On November 15, Google announced a strategic partnership with the Malaysian government to invest in the country's digital competitiveness, including infrastructure and artificial intelligence (AI) innovation initiatives.。The two sides will work together to help companies of all sizes improve their digital competitiveness through skills training programs, digital infrastructure investments, AI innovation and cloud-first policies.。

The announcement came after Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim met with Google President and Chief Investment Officer Ruth Porat, Google Asia Pacific President Scott Beaumont, and Google Global Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy Karan Bhatia.。

Also attending the meeting were Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry of Malaysia, Amit Zavery, Vice President and General Manager of Google Cloud, and Su Ann Lim, Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy, Southeast Asia, Google。

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar said the partnership was in line with the Malaysian government's proposed "Madani" economic framework, which aims to expand the size of Malaysia's economic pie and ensure that all stakeholders, especially small businesses, enjoy the socio-economic benefits that come with it.。

"The collaboration, which aims to accelerate indigenous innovation and talent development in the field of artificial intelligence, will certainly enhance the digital competitiveness of our country (Malaysia), which is consistent with the Medani Economic Framework and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030)," he said.。

In a statement issued after the meeting, Porat said the moves build on Google's investment in Malaysia over the past 12 years.。In 2022 alone, Google's products and programs have provided more than 47,900 jobs in Malaysia and contributed about $2.8 billion in economic benefits to local businesses.。

Porat said the partnership is in line with Google's mission in the country and supports the Malaysian government's strategic objectives - building an ecosystem that supports innovation, such as providing quality and fair employment opportunities.。

"To achieve this common goal, we intend to assist Malaysia in using artificial intelligence to address real-world challenges and apply rapid solutions from Google Cloud technology to promote the growth of the country's economy and public interest."。By 2026, the partnership will help 300,000 Malaysians upgrade their work skills and provide digital training opportunities for people from all backgrounds.。"She said。

Google Cloud, CloudMile and Trainocate will offer five free digital learning paths, all included in the Go Cloud project.。Paths include online courses in Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI), data analytics, and cloud-based production tools。Upon completion, receive a Digital Skills Badge, which can be identified on your resume, plus free 30-day access to more learning paths。

In addition, the program, based on the "Gemilang" digital training project, partnered with educational institutions and non-profit organizations to provide 31,000 Google Career Certificate Scholarships for those in need.。

Zafrul said: "The program helps Malaysians obtain relevant professional certifications free of charge for entry-level jobs in high-demand areas such as data analytics, IT support, and e-commerce and digital marketing.。The Malaysian government welcomes Google's continued contribution, especially in developing technical talents and assistance to small businesses in Malaysia.。"

"In addition to advancing the realization of NIMP 2030, these initiatives will enhance Malaysia's overall global competitiveness for foreign investors."。We will do our utmost to support Google's investment plans in Malaysia, "he said.。