Alibaba Cloud has announced significant new investments to enhance its infrastructure and support for AI and cloud services in Southeast Asia. As demand for these services continues to soar, the company unveiled plans for a third data center in Malaysia and a second one in the Philippines, both set to bolster cloud capabilities in the region.
At the recent Alibaba Cloud Global Summit in Singapore, celebrating a decade of operations, the company also introduced an AI Global Competency Center aimed at facilitating AI innovation across a vast network of over 5,000 businesses and 100,000 developers. This center will provide access to advanced AI resources, fostering collaboration among companies to develop AI solutions tailored to various industries such as finance, healthcare, and logistics.
These developments complement Alibaba’s earlier infrastructure expansions in Thailand, Mexico, and South Korea, emphasizing a commitment to empowering businesses to adopt AI technologies efficiently. In addition, Alibaba Cloud is upgrading its existing cloud products, notably enhancing its Data Transmission Service with a feature that simplifies data preparation for AI applications.
Moreover, the company has initiated partnerships with over 120 universities globally to cultivate a new generation of AI talent, aiming to train 100,000 professionals annually. In doing so, they are addressing a recognized gap in skills necessary for implementing green AI strategies—an area highlighted by a recent Forrester Consulting study, which identified both the importance and challenges surrounding sustainable AI practices.
International clients, such as GoTo Group in Indonesia and VisionTech in Singapore, are leveraging Alibaba Cloud’s infrastructure and services, including the flagship large language model, Qwen, to facilitate their AI initiatives, improve operational efficiency, and enhance customer engagement.
With these strategic moves, Alibaba Cloud is positioning itself at the forefront of the AI and cloud landscape in Southeast Asia, ensuring that local enterprises are equipped to harness the potential of AI technologies while promoting sustainable practices that align with global standards.
Overall, these advancements signal a bright future for AI innovation in the region, showcasing Alibaba Cloud’s commitment to driving technological progress and supporting businesses in their digital transformation journeys.