Budget 2025: Malaysia secures US$16.9 billion investment through 2038

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia has successfully secured investments totaling US$16.9 billion from global technology giants Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft, Google, and Oracle for the period up to 2038.

Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that this development reflects their confidence in Malaysia's potential as a gateway for regional cloud infrastructure.

He urged local companies to seize this investment opportunity for the benefit of the people.

“Now is the time for local companies to take advantage of this investment. The benefits must reach the people, including job opportunities, the development of centres of excellence, and community empowerment.

“The National Artificial Intelligence Office (NAIO) has been allocated RM10 million to enhance the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology through collaboration with academia and industry,” he said while presenting the Malaysia Madani Budget 2025 in the Dewan Rakyat on Friday.

He added that Malaysia is taking bold steps to lead the regional digital economy through the declaration of the establishment of the Asean AI Safety Network, which also includes neighbouring countries in efforts to pool expertise and AI safety in their respective nations.

Furthermore, towards the full implementation of e-Invoicing by July 1, 2025, the government plans to provide accelerated capital allowance for the purchase of ICT equipment, software packages, and consulting fees, which can be claimed fully within two years.

“The government also plans to implement a multi-tier levy mechanism early next year to reduce dependence on foreign workers.

“The proceeds from this levy will be reinvested in the industry to engineer business processes towards automation and mechanisation," he stated.

In addition, to enhance the business capacity of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through digitalisation, he announced an allocation of RM50 million for digital matching grants for MSMEs and digital grants for hawkers under Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) to help local entrepreneurs remain competitive in the market.

“RM100 million has also been allocated by SKMM over five years to empower the functions of the Nadi Centres nationwide as a community platform to increase income through online entrepreneurship activities,” he said.