Strong digital partnership sees Microsoft investing RM4bil in Malaysia.

PUTRAJAYA: Over one million Malaysians are set to benefit from Microsoft’s digital upskilling project, as part of the tech company’s “Bersama Malaysia” initiative.

Microsoft Malaysia managing director K. Raman said the company was committed to empowering Malaysians of all socio-economic backgrounds, including fresh graduates, rural folk and people with disabilities, with digital skills.

“At the heart of Malaysia’s digital-first economy is its people. As such, Microsoft is committed to empowering Malaysia’s digital workforce and bridging the digital opportunities through our public-private partnerships.

“Last year, Microsoft pledged to bring digital skills to 25 million people worldwide through our Global Skills Initiative.

“We are encouraged that more than 110,000 Malaysians in the last nine months have gained new digital skills through resources provided by Microsoft, LinkedIn and GitHub.

“As we continue to invest in future talents, to lead Malaysia’s next phase of growth, we are committed to skilling an additional one million Malaysians by December 2023.

“We welcome communities in the rural area, people living with disabilities and people from all walks of life to join us in ensuring equal participation in Malaysia’s inclusive future,” said Raman in his speech at the launch of the “Bersama Malaysia” initiative.

Under the initiative, Microsoft will also be setting up its first data centre region in Malaysia which is based in the greater Kuala Lumpur area.

“With over 200 employees and 2,000 partners in the country, we will continue to support a digitally-enabled government, empower businesses to build resilience digitally and bridge the digital opportunities for Malaysians. Together we stand with Malaysia,” added Raman.

The event was launched by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Several memoranda of understanding were inked at the event, witnessed by Muhyiddin, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Economy) Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed and Jean Phillipe Courtouis, executive vice-president and president, Microsoft Global Sales, Marketing and Operations.

The MoUs were signed between Microsoft and partners such as the Human Resources Ministry, Youth and Sports Ministry, Grab Malaysia and others.

Under the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint, Microsoft and three other companies – Amazon, Google and Telekom Malaysia Bhd – have been approved by the government as cloud service providers.