US tech giant Microsoft has announced plans to invest US$1.7 billion in Indonesia to build cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, the single biggest investment value in its 29-year history in the country. Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella announced the plan, to be made over four years, after meeting with President Joko Widodo in Jakarta on Tuesday (30/4). The company also pledged to help nurture digital talents of 840,000 people in Indonesia with AI skills. According to Microsoft, Indonesia currently leads Southeast Asia in the projected contribution of AI to national GDP by 2030, with higher economic output expected to be driven by the integration and application of AI technology across the country. Coordinating Maritime and Investment Affairs Minister, Luhut Panjaitan, stated that Indonesia is ready to provide more attractive incentives for Microsoft's investments compared to those offered by other countries. The country has offered the island of Bali and the nation’s new capital Nusantara as potential locations for Microsoft’s research and data center. The government also announced plans to offer dual citizenship to its skilled diaspora as part of efforts to stem a brain drain of local talent. Nadella's visit comes just weeks after Apple CEO Tim Cook met with Jokowi and president-elect Prabowo Subianto to discuss methods for the tech giant to diversify its supply chains. Cook said Apple was considering investing in manufacturing in the nation.Link di fonte: https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/microsoft-to-invest-1-7-billion-in-cloud-ai-tech-in-indonesia-1.2066790 (ICE GIACARTA)

Fonte notizia: BNN Bloomberg, 30 April 2024