital workforce. More and more jobs will require digital skills in the future. This is why we are stepping up to further expand our skilling initiatives," he said.
Since 24 per cent of the country's population is under the age of 14, he said Microsoft will be working with the Government and educators to empower students with digital skills.
"These are your future leaders and innovators. Together with the Education Ministry, we are providing 5.2 million students and educators with access to Microsoft technologies.
"And we are working with 10 universities, to integrate Microsoft's industry content into the curriculum".
He also recorded appreciation to the government's confidence in Microsoft as one of the nation's trusted cloud service provider.
Public-private partnerships, he said, are critical enablers for Malaysia's digital ambitions.
"We are honoured by the partnership to equip the public sector with the tools to remain resilient, become more efficient and reimagine for long term impact.
"We also look forward to reinforcing our collaboration with the nation's industry leaders and digital champions to accelerate the nation's digital transformation," he said.