24/10/2023 (Australia) - Microsoft made significant investments in Australia's digital infrastructure, education, and cybersecurity sectors. These initiatives aimed to harness the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI), boost economic competitiveness, create high-value jobs, and protect against cyber threats.
In a historic move, Microsoft committed A$5 billion to expand its cloud computing and AI infrastructure in Australia over the next two years. They increased their local datacenter presence from 20 to 29 sites in key cities.
To maximize this investment's potential, Microsoft partnered with TAFE NSW to create the Microsoft Datacentre Academy and planned to extend global skills programs for over 300,000 Australians.
For cybersecurity, Microsoft collaborated with the Australian Signals Directorate on the Microsoft-Australian Signals Directorate Cyber Shield (MACS) initiative to enhance defense against cyber threats.
This announcement coincided with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's visit to the United States, underscoring the significance of these investments. The goal was to strengthen Australia's position as a world-leading economy, bolstered by technology and innovation.
Microsoft's commitment to sustainability involved using low-carbon materials, renewable energy, advanced water-cooling technology, and diesel fuel reduction in their new Australian data centers, aligning with their zero-waste goals by 2030.