BANGKOK, THAILAND – 2024/05/01: Satya Nadella, the chief chairman and CEO of Microsoft Company speaks through the “Microsoft Construct: AI Day” occasion on the Queen Sirikit Nationwide Conference Heart. Satya Nadella introduced that Microsoft company plans to put money into its first knowledge heart, the Cloud First platform, in Thailand. (Picture by Peerapon Boonyakiat/SOPA Photos/LightRocket through Getty Photos)
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Microsoft chairman and CEO Satya Nadella on Wednesday introduced “vital commitments” to construct a brand new regional knowledge heart in Thailand, amongst different initiatives, because the U.S. tech big doubles down on Southeast Asia.
The agency stated it would additionally commit towards AI abilities coaching for over 100,000 folks and assist native builders, however didn’t reveal the funding quantity.
A day earlier, Nadella stated the agency will make investments $1.7 billion into Indonesia over the following 4 years to construct new cloud and AI infrastructure.
“Thailand has an unbelievable alternative to construct a digital-first, AI-powered future,” Nadella stated in a press release on Wednesday, including that the investments will assist drive affect and development in Thailand’s private and non-private sectors.
Microsoft stated there may be rising demand for cloud computing companies in Thailand from its corporations and the commitments will permit the nation to faucet on financial and productiveness alternatives arising from AI.
“Immediately’s announcement with Microsoft is a major milestone within the journey of our ‘Ignite Thailand’ imaginative and prescient — one which guarantees new alternatives for development, innovation, and prosperity for all Thais,” stated Prime Minister of Thailand Srettha Thavisin, within the press launch.
Microsoft has been increasing its footprint in Southeast Asia, asserting plans for brand new regional knowledge facilities in Malaysia and Indonesia in 2021. It at the moment homes its Southeast Asia knowledge heart in Singapore.
The AI growth has boosted demand for cloud computing companies and knowledge facilities, as massive quantities of information are required to coach AI fashions and the cloud offers entry to huge datasets. Knowledge facilities are amenities the place knowledge resides.
Microsoft on Tuesday additionally revealed broader plans to supply AI skilling alternatives to 2.5 million folks situated within the Affiliation of Southeast Asian Nations — which members embody Thailand and Indonesia — by 2025.