Google’s RM61bil investment signals confidence in Malaysia’s AI ambitions: Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR – Google’s additional US$15 billion (RM61.05 billion) investment in Malaysia reflects international confidence in the country’s stability, talent and ambition to become a leading digital powerhouse in Southeast Asia, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, described the commitment as a significant milestone that reinforces Malaysia’s growing position in the global artificial intelligence (AI) landscape, Bernama reported. He said high-impact foreign direct investment (FDI) remained crucial to sustaining economic growth, strengthening the country’s competitiveness and positioning it to capitalise on the global AI revolution. “Capital inflows of this magnitude provide the essential fuel for macroeconomic expansion… they build cutting-edge physical assets, signal sovereign confidence to global markets and anchor our position at the forefront of the global artificial intelligence revolution. “We celebrate this commitment as a monumental milestone. At the same time, under the MADANI Economy framework and our New Industrial Master Plan 2030, our goal is to ensure that capital aligns with our deeper national journey,” he said. He was speaking at the Google Mantap Malaysia Bersama AI programme at Universiti Malaya here today. Also present were Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Sim Tze Tzin, and Alphabet and Google president and chief investment officer Ruth Porat. Google previously announced plans to invest US$15 billion (RM61.05 billion) in Malaysia over two years, from 2027 to 2028, to expand its digital infrastructure. The investment includes the development of data centre campuses in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan to meet rising demand for AI and cloud computing services. Anwar said the government welcomed the additional commitment but remained focused on ensuring foreign investments generated sustainable benefits for the country and its people. On human capital development, he welcomed Google's pledge to upskill 800,000 Malaysians, emphasising that the benefits of AI advancement must reach all sections of society rather than deepen existing inequalities. “In Ekonomi MADANI, we do not measure success by headlines alone but by whether our brightest young talents can earn what they truly deserve and work with their heads held high on the global stage. “We do not want an AI divide where only an elite few in boardrooms or tech labs thrive while the rest of the nation look on as spectators,” he said. He added that the skills development initiative would also cover polytechnics and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, preparing students for employment in high-technology industries. Anwar also welcomed Google's environmental sustainability commitments, including its partnership with Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) to introduce more than one gigawatt of new clean energy capacity into the national grid without relying on public subsidies. He said responsible investment should leave host countries better equipped to manage their natural resources, strengthen resilience and address the needs of local communities. “Malaysia is open, business-friendly and determined to continue working hard in order to lead the digital era with investors of this calibre,” he said. - November 4, 2026 The post Google’s RM61bil investment signals confidence in Malaysia’s AI ambitions: Anwar appeared first on Scoop .