KUALA LUMPUR, 11 SEPTEMBER 2025: Malaysia is on track to attract more than US$40 billion (RM169.2 billion) in artificial intelligence (AI) and data centre investment by 2030, according to new research by global talent solutions firm Robert Walters, Utusan Malaysia reported.
Driven by major hyperscalers and global technology firms, these investments are set to position Malaysia as a leading AI data centre hub in South-East Asia while expanding the country’s high-value outsourcing role.
Robert Walters head of market intelligence Phill Brown said the research highlights Malaysia’s rapidly evolving role as a strategic offshore location.
“High-value tech hiring, stable demand for support functions and the projected US$40 billion investment in AI data centres set the stage for Malaysia to attract significant regional and global business operations,” he said in a statement.
The report noted that the National AI action Plan 2026-2030 and approved AI sector investment worth RM13.29 billion in the first half of 2025 alone underscores the country’s growth trajectory, with about 6,920 new jobs opportunities.
Most of the activities are concentrated in Negri Sembilan Hi-Tech Park, which has emerged as a strategic hub for AI development.
Robert Walters global outsourcing CEO David Barr said the industry’s priorities have shifted.
“Where once it was about cost savings and volume, today’s strategies increasingly prioritise capability, quality and resilience, leverages highly skilled international workforce,” he said.
Strong English proficiency, technical expertise and a growing focus on future-readiness skills place Malaysia as a compelling outsourcing destination, Barr added.
