Alice Chambers |
Microsoft will invest $1.7 billion in new cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure in Indonesia over the next four years.
The money will be used to enhance data centre and cloud computing services in the country and train 840,000 people with AI skills through education programmes for young people, women and employees of nonprofit organisations.
Satya Nadella, chairman and CEO of Microsoft, announced this largest investment in Microsoft’s 29-year history with the country at Microsoft Build: AI Day in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Nadella at Microsoft Build (image credit: Annice Lyn/Getty Images for Microsoft)
“This new generation of AI is reshaping how people live and work everywhere, including in Indonesia,” said Nadella. “The investments we are announcing today – spanning digital infrastructure, skilling and support for developers – will help Indonesia thrive in this new era.”
The partnership will help the Indonesian government achieve its ‘Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision’ for a “future driven by digital innovation,” according to a Microsoft press release.
“Our investment sets a new milestone for Indonesia’s digital landscape,” said Dharma Simorangkir, president director of Microsoft Indonesia. “We aim to empower Indonesians with the infrastructure and skills needed for the AI era, aligning with our national vision for digital prowess. It’s a crucial step towards making Indonesia a hub for digital talent and innovation.”
The AI skills training will feed into Microsoft’s broader commitment to provide AI skilling opportunities for 2.5 million people in Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states by 2025. Training will be delivered in partnerships with governments, nonprofit and corporate organisations and communities in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.