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Microsoft bets big on South-east Asia, pledges billions in AI and cloud investments

The Washington-based firm joins the ranks of tech giants that are upping the ante in the region in pursuit of greener pastures and diversification beyond China 

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Goh Ruoxue

Goh Ruoxue

Published Sun, May 5, 2024 · 02:18 PM
    • Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella delivers a speech in Jakarta on Apr 30, 2024. The tech behemoth intends to invest billions in Indonesia and Malaysia, and open its first data centre region in Thailand.
    • Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella delivers a speech in Jakarta on Apr 30, 2024. The tech behemoth intends to invest billions in Indonesia and Malaysia, and open its first data centre region in Thailand. PHOTO: AFP

    MICROSOFT chairman and chief executive Satya Nadella last week completed a three-country tour across South-east Asia from April 30 to May 2, with each stop delivering big-ticket investments and upskilling initiatives.

    His high-level visit followed Apple chief Tim Cook’s Asean tour to Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam last month, and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s trips last December to Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam.

    Microsoft is vying with the likes of Google, Amazon and Nvidia to expand its footprint in South-east Asia, a fast-growing region that is seeing increasing demand for these companies’ services.

    Asean BusinessAseanIndonesiaMalaysiaThailandAmazonMicrosoftNvidiaArtificial IntelligenceCloud computingData centres

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