DNeX and Google cloud partner to offer sovereign cloud services in Malaysia
Malaysian tech firm Dagang NeXchange Berhad (DNeX) and Google Cloud have signed a multi-year agreement to provide sovereign cloud services in Malaysia. That partnership aims to meet the country’s growing demand for secure and compliant cloud solutions, particularly in regulated sectors such as public services, finance, healthcare, and energy. The collaboration will allow DNeX to operate Google Distributed Cloud, which offers ‘air-gapped’ solutions that can run without an internet connection, ensuring strict data privacy and residency.
This deal follows Google’s announcement in May to invest $2 billion in its first data center and Google Cloud region in Malaysia. The partnership also includes plans to establish an AI centre of excellence designed to foster local talent in AI. Both companies aim to drive digital transformation in Malaysia through cutting-edge infrastructure and AI tools.
While the financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed, Google Cloud’s Vice President for Asia Pacific, Karan Bajwa, emphasised that the deal would empower Malaysian organisations to advance their digital capabilities while maintaining control over their data.
Google expands cloud services with major investment in Thailand
Alphabet Inc.’s Google has announced a $1 billion investment in Thailand to establish a data centre and cloud region, aimed at meeting the increasing demand for cloud services and supporting AI adoption in Southeast Asia. This investment is projected to create approximately 14,000 jobs annually until 2029, according to a Deloitte study.
Google’s new cloud and data centre infrastructure will be situated in Chonburi and Bangkok, respectively, improving access to Google Cloud capabilities and AI innovations while also supporting popular services like Search, Maps, and Google Workspace. This announcement follows Microsoft’s launch of its own regional data centre in Thailand in May, aimed at expanding cloud services in the region.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra praised Google’s investment, stating that it aligns well with the country’s Cloud First Policy, which promotes the adoption of cloud technologies across various sectors.
Dell to launch AI initiative for communications service providers
Dell has launched the Dell AI for Telecom Program, a strategic initiative to streamline the integration of AI solutions for communications service providers (CSPs). The program addresses the rising demand for advanced technologies in the telecommunications sector, empowering CSPs to optimise operations and meet evolving customer needs.
A cornerstone of this initiative is the expanded partnership with NVIDIA, which focuses on co-developing customised AI solutions through the Dell AI Factory. The program aims to enhance network performance and customer service, offering solutions such as advanced customer care platforms, operational automation, and robust network troubleshooting capabilities.
Dell is forging strategic partnerships with key industry players to drive innovation and expedite AI adoption. For example, its collaboration with Lintasarta, an Indonesian ICT solutions provider, aims to offer GPU-as-a-Service to national businesses, granting them access to high-performance AI infrastructure.
Furthermore, Dell is working with SK Telecom to develop an AI chat agent and the Mobile Network Operator (MNO) AI Platform, seamlessly integrating AI into existing business support systems to streamline telecom operations. To bolster these initiatives, Dell Professional Services will assist CSPs in strategising, implementing, and managing AI solutions tailored explicitly for the telecommunications sector. Overall, these concerted efforts position Dell’s initiatives as pivotal in driving network cloud transformation, reducing operational costs, and unlocking new revenue streams through innovative AI applications.
Microsoft to boost cloud computing and AI capacity in Mexico
Microsoft has announced a significant investment of $1.3 billion in Mexico over the next three years, aimed at strengthening its cloud computing and AI infrastructure. During an event in Mexico City, CEO Satya Nadella emphasised the company’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and promoting AI adoption, particularly among small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). The initiative is expected to reach 5 million people and support 30,000 SMBs in the region.
Major Mexican companies, including Bimbo and Cemex, are already utilising Microsoft’s AI tools, showcasing the growing integration of technology in the country. Additionally, in partnership with Viasat, Microsoft plans to extend internet access to 150,000 Mexicans without connectivity by the end of 2025.
The investment has been positively received by Mexico’s incoming Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard, who believes it will significantly accelerate the nation’s AI development.
Slack to transform into AI-powered work operating system
Slack is undergoing a major transformation as it integrates AI features into its platform, aiming to evolve from a simple messaging service to a ‘work operating system.’ CEO Denise Dresser said Slack will now serve as a hub for AI applications from companies like Salesforce, Adobe, and Anthropic. New, pricier features include AI-generated summaries of conversations and the ability to interact with AI agents for tasks such as data analysis, web searches, and image generation.
This shift follows Salesforce’s 2021 acquisition of Slack and its broader move toward AI-driven solutions. Slack’s AI integration seeks to enhance productivity by offering tools to catch up on team discussions, analyse business data, and create branded content, all within the chat environment. However, questions remain about whether users will embrace and pay for these premium features and how this change aligns with Slack’s core identity as a workplace communication tool.
Concerns around data privacy have also surfaced as Slack leans further into AI. The company faced criticism earlier this year for handling customer data, which was used for training purposes, but maintains that it does not use user messages to train its AI models. As Slack continues integrating AI, it must address growing scepticism around managing and safeguarding data.