Exabytes Backs Cloud Talent Boom with New Regional Centre
A major push for digital growth is underway in Southeast Asia. Exabytes, in collaboration with AWS and Forward College, has launched a Cloud Centre of Excellence in Penang. The goal is to help businesses adopt cloud technology faster—while preparing the next generation of digital professionals.
Situated in Penang—often dubbed the 'Silicon Valley' of Malaysia—the CCoE is set to become a regional innovation hub. It will focus on helping companies scale with AWS technologies while developing a strong pipeline of cloud professionals in partnership with educational institutions.
With 64% of Malaysian organisations reporting moderate to severe talent shortages, particularly in mid-level roles, the centre arrives at a critical time.
Chan Kee Siak, Founder and CEO of Exabytes, highlighted the dual focus of the new centre: 'By working closely with AWS and Forward College, we are addressing two pressing needs: accelerating cloud adoption and enabling more young people—particularly those from underserved communities—to access high-value digital careers.'
As part of this commitment, Exabytes is sponsoring tertiary education for 20 B40 students in partnership with Forward College. The sponsorship will offer three years of employment within the Exabytes Group upon graduation, creating a direct pathway from education to economic opportunity.
The launch has also drawn praise from AWS. Pete Murray, Country General Manager for AWS Malaysia, described the CCoE as a 'huge step forward', applauding Exabytes' leadership and vision.
He emphasised the centre's role in supporting Malaysia's ambition to become a regional hub for digital excellence, while also contributing to job creation and innovation in the digital economy.
Beyond education and training, the CCoE is designed as a collaborative space where AWS experts, startups, educators, and businesses can exchange ideas and co-create solutions. Through hands-on training, community events, and cloud showcases, the centre aims to foster a culture of shared innovation and experimentation.
Looking ahead, Exabytes plans to host industry events under the CCoE banner in Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Indonesia. These gatherings will connect solution providers and experts to showcase cloud innovation and strengthen the ASEAN cloud community.
The CCoE will also deliver Agentic AI solutions, designed to boost productivity in key industries throughout the region.
For businesses already leveraging Exabytes' AWS services, the launch signals a promising development.
Jimmy Boey, Head of Information Systems and DPO at Senheng noted: 'As we continue to scale digitally, the support and guidance from Exabytes—powered by AWS—has been instrumental. We're excited to see how the CCoE will accelerate innovation and knowledge-sharing across the region.'
Similarly, Hasnol Hashim, CTO of Bizapp Ventures Sdn Bhd, praised the centre for making cloud adoption more efficient and affordable and looked forward to increased innovation and knowledge-sharing.
The collaboration also marks a formal partnership with Forward College, reinforcing a joint commitment to accessible, skills-based education.
Howie Chang, Co-Founder and CEO of Forward College, said: 'Through the Cloud Centre of Excellence, we are creating meaningful access to cloud education and hands-on learning experiences that will equip our students—and the broader B40 community—with real-world capabilities to succeed in the digital economy.'
The AWS x Exabytes CCoE is one of several forward-thinking initiatives planned for 2025 and beyond, as Exabytes continues to champion SME digitalisation, AI adoption, and regional cloud readiness.
By integrating innovation and talent development, the CCoE aims to close skill gaps, build pipelines, and future-proof the workforce, reaffirming Exabytes' commitment to creating an inclusive digital future for Southeast Asia.
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