29-8-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) Malaysia’s digital landscape is poised for a significant boost as an Indian company announces plans to invest US$1 billion in the country’s first artificial intelligence (AI) park and AI movie studio. The ambitious project, revealed by Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, marks a major milestone in Malaysia’s journey towards becoming a regional hub for cutting-edge technology and digital innovation.
Following a series of high-level meetings in New Delhi, Gobind disclosed that Immerso AI-IP, a subsidiary of the Eros Investments Group, has committed to this groundbreaking venture. The minister’s discussions with Ali Hussein, CEO of Immerso AI-IP, have paved the way for this substantial investment, which is expected to create approximately 5,000 jobs over the next five years.
“The Immerso AI park will be a comprehensive ecosystem, featuring an AI university and an advanced AI data centre,” Gobind explained. “This initiative aims to foster global collaborations and provide crucial support for startups in the AI sector.”
In addition to the AI park, the investment will see the establishment of an AI movie studio and film city hub. This aspect of the project is designed to enhance Malaysia’s capabilities in transmedia and digital production, potentially positioning the country as a key player in the evolving landscape of AI-driven entertainment.
The minister emphasised the project’s potential to integrate Malaysian content into both existing and new intellectual properties, suggesting a significant cultural and economic impact for the nation’s creative industries.
Parallel to this investment, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation and Nasscom, India’s prominent IT services trade body. This agreement aims to facilitate the training of Malaysians in key digital sector skills, further strengthening the country’s digital workforce.
“This trip to New Delhi has unlocked new possibilities for Malaysia’s digital future,” Gobind stated. “We’re excited about this investment and its potential to contribute significantly to our burgeoning digital economy.” The minister noted that Malaysia’s digital sector attracted investments totalling RM1.6 billion in the previous year, indicating a growing trend of international interest in the country’s tech potential.
The announcement comes in the wake of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s recent three-day visit to India, during which both nations agreed to establish a joint digital council. This visit also resulted in the signing of an MoU focused on the exchange of digital technology-based solutions and the exploration of business-to-business partnerships between industry players in both countries.
