Malaysia Has Infrastructure And Support To Develop Data Storage For Cloud Computing

Malaysia has the infrastructure and potential to become a data storage hub for the cloud computing industry, Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said recently.

"Malaysia's growth as a data storage center should be encouraged, expanded and promoted because the country still has extensive space to keep data storage servers,” Shabery said, according to the New Straits Times, a Malaysian newspaper.

Malaysian data storage facilities will need the help of foreign investors and should focus on establishing their confidence, he explained. "We cannot depend on the local companies alone without looking at how to raise the confidence of the international community in picking Malaysia as their cloud data storage center,” he said.

Tencent, the Chinese Internet giant and parent company of China's most popular instant messaging platform, recently signed a deal with Patimas Computers, a Malaysian data center provider, to build a data center in Malaysia.

Shabery said security is a top concern and guaranteeing it is essential in order for Malaysia to establish a positive reputation across the industry.

While there are now only five information and technology companies in Malaysia that offer data storage services, Shabery encouraged more local companies to venture into the field. He added that he also plans to introduce cloud computing services to the Education Ministry in order to improve education in Malaysian schools.

"If previously we were only depending on devices, with this facility, schoolwork can now be stored in the clouds, teachers' records, students' records and matters concerning children's development can now be looked at by parents and teachers, wherever they are,” Shabery said, according to New Straits Times.