Amazon to invest over $5 billion in new AWS region in Taiwan
FILE PHOTO: A logo for Amazon Web Services (AWS) is seen during the KubeCon CloudNativeCon Europe hosted by the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) in Paris, France, March 20, 2024. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/File Photo
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The Star
3 days ago
- The Star
Amazon loses an AWS generative AI boss as tech talent shuffle heats up
A logo for Amazon Web Services (AWS) is seen at the Viva Technology conference dedicated to innovation and startups at Porte de Versailles exhibition center in Paris, France, June 12, 2025. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) -Amazon's AWS recently lost a key vice president helping oversee generative artificial intelligence development as well as the company's Bedrock service, as the competition for talent heats up. Vasi Philomin told Reuters in an email that he left Amazon for another company, without providing specifics. A company spokesperson confirmed that Philomin had recently left after eight years with Amazon. Philomin helped lead generative AI efforts and product strategy, and oversaw foundation models known as Amazon Titan. The spokesperson said Rajesh Sheth, a vice president previously overseeing Amazon Elastic Block Store, had assumed some of Philomin's responsibilities. Philomin left Amazon earlier in June. In his biography, Philomin said he helped create and lead Amazon Bedrock, a hub for using multiple AI models and one of AWS's premier products in its battle for AI supremacy. He was a frequent speaker at AWS events, including Amazon's annual cloud computing conference in Las Vegas. An Amazon spokesman noted that there are other vice presidents at AWS who also work on generative AI projects. Amazon is working to bolster its reputation in AI development, after rivals like OpenAI, and Google have taken an early lead, particularly with consumer-focused models. The Seattle-based online retailer and technology powerhouse has invested $8 billion in AI startup Anthropic and integrated its Claude software into its own products including a new revamped version of voice assistant Alexa that it's rolling out to customers this year. In December, Amazon introduced its Nova AI models which provide for text, video and image generation. Earlier this year, it added to the lineup with a version called Sonic that can more readily produce natural-sounding speech. Companies are employing creative techniques to hire top AI talent, including using sports industry data analysis to help identify undiscovered talent, Reuters reported last month. As a result, compensation has skyrocketed for some. However, as Amazon races to produce more advanced AI, it said it expects its own success will lead to fewer corporate jobs, according to a memo from CEO Andy Jassy last growth limits will be driven in particular by so-called agentic AI, which can perform tasks with minimal or even no additional input from people. "As we roll out more Generative AI and agents, it should change the way our work is done. We will need fewer people doing some of the jobs that are being done today and more people doing other types of jobs," Jassy wrote. (Reporting by Greg Bensinger; Editing by David Gregorio)
The Sun
4 days ago
- The Sun
Mida urges local companies to become vendors, suppliers to hyperscalers and data centre operators
KUALA LUMPUR: More Malaysian firms should become vendors and suppliers to hyperscalers and data centre operators (such as AWS, Google and Microsoft), said the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida). CEO Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid said this is part of the agency's broader 'Built by Malaysia' approach that champions local content, technology transfer and inclusive growth. 'The government is supporting this with competitive policies. The Digital Ecosystem Acceleration Scheme or DSEC offers tax allowances of up to 100% of capital expenditure,' he said in his speech at the 'Data Centre 2.0: The Ecosystem and What's Next for Malaysia' talk today. Furthermore, he said, Malaysia Digital or MD status allows digital firms to scale across the country. 'Under Budget 2025, the new Investment Incentive Framework is being introduced, a tiered outcome-based structure that prioritises high-impact projects aligned with our national investment aspirations. We would like to see more Malaysian companies to be the potential vendors or suppliers to these hyperscalers or data center operators.' Sikh Shamsul pointed out that Malaysia attracted RM310.7 billion in digital investments from 2021 to March 2025 with major global technology players having made commitments to Malaysia, including Google with US$2 billion (RM8.4 billion) for its first cloud data centre, Microsoft US$2.2 billion for artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud infrastructure, AWS US$6.2 billion through to2038, Nvidia and YTL US$4.3 billion for Malaysia's first AI-focused cloud data centre and Oracle over US$6.5 billion for its first Malaysian public cloud region. 'Global leaders are betting big on Malaysia. We are not just racing for more megawatts, lower latency or faster deployment. We are building a digital spine for the nation,' he said. Sikh Shamsul reiterated that Malaysia has surpassed its national digital investment target of RM130 billion well ahead of schedule. 'More than 92,000 new jobs have been catalysed, many in frontier domains like cloud engineering, AI operations and cybersecurity. From Cyberjaya to Johor, we are witnessing one of Southeast Asia's most dynamic digital corridors,' he said. The Digital Investment Office, a joint initiative by Mida and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, has facilitated these digital investments. However, Sikh Shamsul said data centres are seen by some as power-hungry assets that yield limited local benefits. 'This perspective may not fully capture the broader and deeper value that data centres bring to Malaysia's economy. Beyond direct employment, data centres support entire value chains. From civil engineering and M&E services to cloud application development and digital transformation for SMEs.' He said recent global shifts such as the US Department of Commerce recalibration on AI diffusion rules signal a deeper understanding that digital leadership cannot be siloed or reactive. 'It must be strategic, collaborative and bold. For Malaysia, this is a call to action. We must continue to lead with agility, vision and policy foresight.' In her opening address, Hong Leong Investment Bank group managing director and CEO Lee Jim Leng said global developments, including US-imposed restrictions on AI chip exports will accelerate digital infrastructure investment in Southeast Asia. She said Data Centre 2.0 is a phase where the focus shifts from basic co-location services to advanced, high-performance computing infrastructure that supports AI workloads, green innovation, and data sovereignty. 'With RM6.7 billion in approved investments and another RM3.9 billion currently in advanced hyperscale discussions, Malaysia is no longer a peripheral player in the region, and should now be positioning itself as a key digital infrastructure hub.' Commenting on future developments, Lee said Malaysia must strengthen its position as a neutral, stable and indispensable hub for data and AI development. 'This includes implementing smart policies that support local AI innovation, protect data sovereignty, and promote the development of energy-efficient, sustainable data centres.' Additionally, she said, deeper collaboration between government, industry players and academia will be key in ensuring Malaysia develops long-term competitiveness in high-performance digital infrastructure. 'The transition to Data Centre 2.0 is both a challenge and an opportunity. With the right strategies, Malaysia can turn global uncertainty into national advantage and solidify its leadership as a regional data centre hub in Asean.' Meanwhile, Bursa Malaysia CEO Datuk Fad'l Mohamed said as demand for AI and high-performance computing accelerates, capital markets will play a vital role in financing the next wave of infrastructure growth. 'At Bursa Malaysia, we are focused on strengthening our marketplace to attract long-term, technology-driven investments that will support Malaysia's intent to remain as a competitive economy and a leader in Asean.'
BusinessToday
5 days ago
- BusinessToday
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. Related
