Microsoft Corp has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Malaysia's cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) economy with its upcoming hyperscale cloud, the Malaysia West cloud region.

This will be Microsoft's first cloud region in the country, strategically situated in Greater Kuala Lumpur and is scheduled to go live in the second quarter of 2025.

Between now and 2028, Microsoft, its partners and its cloud-using customers will together generate US$10.9 billion in new revenues — driving investment into local economies and facilitating the creation of 37,575 new jobs. Of these new jobs, 5,700 will be skilled IT jobs.

Once operational, the Malaysia West cloud region will also provide organisations across Malaysia with access to Microsoft's most trusted and comprehensive cloud technologies, enabling them to scale their operations, improve efficiency and build digital resilience.

The new cloud region will also meet local data residency requirements, ensuring organisations can securely manage their data in line with government regulations.

Beyond its infrastructure investment, Microsoft is committed to creating skilling opportunities and strengthening its partnership with the government.

"With the rapid pace of innovation in Malaysia, the upcoming Malaysia West cloud region is not just a technological infrastructure, it is key to powering the nation's growing AI economy.

"Local businesses and organisations can innovate faster and more securely, driving the country's progress towards becoming the hub for cloud and AI growth in Southeast Asia," Microsoft Malaysia Managing Director Laurence Si said in a statement.

He added that as a trusted technology partner, Microsoft is committed to supporting Malaysia's digital journey through strategic investments in infrastructure, talent development, and innovation support — empowering every person and organisation to reap the benefits of the digital world.

Meanwhile, Microsoft Malaysia Strategic Programmes Director Dr Andrew Lau said the upcoming Malaysia West cloud region will enable Malaysian companies to scale their innovation in a more seamless way, offering global businesses a gateway into Malaysia with integrated technological readiness.

"We are optimistic that the new cloud region will enhance the country's global competitiveness in a rapidly evolving digital landscape, propelling Malaysia to be at the forefront of an AI-powered future," Lau shared.