Microsoft said it will spend AUS$5 billion ($3.2 billion) to expand its artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing capacity in Australia over two years.
The U.S. technology giant said it would raise its computing capacity in Australia by 250%, enabling the world’s 13th largest economy to meet the demand for cloud computing.
The move comes as this year, Australia began public consultations over the regulation of AI, which stands for artificial intelligence but is also often used to describe fast automation.
In addition to providing AUS$5 billion, Microsoft said it will train 300,000 Australians in skills required to “succeed in the digital economy” and expand a cyber threat information-sharing agreement with the Australian Signals Directorate, the country’s cyber security agency.
In a statement issued by Microsoft, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “This is a major investment in the skills and workers of the future.”
The company’s spending plan was “a testament to our commitment to the country’s growth and prosperity in the AI era,” said Microsoft Vice Chairman and President Brad Smith.
The spending would “not only enable a safer and more secure digital economy but also provide a platform to foster growth and innovation in the era of AI,” said Steven Worrall, Microsoft’s managing director for Australia.
The company did not announce any details on how it would spend the AUS$5 billion, but it said it would expand its data center footprint in Australia from 20 to 29 sites.
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