Google to build data center and cloud region in Thailand, drive sustainability and skilling initiatives in Malaysia

Google invests US$1 billion in Thailand to build a new data center and cloud region. The tech giant has also commenced construction on its US$2 billion data center and cloud region in Malaysia.

Google has just announced an investment of US$1 billion to build a new data center and cloud region in Thailand, expanding its digital infrastructure in the country. Expected to add US$4 billion to Thailand's GDP by 2029 and support an average of 14,000 jobs annually from 2025 through 2029, Google’s cloud and data center infrastructure in Bangkok and Chonburi will help meet growing demand for Google Cloud capabilities and AI innovations.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the Prime Minister of Thailand welcomed the investment stating that Google's investment in its data center and cloud region in Chonburi and Bangkok, coupled with growing Thai expertise in cloud computing and AI, are perfectly aligned with the country’s national Cloud First Policy

“Thailand is fast becoming a digital hub in Southeast Asia, propelled by a talented workforce and investments in technology infrastructure from industry leaders like Google. The Royal Thai Government deeply appreciates Google’s ongoing partnership to strengthen our digital economy, particularly its efforts in the past five years to train millions of Thais in critical digital skills, and its latest plans to equip even more citizens with the tools and knowledge needed for the jobs of tomorrow. This synergy will accelerate the development of innovative digital services and in turn unlock economic opportunities and enhance the quality of life for all Thais,” said the Prime Minister.

In 2022, Google Cloud announced plans to launch a local cloud region to make it easier and faster for organizations of all sizes and industries to benefit from its on-demand compute, AI and machine learning resources. The new cloud region is expected to deliver high-performance and low latency services as well as offer customers key controls to ensure all data compliance and regulatory requirements are fulfilled.

Ruth Porat, President and Chief Information Officer of Alphabet and Google hopes the investments will empower Thai businesses, innovators, and communities to harness the power of cloud and AI technology.

“Google’s commitment to making digital skills accessible to all helps drive economic growth and create a more inclusive and prosperous digital future for people and organizations across Thailand,” commented Porat.

Following the launch in Thailand, Porat was also in Malaysia for the groundbreaking ceremony of Google’s US$2 billion data center and cloud region in the country. Announced earlier this year, the Malaysia data center and cloud region, which will be built in the state of Selangor, is expected to support more than US$3.2 billion in economic impact as well as generate 26,500 jobs by 2030.

In her speech at the ground-breaking ceremony, Porat stated that Google currently operates data centers in 11 nations and Malaysia will soon join three Southeast Asian nations with Google data centers “Google’s investments in infrastructure, digital skilling and sustainability represent progress in our joint efforts with the government of Malaysia to create high-value jobs and bring the benefits of AI to local communities and companies. As we do this, Google will continue its responsible stewardship of natural resources by improving community watershed health and ecosystems in Malaysia and helping to drive local adoption of renewable energy sources,” added Porat.

Porat also mentioned that Google’s facility in Malaysia will use water-cooling technology, in line with the company’s data-driven water risk framework. This technology uses about 10% less energy compared to air-cooled facilities, resulting in 10% less carbon emissions.

Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, who officiated the ground-breaking ceremony pointed out that while the technology investments are key to development in the country, there is also a need to build the workforce and produce sufficient skills to support the growth. Google has already trained more than 355,000 Malaysians in Malaysia over the past five years.

“It is crucial for Malaysians to be equipped with the skills required for the jobs of the future. Google’s continued commitment to upskilling our workforce through programs like Gemilang and Future Skills for All will ensure a more inclusive digital future for Malaysia’s workforce,” he said.