Google to invest US15bil in Malaysia over next two years

PETALING JAYA: Google will invest US$15bil in Malaysia over the next two years, Alphabet and Google president and chief investment officer Ruth Porat has announced.

She said the latest investment builds on Google’s more than 15-year presence in Malaysia and expands on the company's digital infrastructure investment announced in 2024.

"We are very excited about expanding our digital infrastructure here responsibly, investing in resource stewardship and clean energy initiatives, as well as new skilling programmes to open pathways to economic opportunity for Malaysians across the country.

"Google's announcement reflects our confidence in the strength of Malaysia's leadership, its skilled workforce, and enthusiasm for digital transformation," she said in her address at the Mantap Malaysia Bersama AI programme at Universiti Malaya here on Wednesday (Nov 4).

She also said this underscores Google’s commitment to strengthen Google's connection with Malaysia and South-East Asia.

"Our mantra at Google is responsible execution done right.

"We affirm we invest aggressively to add energy capacity, protect energy affordability, and create pathways to economic opportunity in the communities and countries where we're growing," she said.

She added that Google is committed to growing its presence responsibly, delivering lasting value for Malaysia’s economy and people.

"This investment aligns with Malaysia’s development priorities – providing the foundational computing capacity to deliver the upside of innovation across the country while adding local power and water resources as our operations scale.

"At the community level, Google is proud to partner with local suppliers to expand their expertise and to equip workers, students, and entrepreneurs with in-demand skills, enabling Malaysians to capture the new opportunities unlocked by this computing capacity," she said.

Google's investments in data centres and supporting infrastructure include its existing campus in Elmina Business Park, Selangor, and new planned campuses in Selangor and Negri Sembilan, she added.

According to Porat, the construction phase of these new campuses is scheduled for next year and in 2028.

These infrastructure investments are expected to contribute an annual average of US$1.1bil (RM4.47bil) to Malaysia's gross domestic product and support more than 37,000 local jobs per year.

Once operational, the facilities are projected to sustain more than 9,000 local jobs per year, with wages averaging 45% above the national median.

This includes long-term, on-site specialist roles including data centre technicians, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, logistics operations managers, and physical security managers as well as contractor roles with local suppliers and workers at the shops, restaurants and amenities patronised by these employees and their families.

Porat said that as Google grows its infrastructure in Malaysia, the approach is to invest, add energy capacity and accelerate the country's clean energy transition alongside the growth of the digital economy.

Describing it as "BYOP" or "bring your own power", she said this investment will add more than one gigawatt of clean energy capacity to Malaysia's grid, supporting long-term grid resilience and flexibility.

Anchored by a new strategic collaboration with Tenaga Nasional Berhad, she said Google will also enable the development of new clean energy generation facilities under Malaysia's Corporate Renewable Energy Supply Scheme.

"This collaboration will also explore pioneering around-the-clock clean energy projects to ensure reliable power even when the sun isn't shining," she said.

To further support economic growth, she said Google is also investing in initiatives to unlock opportunities for people across the country.