Microsoft announces a $1.7 billion investment in AI and cloud facilities in Indonesia and Thailand.,The first regional data centre in Thailand aims to boost the availability of cloud services.,Microsoft pledges to train 2.5 million people in Southeast Asia in AI by 2025.
Microsoft's Asian Investment: A Leap Towards Digital Economy
Microsoft, the tech titan, has announced plans to open its first regional data centre in Thailand. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance the availability of cloud services in the region. The announcement comes just a day after Microsoft's Chief Executive, Satya Nadella, revealed a whopping $1.7 billion investment in artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud facilities in neighbouring Indonesia. For more insights into regional AI developments, explore North Asia: Diverse Models of Structured Governance.
Thailand's Digital Economy Hub: A Strategic Move
The new data centre aligns with Thailand's ambition to become a digital economy hub. Prime Minister Srettha Thaivisin hailed Microsoft's investment as a significant milestone in Thailand's digital economy development. He stated, "Microsoft's investment is an important turning point in the development of Thailand's digital economy, increasing competitiveness." This investment is expected to fuel economic growth and enhance the country's digital competitiveness, much like how AI is set to add nearly US$1 trillion to Southeast Asia's economy by 2030.
Microsoft's AI Training Pledge: Empowering Southeast Asia
In a bid to empower the region, Microsoft has pledged to train 2.5 million people in Southeast Asia in the use of AI by 2025. This initiative underscores Microsoft's commitment to fostering digital skills and promoting the adoption of AI technologies across the region. This commitment to upskilling is crucial, especially as Singapore wants its workforce to be AI bilinguals. For a broader view on future trends, consider APAC AI in 2026: 4 Trends You Need To Know.
Further Reading:
Microsoft's AI for Accessibility: Learn more about Microsoft's initiatives to make AI technologies more accessible.,AI in Southeast Asia: This article provides insights into the potential impact of AI on Southeast Asia's economies.
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Latest Comments (5)
Good on Thailand! Hopefully, this Microsoft expansion trickles down and helps boost our own tech scene here in the Philippines too.
This is exciting news for the region! I'm curious, though, how will this "training millions in AI" initiative specifically address the diverse skill sets already present in Thailand? Will there be tailored programmes for different career paths, or a more generalised approach? It's a big promise, so the execution details matter, I reckon.
Wow, just saw this! This is big news for Southeast Asia, isn't it? It makes me wonder if a similar investment could be on the cards for the Philippines, especially with our growing tech scene. Training millions in AI is a proper game-changer. I’ll keep an eye out for updates on this expansion.
Good to see Microsoft's commitment in the region is still strong, this Thailand datacenter is a smart move. Here in Singapore, we’re keeping a close eye on how these cloud-based advancements uplift the digital economy. It’s always interesting to observe the ripple effects across Southeast Asia, especially with the training initiatives for AI talent.
Great to see this development from Microsoft. I wonder, though, how much of this tech will truly reach beyond Bangkok’s immediate vicinity.
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