Microsoft has announced a major investment plan to expand its artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing infrastructure in Australia, aiming to help the country seize the opportunities of the digital era.
The US tech giant will invest A $5 billion ($3.2 billion) over the next two years to increase its computing capacity by 250% and grow its local data center footprint from 20 to 29 sites across Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney.
The announcement coincided with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s state visit to the US, where he met with Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith, and Microsoft Australia and New Zealand Managing Director Steven Worrall.
A strategic partnership for the AI era
Microsoft’s investment is the largest in its 40-year history in Australia and reflects its commitment to support the nation’s economic competitiveness, job creation and cyber security in the AI era.
Smith said that Microsoft’s investment will enable Australia to capitalize on the significant economic and productivity opportunities presented by the latest AI technology.
“This is a major investment in the skills and workers of the future. We need to provide the skills to enable Australians to succeed in the jobs of the future,” Albanese said.
A focus on skills, education and cyber security
To realize the full potential of the new digital infrastructure, Microsoft is partnering with TAFE NSW to establish a Microsoft Datacenter Academy in Australia, which will offer training and certification programs for data center technicians, critical environment specialists, inventory and asset management professionals, and IT operations personnel.
The academy, which is expected to launch in 2024, will also provide pathways for students from diverse backgrounds, including women, Indigenous Australians and people with disabilities, to pursue careers in the digital economy.
In addition, Microsoft will extend its global skills programs to help more than 300,000 Australians gain the capabilities they need to thrive in a cloud and AI-enabled economy. These programs include the Microsoft Learn platform, the Microsoft AI Business School, the Microsoft AI School and the Microsoft Data Science Academy.
Microsoft will also collaborate with the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) on an initiative called the Microsoft-Australian Signals Directorate Cyber Shield (MACS), aimed at improving protection from cyber threats for Australian residents, businesses and government entities.
As part of this partnership, Microsoft will work with ASD to build fit-for-purpose, next-generation cyber security solutions, leveraging its Azure cloud platform and AI capabilities.
Worrall said that Microsoft is committed to helping Australia build a resilient and secure digital future.