Google’s RM61.1 Billion Investment Driven by Political Stability, a Gift to Malaysia – PM Anwar
AYER KEROH: Google’s decision to invest US$15 billion (RM61.1 billion) in Malaysia reflects the American technology giant’s confidence in the country’s political stability and clear economic policies.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also described the investment as a major gift to Malaysia, supported by the country’s industrial development direction.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said Google finalised its decision to choose Malaysia as its investment destination after evaluating several countries, including those in the ASEAN region.
“I contacted Ruth Porat and, apart from speaking with her, also communicated through WhatsApp.
“I asked her to speak frankly with me without being bound by protocol. Tell me directly what Malaysia’s strengths and weaknesses are.
“Among Malaysia’s strengths is its political stability. There is no chaos. Of course, there are some complaints, but that is normal.
“By-elections, whether we win or lose, are normal and do not pose a problem.
“She also said Malaysia is stable, with no riots and no frequent changes of government, unlike previously when there were three to four Prime Ministers within four years. So, that situation provides peace of mind,” he said.
He said this when speaking at the Prime Minister’s Golden Hand Awards 2026 ceremony at Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) here on Thursday.
Also present were Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir and Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
Anwar added that the efficient implementation of policies without delays by the government machinery at both federal and state levels was among the factors that strengthened investors’ confidence in Malaysia.
According to him, Google was also satisfied with the discipline, commitment and qualifications of the local workforce.
However, Anwar said there was still room to improve training and specialisation in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI).
“She said our workforce is highly commendable, disciplined, hardworking and qualified.
“But they require further training to ensure that their levels of specialisation and expertise can be enhanced,” the Prime Minister said.
In this regard, Anwar also urged higher education institutions and educators to promptly adapt their curricula and expand areas of specialisation to meet the needs of the rapidly growing technology industry.
He also revealed that Nvidia required approximately 3,000 engineers with additional skills, including expertise in AI.
On Wednesday, Alphabet President and Chief Investment Officer Ruth Porat announced the investment during the Mantap Malaysia Bersama AI programme at Universiti Malaysia (UM) in the presence of the Prime Minister.
The investment is expected to contribute an average of US$1.1 billion (RM4.48 billion) annually to Malaysia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) during the construction phase from 2027 to 2028.
Porat said Google’s major projects include the development of an energy-efficient data centre campus in an industrial zone, with new campuses planned in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan.
The construction phase is expected to support more than 37,000 local jobs annually, generating an average annual labour income of US$378 million (RM1.54 billion).
Astro AWANI