Microsoft, a US-based technology firm, has declared plans to contribute US$1.7 billion over the following four years to a new cloud and AI framework in Indonesia. According to the IT giant, this is the "single largest investment in Microsoft's 29-year history in the country." The organization will make AI skill training easier for 840,000 Indonesians.

 

“This new generation of AI is reshaping how people live and work everywhere, including in Indonesia,” Satya Nadella, chairman and CEO of Microsoft, said in a statement. “The investments we are announcing today – spanning digital infrastructure, skilling, and support for developers – will help Indonesia thrive in this new era,” he added.

 

Near the speculation declaration, Nadella visited Indonesia President Joko Widodo in Jakarta today. According to sources, Widodo encouraged Microsoft to establish a national research center during the meeting, which was also attended by the Minister of Communication and Informatics, Budi Arie Setiadi.

 

AI technology is assessed to contribute almost US$1 trillion to Southeast Asia's GDP by 2030, with Indonesia ready to catch US$366 billion of that figure, as per research by Kearney.

 

In the meantime, Microsoft likewise declared it will give AI training and backing to 2.5 million Southeast Asian individuals by 2025. To do so, the organization intends to cooperate with states, networks, and non-benefit and corporate associations across the region.