Anwar urges Amazon Web Services to fast-track RM29.2bil project

KUALA LUMPUR: The 15-year investment plan by US-based firm Amazon Web Services (AWS) proves Malaysia is fast becoming the premier regional destination for digital investments, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Expressing his confidence over the RM29.2bil AWS Asia Pacific (Malaysia) Region project, the Prime Minister said he hoped the firm would shorten its development period – targeted from 2024 to 2038 – to eight years instead.

“The AWS Asia Pacific (Malaysia) Region project alone is projected to contribute an estimated RM57.3bil to Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP) between 2024 and 2038, hopefully more than the estimated will (be part of) Malaysia’s GDP between the period,” he said.

Anwar added that knowing AWS’ pace of development, it could be shortened by eight years from 2038 to 2032.

“They get things done faster than what is projected,” he said in speech during the AWS Economic Impact Studies launch here on Thursday (Sept 26).

AWS plans to invest a projected total of RM29.2bil and create more than 3,500 jobs in the country by 2038.

Under the project, local developers, start-ups, entrepreneurs and enterprises as well as government, education and non-profit organisations will benefit from better access to the company’s cloud infrastructure.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, also asked AWS Asean managing director Jeff Johnson to also ensure higher-level training is available for employees to excel in the digital field.

Anwar also said Malaysia will focus on advancing regional digital integration as the country assumes the Asean chairmanship in 2025.

He said as Asean chair, Malaysia would drive collaboration among member countries to harmonise digital policies, standardise regulations and improve cross-border data flow.

“This would position Asean as a unified digital economy. By enhancing regional cooperation on digital threats, this ensures Asean’s digital economy growth remains robust.” he said.