JOHOR has been selected as one of only five Nvidia Cloud Partners worldwide, in a move hailed as a transformative milestone for Malaysia’s digital economy and artificial intelligence (AI) aspirations.
The announcement marks a major advancement in the RM20.6 billion initiative launched last December in Kulai, which will see the development of Malaysia’s first locally-built Large Language Model (LLM), alongside the creation of thousands of high-skilled jobs and the establishment of Johor as an ASEAN Centre of Excellence for AI.
Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi described the Nvidia–YTL Corporation partnership as a pivotal recognition of Johor’s readiness to lead in regional digital transformation. “Alhamdulillah, global technology giant Nvidia, together with YTL Corporation, has chosen Johor as one of only five Nvidia Cloud Partners,” he said in a statement.
“This selection is a major recognition, demonstrating the world’s confidence in Johor’s digital ecosystem and its potential to emerge as a key driver of digital transformation in the ASEAN region.”
He added that the initiative would be reinforced through the development of multilingual AI models, cross-border innovation via joint testbeds in the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), and the strategic cultivation of local AI talent.
“This is proof that Johor can lead regional technological advancement with a clear vision and sustainable strategy,” said Onn Hafiz.
“May this strategic step propel Johor to become a leading hub for artificial intelligence and digital innovation in ASEAN.” - September 24, 2025
