Google has announced a $2 billion investment in Malaysia, which includes establishing its first data center and supporting its cloud computing project in the region.
This investment marks Google's largest planned expenditure in the Southeast Asian country, according to Ruth Porat, Chief Financial Officer of Alphabet, Google's parent company.
In recent months, major American tech companies have intensified their investments in Southeast Asia, committing billions of dollars as they seek new growth opportunities.
CEOs from Microsoft, Apple, and Nvidia have traveled across the region to develop strategic plans and meet with heads of state.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced this month that the company would invest $2.2 billion in Malaysia, in addition to similar commitments to Indonesia and Thailand.
Microsoft and Google are fiercely competing for dominance in the artificial intelligence sector, aiming to attract customers to their burgeoning AI service offerings.
In addition to developing its cloud computing services, Google has pledged to support AI literacy programs for students and teachers.
This significant investment by Google aligns with a broader trend of technological advancements and infrastructure development in the Southeast Asian region.
The establishment of the data center is expected to enhance Malaysia's digital landscape, providing robust cloud services and fostering innovation.
The competition between tech giants like Google and Microsoft is fueling rapid advancements in AI and cloud computing, positioning Southeast Asia as a critical hub for technological growth.