Google unveils US$15 billion MY expansion, targets 800,000 for AI upskilling

Google has announced plans to invest US$15 billion in Malaysia over the next two years, expanding its data centre infrastructure while introducing new initiatives aimed at strengthening the country's artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and digital workforce.

Unveiled on 4 November in the presence of Malaysian prime minister Anwar Ibrahim, the investment will run from 2027 to 2028 and builds on Google's existing digital infrastructure commitments in the country. The expansion includes new data centre campuses in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan, alongside plans to upskill approximately 800,000 Malaysians by 2031.

Google's first Malaysian data centre campus at Elmina Business Park in Selangor is now operational, while its upcoming Google Cloud region will provide computing capacity for businesses developing and deploying AI-powered applications.

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According to Google, the infrastructure will support growing demand for its services, including Search, Maps and Chrome, while enabling Malaysian enterprises to develop and scale their own digital and AI solutions. The company currently works with organisations including AirAsia, AEON360, Hong Leong Bank, Maxis and several government agencies to support cloud adoption and AI development.

During the construction phase, Google's new campuses are expected to contribute an annual average of US$1.1 billion to Malaysia's gross domestic product (GDP) and support more than 37,000 local jobs per year. Once operational, the facilities are projected to sustain more than 9,000 local jobs annually, with wages averaging 45% above the national median, according to Google. 

Expanding Malaysia's AI talent pipeline

Beyond infrastructure, Google is introducing four programmes designed to equip Malaysians with AI and digital skills, targeting educators, students, microentrepreneurs, civil servants and vocational jobseekers.

Among them is "Experience AI Malaysia", developed with the Ministry of Education, Penang Science Cluster and Raspberry Pi Foundation, which will train educators to teach AI literacy to students aged 11 to 14.

Meanwhile, "Jelajah AI MSME", developed with Pepper Labs, will help microentrepreneurs establish digital storefronts and searchable online business profiles to reach customers beyond their immediate communities. The programme will begin with a pilot cohort in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan before expanding nationwide.

Google is also partnering with Arus Academy on "Anjakan Kemahiran AI Demi Rakyat" (AKAD Rakyat), which will equip local government officers with AI literacy and productivity tools across 19 councils in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan.

Separately, the company plans to establish Data Center Institutes at selected polytechnics, offering a 10-week training curriculum to prepare vocational jobseekers for technical roles in data centre operations. The initiatives form part of Google's broader commitment to upskill 800,000 Malaysians between 2027 and 2031.

The latest announcement builds on Google's US$2 billion investment in Malaysia in May 2024, which included plans to establish its first data centre and Google Cloud region in the country.

Commenting on the announcement, Ruth Porat, president and chief investment officer of Alphabet and Google, said the company is committed to expanding its presence responsibly while supporting Malaysia's economic development.

"Google is committed to growing our presence responsibly, delivering lasting value for Malaysia's economy and people," she said. "This investment aligns with Malaysia's development priorities—providing the foundational computing capacity to deliver the upside of innovation across the country while adding local power and water resources as our operations scale."

The investment also follows Google's efforts to strengthen its AI presence across Southeast Asia. Earlier this year, the tech giant expanded its AI research and development footprint in Singapore, unveiling initiatives spanning healthcare, enterprise innovation and talent development. Singapore, which has served as Google's Asia Pacific headquarters since 2007, is also home to a Google DeepMind research lab, with the company having invested US$5 billion in local technical infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Malaysia is also stepping up efforts to develop an AI-ready workforce. In October this year, the country's Ministry of Digital announced 100,000 free learning licences under its "Global Learning Pass" initiative, supporting its broader "AI Nation 2030" ambition.

The programme gives Malaysians with a MyDigital ID three months of access to more than 16,000 courses and professional certificates through the Rakyat Digital portal. Within its first 21 days, approximately 12,900 learners had enrolled in 43,000 courses, with the government targeting five million sign-ups across its digital programmes by 2030.

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