Amazon Web Services (AWS) has officially launched its AWS Asia Pacific (Malaysia) Region, offering local businesses, startups, government agencies, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations access to a broad range of AWS cloud services.
This strategic move underscores AWS’s commitment to accelerating Malaysia’s digital transformation and economic growth, as the company plans to invest a substantial US$6.2 billion (approximately RM29.2 billion) in Malaysia through 2038.
This investment is expected to contribute approximately US$12.1 billion (RM57.3 billion) to Malaysia’s GDP and will support more than 3,500 full-time equivalent jobs annually. These jobs will span various sectors, including construction, facility maintenance, engineering, and telecommunications, significantly bolstering the country’s broader economy.
“The launch of an AWS infrastructure Region in Malaysia provides access to new and emerging technology for Malaysian entities and businesses of all sizes, boosting our country’s capabilities for digital innovation,” said Tengku Zafrul, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI).
“This milestone is a significant step towards fulfilling the vision of Malaysia’s New Industrial Master Plan 2030 to build a highly skilled, innovative, prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable economy. We recognize the transformative power of digitalization, cloud computing and AI as key drivers in Malaysia’s effort to become a manufacturing and services hub within Asia.
“As the largest investment made by an international technology company in Malaysia, the AWS infrastructure Region will help ensure Malaysia remains competitive on the global stage.”
“The new AWS Region in Malaysia enables organizations across Asia Pacific to unlock the full potential of the world’s most extensive and reliable cloud, helping customers deploy advanced applications with a broad set of AWS technologies like AI and ML,” said Prasad Kalyanaraman, vice president of Infrastructure Services at AWS.
“Malaysia’s rapidly growing digital economy requires access to secure, resilient, and sustainable cloud infrastructure. With today’s launch, AWS is proud to support Malaysia’s digital transformation and help accelerate its role as a regional hub for AI.”
The AWS Asia Pacific (Malaysia) Region, comprising three Availability Zones, is designed to enhance business continuity and reduce latency for Malaysian customers. By providing access to state-of-the-art cloud infrastructure, the new region enables organizations to deploy advanced applications using AWS technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and the Internet of Things (IoT).
This infrastructure will empower Malaysian entities to drive innovation, optimize operations, and improve customer experiences. Key Malaysian companies, including PETRONAS, Bursa Malaysia, and CelcomDigi, are already leveraging AWS to fuel their digital transformations. PETRONAS, for example, uses AWS services for initiatives like Malaysia’s first e-wallet for fuel purchases and a cloud-based logistics platform for the offshore industry.
Bursa Malaysia has also launched its Centralized Sustainability Intelligence (CSI) platform on AWS to support the country’s transition to a lower-carbon economy while CelcomDigi is utilizing AWS’s AI and ML capabilities to enhance its consumer and corporate services, driving operational efficiencies and innovation.
AWS’s commitment to Malaysia extends beyond infrastructure. The company has trained over 100,000 individuals in cloud skills since 2017, with ongoing programs like AWS Academy and Program AKAR aimed at bridging the digital skills gap. AWS Academy, in particular, offers cloud computing curricula at 49 universities across Malaysia, preparing students for in-demand jobs in cloud computing, AI, cybersecurity, and more.
The recent launch of Program AKAR, powered by AWS re/Start, specifically targets entry-level talent in the financial services sector, equipping them with the skills needed for a successful career in this rapidly evolving field.
This significant investment by AWS highlights its dedication to supporting Malaysia’s aspirations to become a leading digital economy in the Asia Pacific region. By fostering innovation, enhancing digital skills, and providing cutting-edge cloud infrastructure, AWS is helping to position Malaysia as a regional hub for technology and sustainable growth, the company said.