US-based AI chip giant NVIDIA Corp, mulling a plan to set up a data centre in Malaysia, believes AI data centres could be a new manufacturing sector for the country. NVIDIA CEO and Founder Jensen Huang Jen-Hsun highlighted that Malaysia could be an excellent data centre infrastructure hub for Southeast Asia. During his maiden visit to Malaysia in early December, he stated that traditional data centres are designed to hold data. The new AI data centres are essentially AI factories, where raw data will be refined and transformed into valuable data. He added that Malaysia is a very strong manufacturing nation, and he believes the country has a unique advantage in becoming an excellent data centre technology hub for NVIDIA in Southeast Asia.
Malaysia to Allow Visa-Free Entry for China and India Citizens: PM Anwar
Malaysia will allow citizens of China and India 30-day visa-free entry starting December 1, Prime Minister YAB Dato' Seri Anwar Bin Ibrahim said, as part of efforts to boost tourism and the economy. He announced in November. The country allows China citizens a 30-day visa exemption to celebrate Malaysia’s 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations with China next year. He also added that travellers from India will also enjoy the same facility. The move came after China announced on 24 November that it would allow visa-free entry for Malaysians and citizens of five European countries for 15 days. Most tourists to Malaysia are from Singapore and Indonesia, but outside of ASEAN, China tourists make up the largest group of visitors.
Malaysia is Still a Preferred Destination for Data Centre
Malaysia remains a preferred business destination for investors, particularly for data centres, in ASEAN, says Communications Minister YB Fahmi Fadzil. This is evident from the total proposed investments of RM63.02 billion secured from US companies, mainly technology giants, during the 50th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders’ Meeting in November. He said the government is dedicated to creating governance, public, and regulatory frameworks, as there has been an increase in interest in Malaysia's role in hosting data centres. He added that the government is prepared to engage with businesses and organisations to have a robust and future-ready ecosystem, given that Malaysia will chair ASEAN in 2025. At this stage, he mentioned that different countries within ASEAN possess slightly different preparedness when it comes to the regulatory framework, particularly around data protection.
We’ll Explore Need for Data Embassy: Fahmi
According to Communications Minister YB Fahmi Fadzil, the government is keen to explore a data embassy in Malaysia due to growing interest by investors, as this will strengthen the country’s position as a preferred investment destination. He said the data embassy is a concept pioneered by several European countries, such as Estonia, whereby it serves as a data processing centre with its embassy regulations. The tech companies raised the idea during the recent Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation in November, attended by Prime Minister YAB Dato' Seri Anwar Bin Ibrahim. Other topics discussed included establishing a Digital Free Trade Zone and data protection policies. YB Fahmi Fadzil added that no policy decision has yet been made on the data embassy, although it is an enticing concept to explore.
Malaysia-China Economic Council, PIKOM to Attract RM100 Billion Investments
Nov: Malaysia-China Digital Economy Cooperation Council (MCDC) and the National Tech Association of Malaysia (PIKOM) have jointly pledged RM100 billion in investment over the next five years to propel the local digital economy. The commitment was announced as part of the RCEP Innovation and Digital Ecosystem (Ride) MADANI initiatives, which MCDC Co-Chairman Dato’ Wei Chuan Beng said the partnership is set to push the nation's digital aspirations and environmental sustainability goals. As of November 2023, Ride Madani has already garnered RM2 to RM3 billion from 20 participating companies. He said Ride Madani plans to achieve the 'Three 100s' initiative within five years. This includes proposing that 100 enterprises jointly initiate the Ride Madani Alliance, invest RM100 billion in Malaysia over the next five years, and nurture at least 100 young leaders annually.