IBM plans expansion in Malaysia to leverage the booming tech industry

International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) expects significant growth opportunities in Malaysia. The country has witnessed a recent surge in data center investments by various tech investors.

The New York-based artificial intelligence and hybrid cloud service provider’s ASEAN general manager, Catherine Lian, said at a conference in Singapore that the company is prioritizing the reinforcement of its private collaboration network. The company said that this effort aims to implement initiatives to advance the country’s digital infrastructure, according to a report by Bernama.

Malaysia is adopting AI across all industries

Lian said it is interesting to see how the Malaysian government is focusing on improving the country’s business infrastructure. She was speaking to the publication on the sidelines of the IBM Think 2024 conference. she said,

“When we consider Malaysia’s outlook, the adoption of AI has already started across all industries.”

She said Malaysia’s economic growth is appreciable, and the country has the political stability required for smoother business operations. IBM is keenly looking for what opportunities might come ahead in the coming years, said Lian.

The two-day conference, which ends on August 15, will examine possibilities for how artificial intelligence will benefit ASEAN’s economic growth. 

Lian said that IBM considers the increasing number of data centers to be proof of “explosive growth” in Malaysia’s technology sector, which is quite motivating for the company. “This really shows that the value chain of economic growth is evident,” added Lian.

Other tech giants are also investing heavily in the region

Lian emphasized the Malaysian government’s contribution to promoting economic growth and drawing foreign direct investment. She also noted that IBM will align its tech offerings with Malaysia’s national plans.

According to IBM’s ASEAN manager, the company has many investment opportunities in the country with various technology portfolios. 

She highlighted, the firm is thrilled to be involved in the process of generative AI adoption in the data centers across Malaysia and to push technology forward.

According to Lian, it is important that technology firms like IBM continue to work on hybrid cloud-based AI services to facilitate their customers and users in Malaysia and be a part of this digital transition.

Hybrid cloud integrates private cloud with public cloud and on-premises infrastructure to establish a cohesive, adaptable, and cost-effective IT framework.

Singapore’s Minister for Digital Development and Information, Mrs. Josephine Teo, also spoke at the IBM Think 2024 conference. In her opening remarks, she said that last month, the government started public consultations for guidelines and a Companion Guide for Secure AI Systems. 

This step is taken to ensure that AI in Singapore’s ecosystem is safe for mass use. The minister said the US is one of their closest allies in AI, and both countries have accomplished much together.

Previously, in May, Google also pledged to invest $2 billion in Malaysia in data center and cloud infrastructure. CEOs of Microsoft, Apple, and Nvidia also visited various countries in Southeast Asia to announce AI-related investments in the region. 

Amazon also pledged a heavy $9 billion investment in the region in May, and it is important to remember that the firm chose Singapore to make the public announcement.