Microsoft, has announced an investment of $2.9 billion in Japan’s cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) sector over the span of two years, marking the tech giant’s largest commitment in the country since it commenced operations there 46 years ago.
The announcement, made on Tuesday 9th April, shows Microsoft being dedicated to enhancing its cloud and AI infrastructure in Japan. The investment will not only fuel the expansion of its cloud capabilities but also facilitate the development of AI technologies. Moreover, Microsoft aims to contribute to the upskilling of three million individuals in AI-related fields, thereby fostering talent development within the region.
A significant portion of the investment will be allocated towards the establishment of a Microsoft Research Asia lab in Tokyo. This research facility is expected to serve as a hub for innovation, driving advancements in AI research and development. Microsoft’s decision to fortify its presence in Japan mirrors similar endeavours by industry peers such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google.
Amazon’s cloud unit, AWS, recently announced investments totalling $15.3 billion in Mississippi and Saudi Arabia for the establishment of data centres. Meanwhile, Google is pursuing its own expansion, with plans underway to construct a $1 billion data centre just outside London. Microsoft’s Azure, Google Cloud, and AWS currently dominate the global cloud computing landscape, collectively serving as the top three players in the industry.
