Microsoft has launched its first cloud region in Malaysia.

Malaysia West, located in Kuala Lumpur, is now generally available.

Comprised of three availability zones, the region is described by Microsoft as "AI ready" and will provide Malaysian organizations with Microsoft cloud services offering in-country data residency.

YB Gobind Singh Deo, Malaysia’s Minister of Digital, said of the launch: “With this cloud region, we can leverage the latest digital and AI technologies to move up the value chain, and the Government has set the stage, developing a world-class, trusted digital environment for businesses to thrive, aligned with Microsoft’s Trusted Cloud Principles. Together, let us seize this opportunity to surge ahead and solidify Malaysia’s position as a regional leader in the digital and AI economy.” 

Scott Guthrie, EVP of cloud and AI at Microsoft, added: “Microsoft is committed to being Malaysia’s partner in its AI transformation. The Malaysia West cloud region will deliver world-class AI datacenter infrastructure and enable organizations to accelerate their innovation more securely – creating a future that is inclusive, sustainable, and AI-ready.”

Early adopters of the cloud region includes Malaysia's global energy provider Petronas, as well as  SCICOM Berhad, Senang, SIRIM Berhad, TNG Digital (the operator of TNG eWallet), and Veeam. In 2023, the cloud provider developed an HPC AI infrastructure platform for Petronas.

In addition to the new cloud region, Microsoft has launched BINA AI, an initiative that aims to help with Malaysia's "AI transformation," and will establish a Microsoft National AI Innovation Center.

Microsoft first announced plans for a Malaysia cloud region located in Kuala Lumpur in 2021. In 2024, the company committed to investing $2.2 billion in cloud computing and AI in Malaysia over the next four years.

Over the past year, Microsoft has been steadily snapping up land in Johor, Malaysia. The company is yet to announce any plans for a Johor cloud region.

Last month, Microsoft quietly launched a cloud region in Indonesia, similarly its first in the country.