Microsoft has announced plans to open its first regional data centre in Thailand, enabling the tech giant to enhance the availability of cloud services in the country, and strengthen its foothold in the region.
“The datacentre region will expand the availability of Microsoft’s hyperscale cloud services,” the company stated in a press release.
This development follows Microsoft’s Chief Executive Satya Nadella’s announcement of investments totalling $1.7 billion in artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud facilities in neighbouring Indonesia.
Speaking at an event in Bangkok, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella highlighted the significance of the data centre’s establishment, stating, “What that means is that not only do you have full capability of Azure in Thailand, but the best world-class AI infrastructure.”
Microsoft stressed that the Thailand data centre would contribute to enterprise-grade reliability, performance, and compliance with data residency and privacy standards. This move aligns with Thailand’s ambition to establish itself as a digital economy hub, according to Prime Minister Srettha Thaivisin.
“Microsoft’s investment is an important turning point in the development of Thailand’s digital economy, increasing competitiveness,” Prime Minister Srettha shared on social media, confident of the investment’s potential to drive economic growth.
Microsoft has also made a commitment to provide training to 2.5 million people in Southeast Asia in the use of AI by 2025, further underlining its dedication to fostering digital skills and innovation in the region.
Source: Reuters
