In a groundbreaking move, the Malaysian government and tech giant Google have joined forces to catalyse inclusive growth opportunities for Malaysians and foster the development of homegrown companies within the rapidly expanding digital economy.
The collaboration, announced today, is designed to empower businesses of all sizes, offering support through skilling programmes, investments in digital infrastructure, responsible artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, and the promotion of cloud-first policies, according to a media statement released by Google.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim praised Google’s commitment, stating, “This latest commitment by Google, aimed at accelerating local innovation and talent development in the field of AI, will certainly boost the nation’s digital competitiveness, in line with the Madani Economy Framework and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030).”
US$2.8 Billion In Economic Benefits to Local Businesses
Google highlighted that these initiatives build upon the company’s substantial investments in Malaysia over the past 12 years. In 2022 alone, Google’s products and programmes supported over 47,900 jobs, contributing an estimated US$2.8 billion in economic benefits to local businesses.
Ruth Porat, President, and Chief Investment Officer of Alphabet and Google, stated, “The partnership we are announcing today with the government of Malaysia aligns Google’s local mission of Advancing Malaysia Together with the government’s goal to create a supportive ecosystem for innovation that includes more meaningful and equitable job opportunities.”
Tengku Zafrul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry welcomed Google’s ongoing contributions, particularly through programmes supporting skilled talent and aiding small businesses in scaling regionally. He stated, “Apart from supporting the achievement of NIMP 2030’s missions, these will also enhance Malaysia’s overall global competitiveness to foreign investors.”
Five Digital Learning Paths at No Cost
A major component of the collaboration is the commitment to provide inclusive skilling opportunities for 300,000 Malaysians by 2026. Google Cloud, CloudMile, and Trainocate will offer five digital learning paths at no cost through the Go Cloud program. These paths focus on generative AI (gen AI), data analytics, and cloud-based productivity tools.
Tengku Zafrul added, “Accessible through the Go Cloud programme – which aims to upskill 300,000 Malaysians by 2026 – the learning paths consist of online courses to help individuals better apply generative AI (gen AI), data analytics and cloud-based productivity tools.”
Completing the learning paths earns participants digital skills badges, enhancing their resumes, and providing 30-day access to additional learning paths. Google emphasized that this initiative builds on Gemilang, a digital training programme that has already granted 31,000 Google Career Certificate scholarships.
The collaboration will extend to joint AI launchpad initiatives, creating new jobs, improving public service delivery, and assisting local companies in accessing global markets.
Google will also lend support to the government’s Cloud First Policy for Malaysia, contributing policy expertise and its Secure AI Framework to incorporate the latest advancements in cloud computing and AI. The partnership is poised to be a transformative force in propelling Malaysia further into the digital era.
