Porat reaffirmed Google's support for advancing the country's digital future. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Google today launched the Future Skills for All (FS4A) digital training initiative, a programme aimed at training 260 teachers in Selangor. These teachers will, in turn, train up to 61,000 students across the state.
The launch was part of Google's Mantap Malaysia Bersama AI event in Kuala Lumpur, where the tech giant also had the groundbreaking ceremony for its first data centre and new cloud region in Malaysia.
The FS4A programme is a collaborative effort involving the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), UNICEF Malaysia, CelcomDigi, and Arus Academy, with backing from the Education Ministry.
Google says targeted digital training initiatives have the potential to contribute US$19bil (RM79.1bil) to the Malaysian economy by 2030.
Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz lauded the collaboration, adding that he hopes the initiative will "be replicated in other states".
The construction of a Google data centre in Malaysia comes as part of the company's US$2bil (RM8.3bil) in the country, which is expected to contribute US$3.2bil (RM13.3bil) to the economy and create 26,500 jobs by 2030.
"These state-of-the-art facilities will not only empower our manufacturing and service-based industries – particularly the small and medium businesses (SMBs) – to leverage advanced technologies like AI and cloud computing, but also enhance our industries’ capacity to move up the global value chain," said Tengku Zafrul.
He further adds that the data centre will be a "new corporate benchmark in Malaysia via their power (PUE) and water (WUE) usage effectiveness".
Also in attendance at the groundbreaking ceremony was Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who thanked Google for its confidence in and contributions to Malaysia.
Regarding the establishment of the data centre, Sime Darby Property group managing director Datuk Seri Azmir Merican said the company is proud to partner with Google in establishing its first hyperscale data centre in Malaysia, located at Sime Darby Property’s Elmina Business Park.
"This project marks our strategic entry into a new economy asset class, partnering with one of the world's foremost tech giants.
"With this project, we are able to propel Elmina Business Park into a premier destination for global tech firms," he said.
Google also said that it will be working with both the Global Environment Centre (GEC) and Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) in water stewardship efforts at Taman Aman Lake in Selangor and the surrounding areas.
Under the water stewardship programme, Google aims to replenish 120% of the water it consumes by 2030. The company further announced that it is expanding its Solar API service to accelerate solar energy adoption in the country.
"In line with Malaysia’s net-zero goals, we also welcome Google’s leadership in energy-efficient operations, which will undoubtedly set new national benchmarks in power and water usage effectiveness,” said Tengku Zafrul.
"But above all, this journey is about our people. It is crucial for Malaysians to be equipped with the skills required for the jobs of the future, particularly as more hi-tech and AI-focused investments flow into the country and as we grow Malaysia’s capacity to serve the region’s digital economy.
"Google's continued commitment to upskilling our workforce through programmes like Gemilang (Google's digital career certification platform) and Future Skills for All will also ensure a more inclusive digital future for Malaysia’s workforce."
Alphabet president and Google chief investment officer, Ruth Porat, said the company reaffirms support for advancing the country's digital future.
"Google’s investments in infrastructure, digital skilling, and sustainability represent progress on our joint efforts with the government of Malaysia to create high-value jobs and bring the benefits of AI to local communities and companies.
"Together, we will empower individuals and businesses in Malaysia to innovate, grow, and fully harness the potential of the digital age.
"As we do this, Google will continue its responsible stewardship of natural resources by improving community watershed health and ecosystems in Malaysia and helping to drive local adoption of renewable energy sources," she said.
