AWS expansion plans in Malaysia excite local partners

When Amazon Web Services announced the launch of the AWS Asia Pacific (Malaysia) region as well as planned investments of more than US$6.2 billion in August this year, the AWS Partner Network (APN) knew that this was a golden opportunity for them.

Amazon Web Services announced the launch of the AWS Asia Pacific (Malaysia) region as well as planned investments of more than US$6.2 billion in August this year. Since then, both AWS and Malaysia have continued to have positive discussions on future development and how it can benefit both parties.

At a recent event hosted by AWS, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the Prime Minister of Malaysia said the projected contribution from AWS to Malaysia’s economy could be achieved by 2032. AWS had initially set a target of 2038 to construct and operate a new AWS Region which is expected to provide more than 3,500 jobs in the country.

"Given AWS' track record of surpassing its projections, I believe they can achieve this milestone by 2032 instead of 2038. The launch of the AWS Region, with its 15-year investment plan, underscores AWS's unwavering long-term commitment to Malaysia," said the Prime Minister.

During the initial launch announcement, Prasad Kalyabaraman, vice president of Infrastructure Services at AWS commented that the new AWS Region in Malaysia would enable organizations across Asia Pacific to unlock to full potential of AWS Cloud, helping customers deploy advanced applications with a broad set of AWS technologies including AI and machine learning.

The role of partners

Given the positive remarks from the Prime Minister, it's no surprise that AWS partners will also be hyped with the speed of development in the nation. The AWS Partner Network (APN) currently includes thousands of independent software vendors and system integrators around the world.

In Malaysia, AWS partners include Accenture, Aerodyne, Axrail, CelcomDigi, Deloitte, eCloudvalley, Exabytes, G-AsiaPacific, GHL, Kyndryl, Maxis, Radmilk Solutions, Silverlake Axis, Software One, Tapway, Uberfusion and VSTECS.

Each other these partners cater to specific customer needs not only in Malaysia but in the region as well. For example, telecommunications provider CelcomDigi is not only a customer of AWS but also a partner as both companies are now working together to develop generative AI tools that can be integrated into the company’s operations in various aspects.

Using Amazon Bedrock, CelcomDigi will first come up with an AI Sandbox. The Telco company also plans to develop and implement Bahasa Melayu language algorithms through Amazon Titan and Anthropic Cloud LLMs of Amazon Bedrock.

Another partner, eCloudvalley, which has a strong presence in ASEAN, is also hoping to build its momentum in Malaysia following the announcement. ECloudvalley is an AWS Premier Tier Services Partner and announced a multi-year Strategic Collaboration Agreement with AWS to set up a new innovation lab that focuses on launching new services on ESG, data analytics and cloud security.

AWS Consulting Partner G-Asia Pacific is also enthusiastic about the opportunity to build better service offerings for its customers across the public sector, financial services and education. The fully integrated cloud advisory company that is based in Malaysia with operations across the Asia Pacific hopes the region will enable customers to establish critical data governance and compliance policies while meeting local data residency and security requirements.

For VSTECS, the Prime Minister’s confidence on AWS only ignites more opportunities for them. VSTECS, which a leading information and communications technology distributor in Malaysia is the first AWS Distributor in Malaysia. VSTECS offers AWS’ portfolio of highly scalable and cost-effective cloud services, including compute, storage, databases, analytics, networking and application services to enterprises both in the private and public sector in the country.

The distributor also has an extensive network of channel partners and expertise in cloud services, ensuring seamless access and support for Malaysian business that looking to migrate to the cloud or optimize their existing cloud infrastructure.