Microsoft Corp. said Thursday that it will invest $2.2 billion over the next four years on enhancing Malaysia's cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure, and building skills.

Touted as the single largest investment by the company in Malaysia, part of the investment will used for the AI training of 200,000 people and enhancing the country's cybersecurity capabilities in cooperation with the government, Microsoft said.

"Our investments in digital infrastructure and skilling will help Malaysian business, communities and developers apply the latest technology to drive inclusive economic growth and innovation across the country," Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said in a statement.

Nadella announced the investment during a forum in Kuala Lumpur. Earlier Thursday, he met with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Malaysia is the last leg of the Microsoft CEO's Southeast Asia tour this week that also took him to Indonesia and Thailand.

While in Indonesia, Nadella said Microsoft will invest $1.7 billion in building the country's cloud and AI infrastructure, and creating AI skill opportunities.

==Kyodo

© Kyodo News International, Inc., source Newswire