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- “This investment will fuel a surge in demand across the offshoring sector, with hiring for cloud and data centre operations, cloud engineering, data science and analytics, and cybersecurity expected to rise sharply between 2025 and 2027.”
KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 10): Malaysia is on track to secure over RM169.2 billion in artificial intelligence (AI) and data centre investments by 2030, according to new research from global talent solutions partner Robert Walters.
In a statement on Wednesday, the talent firm said that, driven by major hyperscalers and global technology companies, this capital is set to position Malaysia as Southeast Asia’s leading AI data centre hub, expanding the country’s role in high-value offshoring.
“This investment will fuel a surge in demand across the offshoring sector, with hiring for cloud and data centre operations, cloud engineering, data science and analytics, and cybersecurity expected to rise sharply between 2025 and 2027,” it said.
Robert Walters’ head of market intelligence, Phill Brown, said that their latest research underscores Malaysia’s rapidly evolving role as a strategic offshoring location.
“The combination of high-value technology hiring, steady demand for support functions, and a projected RM169.2 billion in AI data centre investment sets the stage for the country to attract significant regional and global business operations,” he said.
Robert Walters said that this growth trajectory is reinforced by the government’s National AI Action Plan 2026-2030, alongside recent figures showing RM13.29 billion in approved AI-sector investment in the first half of 2025 alone, with the potential to create approximately 6,920 new jobs.
“Much of this activity is centred around the Negeri Sembilan High Tech Industrial Park, which is emerging as a strategic location for AI development in Malaysia,” it said.
Robert Walters outsourcing chief executive officer David Barr said that the findings reflect a significant shift in the global offshoring landscape.
“While previously focused on cost savings and volume, today’s strategies increasingly prioritise capability, quality, and resilience by tapping into highly skilled international workforces.
“Strong English proficiency, technical expertise, and a growing focus on future-ready skills position Malaysia as a compelling offshoring destination for companies looking to scale operations and tap into AI-driven opportunities across Southeast Asia,” he added.
As Penang girds itself towards the last lap of its Penang2030 vision, check out how the residential segment is keeping pace in EdgeProp’s special report: PENANG Investing Towards 2030.
