Amazon to Invest $9bn in Singapore to Expand Cloud Infrastructure

Amazon has announced plans to invest $9 billion in Singapore to expand its cloud infrastructure in the city-state, solidifying the country’s position as a key regional hub for technology and innovation. The announcement, made at the Amazon Web Services (AWS) ASEAN Summit on Tuesday, comes after the Seattle-based tech giant committed to multibillion-dollar cloud investments in Malaysia and Thailand last year.

“AWS is doubling down on its cloud infrastructure investments in Singapore from 2024 to 2028 to support customer demand and help reinforce Singapore’s status as an attractive regional innovation launchpad,” said AWS Country Manager Priscilla Chong.

Amazon’s significant investment in Singapore is expected to create more than 12,000 jobs at local businesses each year and generate $23.7 billion in economic value for Singapore’s gross domestic product (GDP) over the five-year period.

The announcement reflects a broader trend among U.S.-based tech companies expanding their presence in Southeast Asia. Microsoft recently revealed multibillion-dollar investments in artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud services across Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Apple CEO Tim Cook have also recently visited the region, signalling growing interest from major tech companies.

Meanwhile, Google is expected to announce its own investment plans in Malaysia “in the near future,” according to Malaysia’s trade and investment minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz, as reported by the state-run news agency Bernama.

Global consulting firm Kearney estimates that AI could contribute nearly $1 trillion to Southeast Asia’s GDP by 2030, underscoring the region’s potential as a key market for technology and innovation.

Amazon remains the world’s largest cloud infrastructure provider, as indicated by Synergy Research Group’s data for the first three months of this year. Amazon’s recent financial results also underscore its cloud business strength, with the company reporting a three-fold increase in operating income to $15.3 billion, primarily driven by its advertising and cloud divisions.

With Amazon’s latest commitment to Singapore, the city-state continues to be a focal point for tech investments and innovation in Southeast Asia, attracting some of the industry’s largest players as they vie for a larger share of the region’s rapidly growing technology market.