Google has launched the Future Skills for All (FS4A) initiative, a digital training program aimed at empowering teachers and students in Malaysia. As part of this initiative, 260 teachers in Selangor will be trained to provide digital education to 61,000 students across the state. This program was unveiled at the Mantap Malaysia Bersama AI event in Kuala Lumpur, marking another milestone in Google’s ongoing commitment to advancing digital literacy in the country.
Key Collaborators and Economic Impact
The FS4A program is a collaboration between Google, the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), UNICEF Malaysia, CelcomDigi, and Arus Academy, with support from the Ministry of Education. According to Google, targeted digital initiatives like FS4A could contribute US$19 billion (RM79.1 billion) to the Malaysian economy by 2030.
Malaysia’s Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, praised the program, expressing his hopes that this initiative could be replicated in other states. He emphasized the economic and educational benefits that such collaborations could bring, especially in the rapidly growing tech-driven global economy.
Google’s First Data Centre in Malaysia
Alongside the FS4A initiative, Google announced the groundbreaking of its first data centre and cloud region in Malaysia, a significant development for the country’s digital infrastructure. The data centre, located at Sime Darby Property’s Elmina Business Park, is part of Google’s US$2 billion (RM8.3 billion) investment in Malaysia, which is expected to contribute US$3.2 billion (RM13.3 billion) to the local economy and create 26,500 jobs by 2030.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim attended the groundbreaking ceremony, thanking Google for its trust in Malaysia. He reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering a strong partnership with Google to enhance the country’s digital economy.
Driving Growth in Johor and Selangor
Minister Tengku Zafrul highlighted the broader implications of this investment for Malaysia’s tech landscape, stating that the data centre would enable small and medium businesses (SMBs) to leverage advanced technologies like AI and cloud computing, boosting the nation’s capacity to move up the global value chain. The data centre is expected to set a “new corporate benchmark” for power (PUE) and water (WUE) usage effectiveness, helping drive sustainable growth.
Additionally, Google announced that it will collaborate with the Global Environment Centre (GEC) and the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) to implement a water stewardship program at Taman Aman Lake in Selangor, aiming to replenish 120% of the water consumed by the company by 2030.
Supporting Renewable Energy and Digital Skilling
Further underscoring Google’s commitment to sustainability, the company is expanding its Solar API service to help accelerate the adoption of solar energy in Malaysia. This move aligns with Malaysia’s national net-zero goals, promoting more energy-efficient operations.
Google is also dedicated to preparing the Malaysian workforce for the future. Programs like Gemilang, a digital career certification platform, and Future Skills for All are designed to upskill Malaysians and ensure that they are equipped for hi-tech and AI-focused jobs in the emerging digital economy.
A Collaborative Vision for Malaysia’s Digital Future
Alphabet president and Google’s chief investment officer, Ruth Porat, emphasized the company’s ongoing efforts to build Malaysia’s digital future. She highlighted Google’s investments in infrastructure, digital skilling, and sustainability, aimed at creating high-value jobs and empowering communities.
“Together, we will empower individuals and businesses in Malaysia to innovate, grow, and fully harness the potential of the digital age,” said Porat. She also stressed that Google will maintain its focus on responsible stewardship of natural resources, helping to improve local ecosystems and drive renewable energy adoption across the country.
This multifaceted initiative reflects Google’s broader vision of supporting Malaysia’s transformation into a leading digital economy, while prioritizing sustainable development and inclusive growth.
